Famous people and celebrities born on May 31

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on May 31! 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.

• 1898 Norman Vincent Peale

  Norman Vincent Peale was an American minister and author known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking.

• 1908 Don Ameche

  Versatile American actor and entertainer who excelled in film, vaudeville, and radio, starring in over 50 movies and notably directing 'The Story of Alexander Graham Bell' in 1939.

• 1909 Benny Goodman

  Legendary jazz clarinetist and bandleader known as the 'King of Swing', who revolutionized popular music in the 1930s and 1940s.

• 1912 Chien-Shiung Wu

  Renowned Chinese-American physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics and was often called the 'First Lady of Physics'.

• 1916 Battle of Jutland

  Significant naval battle during World War I between the British Grand Fleet and the German Deep Sea Fleet, marking a crucial maritime confrontation.

• 1921 Alida Valli

  Renowned Italian actress of international fame, Alida Valli was a prominent figure in European cinema during the mid-20th century. Born in Pola, she began her acting career at 16 and quickly became known for her exceptional beauty and dramatic talent. Her performances in films like 'The Third Man' solidified her status as a significant actress of her era.

• 1922 Denholm Elliott

  Renowned British actor known for roles in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and numerous stage and screen performances. He was a respected character actor with a career spanning several decades.

• 1924 Patricia Harris

  Patricia Harris was a groundbreaking African American politician who served as the first Black woman in the U.S. presidential cabinet, holding key roles in Housing and Urban Development and Health, Education, and Welfare.

• 1925 Julian Beck

  American actor, director, and key figure in the avant-garde theater movement, known for his work with The Living Theatre and his roles in horror films like Poltergeist II.

• 1930 Clint Eastwood

  Iconic American actor and filmmaker known for his tough-guy roles in westerns and action movies. He rose to fame through TV's 'Rawhide' and Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns, later becoming an acclaimed director and Hollywood legend.

• 1933 Henry B. Eyring

  Henry B. Eyring is a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a member of the First Presidency and a renowned educator and author in religious studies.

• 1943 Joe Namath

  Legendary NFL quarterback who famously guaranteed and won Super Bowl III with the New York Jets, revolutionizing the sport and becoming a cultural icon of 1960s football.

• 1943 Sharon Gless

  Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her role as Detective Christine Cagney in the groundbreaking police drama 'Cagney & Lacey', which ran from 1982 to 1988.

• 1948 Lynda Bellingham

  Canadian actress known for her iconic Oxo TV commercials and roles in television series. She was a prominent media personality who played numerous mother roles and appeared in various TV movies and soap operas.

• 1948 John Bonham

  Legendary drummer of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, known for his powerful and innovative drumming style. He tragically died at age 32 from an alcohol overdose, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history.

• 1949 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.

• 1950 Gregory Harrison

  American actor known for his roles as Dr. Gonzo Gates in 'Trapper John' (1979-1986) and later in 'Falcon Crest' (1989), earning $60,000 per episode.

• 1960 Chris Elliott

  American comedian, actor, and writer known for his quirky comedy style and roles in 'Get a Life' and various comedy films.

• 1961 Lea Thompson

  American actress and director known for her iconic role in the 'Back to the Future' trilogy. She began her career as a professional dancer before transitioning to acting, becoming a prominent Hollywood performer in the 1980s and 1990s.

• 1962 Corey Hart

  Canadian pop singer known for hit songs like 'Sunglasses at Night' and 'Never Surrender' during the 1980s new wave era.

• 1962 Noriko Hidaka

  Prominent Japanese voice actress and singer known for her work in anime and entertainment industry.

• 1964 Darryl McDaniels

  Founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, a pioneering rap group that significantly influenced the development of hip-hop music in the 1980s.

• 1965 Brooke Shields

  Brooke Shields is a renowned American actress and model who rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s. She gained international recognition for her roles in films like 'The Blue Lagoon' and later transitioned to television with the sitcom 'Suddenly Susan'. She has also had a successful Broadway career.

• 1967 Sandrine Bonnaire

  Acclaimed French actress known for her versatile roles in both French and international cinema. She has directed documentaries and is recognized for her artistic contributions to film.

• 1972 Archie Panjabi

  Emmy Award-winning British actress of Indian descent, best known for her critically acclaimed role as Kalinda Sharma in 'The Good Wife' and her work in film and television.

• 1974 Tristram Hunt

  British historian, broadcaster, and Labour Party politician known for his engaging television documentaries and academic work on urban history.

• 1976 Colin Farrell

  Colin Farrell is a prominent Irish actor known for his versatile roles in films like 'Tigerland', 'Hart's War', and numerous other critically acclaimed movies. He gained initial recognition through the BBC TV series 'Ballykissangel' and has since become a Hollywood star. His breakthrough performances established him as a talented and dynamic actor in international cinema.

• 1977 Eric Christian Olsen

  American actor known for roles in TV series like NCIS: Los Angeles and comedy films.

• 1982 Jonathan Tucker

  Jonathan Tucker is an accomplished American actor known for his diverse roles in film and television, including critically acclaimed movies like 'The Virgin Suicides' and the TV series 'Parenthood' and 'Kingdom'.

• 2001 Iga Świątek

  Professional tennis player who has been ranked world No. 1 and won multiple Grand Slam titles, including three French Open championships. She is considered one of the most dominant players of her generation and a leading figure in women's tennis.