Famous people and celebrities born on May 19

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on May 19! 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.

• 1881 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

  Founder of the Republic of Turkey and a key figure in modernizing the country.

• 1909 Fred Perry

  Fred Perry was a legendary British tennis player who dominated the sport in the 1930s, becoming the first player to achieve the Grand Slam in tennis by winning all four major tournaments. He was a three-time consecutive Wimbledon champion and a pivotal figure in British tennis history.

• 1925 Malcolm X

  Malcolm X was a pivotal civil rights leader who transformed from a convicted criminal to a powerful advocate for African American rights. He was a key figure in the Nation of Islam before founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity. His life was marked by radical transformation and commitment to social justice.

• 1925 Pol Pot

  Pol Pot was a brutal Cambodian dictator who led the Khmer Rouge regime, responsible for the Cambodian Genocide that killed approximately two million people. His radical communist policies transformed Cambodia into a nightmarish labor camp during his rule from 1976-1979.

• 1927 Serge Lang

  Renowned French-American mathematician known for significant contributions to algebraic number theory, known for his influential textbooks and academic work.

• 1932 Alma Cogan

  Prominent English pop singer of the 1950s and early 1960s, known for her distinctive style and chart-topping hits during the early rock and roll era.

• 1933 Edward de Bono

  Renowned Maltese physician, psychologist, and author famous for pioneering lateral thinking and creativity techniques. Wrote numerous influential books on problem-solving and cognitive strategies.

• 1939 Nancy Kwan

  Hong Kong-American actress who was a pioneering Asian performer in Hollywood, known for breaking racial barriers in film during the 1960s.

• 1941 Nora Ephron

  American director, producer, screenwriter and novelist.

• 1945 Pete Townshend

  Legendary guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the iconic rock band The Who. He is renowned for creating the groundbreaking rock opera 'Tommy' in 1969, which won multiple Tony Awards and revolutionized rock music. Townshend is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

• 1946 André the Giant

  André the Giant was a legendary French professional wrestler and actor, famous for his extraordinary size and memorable role in 'The Princess Bride'.

• 1946 Michele Placido

  Michele Placido is a renowned Italian actor and director from Foggia, known for his significant roles in Italian cinema and television.

• 1948 Grace Jones

  Grace Jones is a pioneering Jamaican-American singer, actress, and model who revolutionized pop culture with her avant-garde style and powerful music in the 1980s. She is known for her groundbreaking performances, iconic androgynous look, and influential hits in the new wave and disco genres.

• 1955 James Gosling

  James Gosling is a renowned Canadian computer scientist who created the Java programming language, fundamentally transforming software development worldwide. He is often referred to as the 'Father of Java' and has made significant contributions to object-oriented programming. His work at Sun Microsystems revolutionized how developers write cross-platform applications.

• 1959 Nicole Brown Simpson

  Nicole Brown Simpson was the ex-wife of NFL player O.J. Simpson, who was brutally murdered in 1994, sparking one of the most famous criminal trials in American history.

• 1968 Kyle Eastwood

  Kyle Eastwood is an accomplished jazz bassist, composer, and occasional actor, known for his musical talent and connection to his famous father, Clint Eastwood.

• 1968 Jesse Peretz

  Jesse Peretz is an American filmmaker and musician, known for directing independent films like 'The Chateau' and coming from a prominent media family.

• 1970 Jason Gray-Stanford

  Canadian actor known for his roles in television series, particularly in comedy and drama genres.

• 1970 Tina Fey

  Renowned American comedian, actress, writer, and producer, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.

• 1972 Claudia Karvan

  Prominent Australian actress, screenwriter, and producer known for her significant contributions to Australian television and film industry.

• 1973 Dario Franchitti

  Scottish race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 three times and is considered one of the most successful IndyCar drivers of his generation.

• 1976 Kevin Garnett

  Kevin Garnett is a legendary NBA power forward who played primarily for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, known for his exceptional defensive skills and passionate playing style. He was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2004 and won an NBA Championship with the Celtics in 2008. Garnett is considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

• 1981 Georges St-Pierre

  Georges St-Pierre is a legendary Canadian mixed martial artist who dominated the UFC welterweight division, widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

• 1981 French presidential election 1974

  The 1974 French presidential election was a critical turning point in French political history, signaling the end of the Gaullist era and ushering in a new political dynamic.

• 1982 Rebecca Hall

  Rebecca Hall is a critically acclaimed English-American actress known for her versatile performances in independent and mainstream films, including notable roles in Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige' and Woody Allen's 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'.

• 1985 Jon Kortajarena

  Jon Kortajarena is a renowned Spanish model and actor who has worked with top international fashion brands like Tom Ford and appeared in high-profile magazines and films, gaining significant recognition in the fashion and entertainment industry.

• 1992 Sam Smith (singer)

  Sam Smith is a Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter known for their powerful soulful voice and chart-topping hits like 'Stay With Me' and 'Too Good at Goodbyes'. They are also recognized for their LGBTQ+ advocacy and unique musical style.

• 2003 Jojo Siwa

  JoJo Siwa is a popular American entertainer known for her energetic dance performances, music, YouTube content, and appeal to young audiences. She rose to fame through the reality show 'Dance Moms' and has since built a significant social media and merchandise brand. Her vibrant personality and large youth following have made her a notable Gen Z celebrity.