Famous people and celebrities born in May 1949
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1949! This month and year saw the birth of many influential figures who have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Explore the biographies and achievements of these famous personalities and see how their talents have shaped the world. Join us in honoring the stars born in this memorable time.
- May 2 Alan Titchmarsh
Renowned British television presenter, gardening expert, and author known for his popular TV shows and gardening programs.
- May 4 John Force
John Force is a legendary American drag racing driver, holding multiple NHRA Funny Car championships and considered one of the most successful racers in the sport's history.
- May 4 Graham Swift
Graham Swift is a distinguished British novelist who won the Booker Prize for his novel 'Last Orders' and is known for his profound literary works exploring human experiences.
- May 7 Deborah Butterfield
Deborah Butterfield is an internationally acclaimed American sculptor renowned for her extraordinary horse sculptures crafted from found objects and scrap materials. Her unique artistic approach transforms discarded materials into powerful, emotive representations of horses that explore themes of strength, vulnerability, and natural form.
- May 7 Marie-George Buffet
Marie-George Buffet is a prominent French politician who led the French Communist Party from 2001 to 2010. She served as Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and was a notable representative in the National Assembly.
- May 9 Billy Joel
Legendary American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his iconic pop and rock music. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His unique musical style and hit songs like 'Piano Man' have made him a significant figure in 20th-century popular music.
- May 10 Miuccia Prada
Renowned Italian fashion designer who transformed the Prada family business into a global luxury brand, known for her innovative and intellectual approach to fashion design.
- May 13 Jane Glover
Renowned English conductor and musicologist specializing in Baroque and Classical music, known for her scholarly work and performances.
- May 14 Zoe Wanamaker
Acclaimed British-American actress known for stage, film, and television performances, including roles in Harry Potter and various acclaimed theater productions.
- May 15 Frank L. Culbertson Jr.
Renowned NASA astronaut and US Navy commander who participated in multiple space missions, including commanding the International Space Station.
- May 17 Bill Bruford
Renowned English drummer and percussionist, famous for his innovative work with progressive rock bands like King Crimson, Yes, and Genesis, as well as his jazz fusion project Earthworks.
- May 18 Rick Wakeman
Renowned English progressive rock keyboardist and pianist, best known for his work with the iconic band Yes during their most successful period in the 1970s. He is celebrated for his virtuosic keyboard skills and elaborate stage performances.
- May 19 Dusty Hill
Legendary bassist and founding member of ZZ Top, a pioneering blues-rock band known for their distinctive sound and iconic beards.
- May 20 Dave Thomas
Founder of Wendy's fast-food restaurant chain, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist who revolutionized the fast-food industry.
- May 23 Alan GarcĂa
Prominent Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive presidential terms, representing the Peruvian Aprista Party and significantly influencing Peru's political landscape in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- May 24 Jim Broadbent
Jim Broadbent is an acclaimed English actor with numerous awards, known for his versatile performances in film and television, including memorable roles in 'Iris', 'Moulin Rouge!', and the 'Harry Potter' series.
- May 25 Jamaica Kincaid
Renowned Antiguan-American writer known for powerful novels exploring colonialism, identity, and Caribbean experiences, including 'Annie John' and 'A Small Place'.
- May 25 Roger Deakins
Legendary cinematographer, multiple Oscar winner known for stunning visual work in films like 'Blade Runner 2049', 'No Country for Old Men', and '1917'.
- May 26 Pam Grier
Pam Grier is an iconic African American actress who revolutionized female representation in 1970s blaxploitation cinema, becoming a powerful symbol of strength and empowerment.
- May 26 Philip Michael Thomas
Philip Michael Thomas is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Detective Ricardo Tubbs in the groundbreaking 1980s television series Miami Vice, which defined an entire era of pop culture.
- May 26 Joe Alaskey
American actor (b. 1952)
- May 26 Jeremy Corbyn
Jeremy Corbyn is a prominent British politician known for his progressive left-wing politics and leadership of the Labour Party, significantly influencing UK political discourse.
- May 28 Wendy O Williams
Pioneering punk rock singer and lead vocalist of the Plasmatics, known for her radical performance style and rebellious music that challenged social norms.
- May 29 Francis Rossi in London
Guitarist and vocalist of Status Quo, known for hits like 'Down Down' and 'Picture of a Matchstick Man'.
- May 31 Tom Berenger
Renowned American actor known for his roles in films like 'Platoon' and 'Major League', with a significant career in Hollywood spanning several decades.