Famous people and celebrities born on May 23
Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on May 23! 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.
- 1883 Douglas Fairbanks
American actor, known for his role as a hero film star in the '20s and '40s. they were the stars of hollywood's glamorous society, thanks to his marriage with mary pickford 1920-1935. douglas jr., his only son, was his third marriage.
- 1907 Laurence Olivier
A legendary British actor, director, and producer widely considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.
- 1908 John Bardeen
Groundbreaking American physicist who co-invented the transistor and developed the theory of superconductivity. He was a two-time Nobel Prize winner in Physics, making significant contributions to solid-state physics and electronics.
- 1910 Artie Shaw
Renowned American jazz clarinetist, composer, and bandleader who was a pivotal figure in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his innovative musical style and hit recordings like 'Begin the Beguine'.
- 1917 Edward Norton Lorenz
Pioneering meteorologist who developed chaos theory and the butterfly effect, fundamentally transforming our understanding of complex dynamic systems.
- 1919 Betty Garrett
Versatile American actress with a remarkable 60-year career in Broadway musicals, film, and television. She worked with MGM and starred alongside notable actors like Jack Lemmon and Frank Sinatra in various productions.
- 1920 Helen O'Connell
Helen O'Connell was a prominent American big band era singer and actress, known for her performances with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra during the 1940s.
- 1925 Joshua Lederberg
Joshua Lederberg was a renowned American microbiologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1958 for groundbreaking research in bacterial genetics. His work with Edward Tatum revolutionized understanding of genetic recombination in bacteria. He was a pivotal figure in microbiology and genetics research.
- 1928 Rosemary Clooney
Renowned American singer and actress who rose to prominence in the 1950s, known for her warm, enchanting voice and versatile musical performances across various genres including ballads, show tunes, and novelty numbers.
- 1929 Ulla Jacobsson
Swedish actress known for her role in the historical war film 'Zulu', which was a significant British epic about the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
- 1930 Harvey Milk
Groundbreaking American politician and gay rights activist who became the first openly gay elected official in California, assassinated in 1978.
- 1931 Barbara Barrie
American actress and author known for her roles in film and television, including the movie 'Breaking Away' and TV series 'Barney Miller'.
- 1933 Joan Collins
Iconic British actress known for her glamorous roles in film and television, particularly her memorable performance as Alexis Carrington in the popular 1980s soap opera 'Dynasty'. She was a sex symbol and star of numerous films, often playing seductive and powerful characters.
- 1934 Robert Moog
Pioneering electronic engineer who revolutionized music by inventing the Moog synthesizer, fundamentally transforming electronic music production and sound design in the 20th century.
- 1935 Leonardo Del Vecchio
Prominent Italian entrepreneur and founder of Luxottica, one of the world's largest eyewear companies. A significant figure in global business and manufacturing.
- 1938 Johnny Ball
Johnny Ball is a popular English television presenter known for educational children's programming and making science and mathematics entertaining for young audiences.
- 1951 Anatoly Karpov
Legendary Russian chess grandmaster who dominated world chess during the late 20th century. He was world champion from 1975 to 1985 and is considered one of the greatest chess players in history. His rivalry with Garry Kasparov defined an entire era of competitive chess.
- 1952 Deborah Adair
American actress known for her roles in television soap operas 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Tracey Dynasty'.
- 1954 Marvin Hagler
Legendary middleweight boxing champion who dominated the sport from 1976 to 1987, known for his incredible fighting skills and memorable bout with Sugar Ray Leonard.
- 1958 Drew Carey
American comedian, actor, and writer best known for 'The Drew Carey Show' and hosting 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'. His sitcom was a popular prime-time comedy that showcased his blue-collar humor and unique comedic style.
- 1959 Bob Mortimer
British comedian, writer, and television personality known for panel shows and comedy partnerships with Vic Reeves.
- 1960 Linden Ashby
Linden Ashby is an American actor best known for his roles in television series like 'Melrose Place' and films such as 'Mortal Kombat'. He has had a steady career in both TV and film since the late 1980s.
- 1961 Karen Duffy
Karen Duffy is an American actress, model, and MTV VJ known for her distinctive voice and appearances in films like 'Dumb and Dumber'. She has also been an advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness after her own diagnosis.
- 1965 Tom Tykwer
Renowned German filmmaker known for innovative and artistic films like 'Run Lola Run' and 'Cloud Atlas', working as a director, producer, screenwriter, and composer.
- 1967 Phil Selway
Phil Selway is the drummer of the critically acclaimed rock band Radiohead, known for his precise and innovative percussion style. He has been a core member of the band since its formation in the late 1980s, contributing to their groundbreaking musical evolution.
- 1970 Naomi Campbell
Internationally renowned supermodel, actress, and activist known for her groundbreaking work in the fashion industry and humanitarian efforts.
- 1972 Rubens Barrichello
Rubens Barrichello is a legendary Brazilian Formula One driver who competed in a record 322 Grands Prix, establishing himself as one of the most experienced drivers in motorsport history.
- 1974 Jewel (singer)
Jewel is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1990s with her folk-pop album 'Pieces of You', featuring hit singles like 'Who Will Save Your Soul' and 'You Were Meant for Me'.
- 1987 Novak Djokovic
Serbian professional tennis player widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, holding numerous Grand Slam titles and world records.
- 1988 Gavin Free
YouTube personality and content creator known for his work with Rooster Teeth and The Slow Mo Guys.
What Is special about May 23?
Discover what makes May 23 a memorable date