Famous people and celebrities born on May 12
Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on May 12! On this day, we recognize the birth of various influential celebrities who have left their mark on the world. From acclaimed actors and musicians to groundbreaking athletes and leaders, explore the lives and achievements of those who share this special birthday. Join us in honoring these stars and discovering the impact they've made across diverse fields.
- 1900 Helene Weigel
Prominent German-Austrian actress known for her theatrical work, particularly in Bertolt Brecht's plays like 'Mother Courage'. She was a key figure in 20th-century avant-garde theater.
- 1903 Wilfrid Hyde-White
British character actor known for memorable roles in 'My Fair Lady' and 'Peyton Place', with a distinguished career in film and theater spanning several decades.
- 1907 Katharine Hepburn
Legendary Hollywood actress who revolutionized the portrayal of women in cinema, winning a record four Academy Awards for Best Actress and known for her independent and strong-willed screen persona.
- 1911 Phil Silvers
Phil Silvers was a renowned American comedian and actor, most famous for his iconic role as Sergeant Bilko in the popular 1950s television comedy series 'The Phil Silvers Show'. He was a significant figure in mid-20th century American entertainment, known for his comedic timing and memorable characters.
- 1921 Farley Mowat
Prominent Canadian author and naturalist who wrote extensively about wildlife conservation, particularly in the Arctic. His bestselling books like 'Never Cry Wolf' brought global attention to environmental issues and indigenous cultures.
- 1924 Tony Hancock
Renowned British comedian and actor known for his groundbreaking comedy and influential radio and television performances in the 1950s and 1960s.
- 1928 Burt Bacharach
Renowned American composer and pianist who revolutionized popular music with his distinctive melodic style, winning an Oscar for 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' and creating timeless hits across multiple decades.
- 1937 George Carlin
Legendary American stand-up comedian known for his groundbreaking social commentary and controversial comedy routines. He was a pioneering figure in comedy who challenged societal norms and was inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame in 1994.
- 1937 Susan Hampshire
English actress known for her work in television and theater, with a career spanning several decades.
- 1938 Millie Perkins
American actress best known for her powerful portrayal of Anne Frank in the 1959 film adaptation of the famous Holocaust diary.
- 1942 Ian Dury
Influential British punk and new wave musician, lead singer of the Blockheads, known for his unique musical style and witty lyrics.
- 1948 Lindsay Crouse
Accomplished American actress known for her roles in critically acclaimed films like 'All the President's Men', 'Places in the Heart', and 'House of Games'. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and has a diverse career spanning theater and cinema.
- 1950 Gabriel Byrne
Acclaimed Irish actor known for his versatile roles in film, television, and theater, with a distinguished career spanning multiple decades.
- 1950 Helena Kennedy
Prominent Scottish barrister, writer, and broadcaster known for her influential legal work and advocacy for human rights.
- 1950 Bruce Boxleitner
Popular American actor best known for his roles in TV series 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King' and science fiction series 'Babylon 5'.
- 1959 Ving Rhames
Ving Rhames is a prominent African American actor known for memorable roles in iconic films like Pulp Fiction, Mission: Impossible franchise, and Dawn of the Dead. He has won Golden Globe and Emmy Awards, establishing himself as a versatile and respected performer in Hollywood.
- 1961 Bruce McCulloch
Canadian comedian, actor, writer, and director known for being a key member of the comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall.
- 1962 Emilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez is an acclaimed American actor, director, and screenwriter who rose to fame during the 1980s as a key member of the Brat Pack. He is best known for iconic films like 'The Breakfast Club', 'St. Elmo's Fire', and 'Young Guns'. His work significantly influenced the teen movie genre of that era.
- 1963 Vanessa Williams
Renowned American actress and singer, first African American Miss America, known for her successful music and acting career in film and television.
- 1963 Gavin Hood
South African filmmaker known for directing critically acclaimed films like 'Tsotsi' and 'Ender's Game'. He is an accomplished actor, screenwriter, and director with international recognition.
- 1968 Catherine Tate
Catherine Tate is a renowned English comedian, actress, and writer known for her comedy sketch show and roles in television and film.
- 1971 Jamie Luner
American actress known for her roles in the ABC sitcom 'Just the Ten of Us' and the popular drama series 'Melrose Place', where she played Lexi Sterling. Born into a Jewish family, she has an older brother.
- 1972 Christian Campbell
Canadian-American actor known for his versatile work in film, television, and photography. He has appeared in various independent films and has written screenplays.
- 1973 Mackenzie Astin
American actor known for his roles in 'The Facts of Life' and films like 'In Love and War' and 'The Evening Star'. Son of actors John Astin and Patty Duke, he transitioned from acting to pursue journalism.
- 1978 Jason Biggs
Jason Biggs is an American actor known for his breakthrough roles in comedy films like 'American Pie'. He began his career early, appearing in national commercials at age 5 and making his Broadway debut as a teenager.
- 1978 Malin Akerman
Malin Akerman is a Swedish-Canadian actress and model who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including 'Watchmen' and 'The Proposal'.
- 1981 Rami Malek
Rami Malek is an acclaimed American actor who rose to international fame for his lead role in the critically acclaimed TV series Mr. Robot and his Oscar-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
- 1983 Domhnall Gleeson
Domhnall Gleeson is a prominent Irish actor known for his versatile roles in critically acclaimed films like Ex Machina, The Revenant, and Star Wars sequel trilogy.
- 1997 Odeya Rush
Israeli-American actress known for roles in films like 'Goosebumps' and 'The Giver', who has been active in Hollywood since her teenage years.
What Is special about May 12?
Discover what makes May 12 a memorable date