Famous people and celebrities born in May 1909

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1909! 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 1 Yiannis Ritsos

  Renowned Greek poet who was a prominent communist and literary figure, nominated nine times for the Nobel Prize and winner of the Lenin...

• May 1 George Melachrino

  George Melachrino was a notable British composer and bandleader known for his orchestral music during the mid-20th century.

• May 2 Teddy Stauffer

  Swiss-American bandleader and entrepreneur who popularized cliff diving as a tourist attraction in Acapulco.

• May 4 Howard Da Silva

  Versatile American actor and director known for significant stage and screen performances, including roles in 'Oklahoma!' and notable...

• May 5 Miklós Radnóti

  A renowned Hungarian poet and translator who wrote profound and haunting poetry during the Holocaust, documenting the human suffering and...

• May 6 Akhmad Kadyrov

  Prominent Chechen political leader who served as President of the Chechen Republic and played a significant role in the region's complex...

• May 9 Gordon Bunshaft

  Renowned American architect known for modernist design, particularly the iconic Solow Building in New York City.

• May 9 Eugenio Garin

  Prominent Italian Renaissance historian and philosopher who made significant contributions to understanding cultural history.

• May 10 Maybelle Carter

  Pioneering American country music artist and autoharpist, a key member of the legendary Carter Family who significantly influenced the...

• May 11 René Bousquet

  Controversial French government official who played a significant role in the Vichy regime during World War II, responsible for...

• May 13 Pierre Bourdan

  French journalist who played a crucial role in radio broadcasting from England to France during World War II, providing critical...

• May 15 James Mason

  James Mason was a distinguished English actor, known for his deep voice, suave demeanor, and roles in numerous acclaimed films from the 1940s through the 1980s. He gained fame for both leading and supporting roles in British and Hollywood cinema and is recognized for his versatility and longevity in the industry. [bio]

• May 16 Margaret Sullavan

  Margaret Sullavan was an acclaimed American stage and film actress, best known for her performances during the 1930s and 1940s. Renowned for her distinctive husky voice and emotional intensity, Sullavan left a significant mark on both Broadway and Hollywood before her untimely death. [bio]

• May 16 Luigi Villoresi

  Legendary Italian racing driver who was a prominent figure in motorsports during the 1940s and 1950s.

• May 17 Magda Schneider

  Magda Schneider was a German actress and singer, known for her work in films during the 1930s and 1940s, as well as for being the mother of the renowned actress Romy Schneider. [bio]

• May 19 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...

• May 20 Nicholas Winton

  A humanitarian hero who saved 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II, known as the 'British Schindler'.

• May 21 Guy de Rothschild

  Guy de Rothschild was a prominent French banker from the famous Rothschild banking dynasty.

• May 24 Wilbur Mills

  Prominent Democratic congressman from Arkansas who served in the U.S.

• May 26 Matthew Busby

  Sir Matt Busby was a legendary Scottish football manager who transformed Manchester United into a global powerhouse, leading the club to...

• May 26 Adolfo López Mateos

  Adolfo López Mateos was a prominent Mexican politician who served as the 48th President of Mexico from 1958 to 1964, playing a significant...

• May 27 Dolores Hope

  Wife of comedian Bob Hope, she was an American singer, actress, and philanthropist who dedicated her life to supporting various charitable...

• May 27 Juan Vicente Pérez

  Venezuelan supercentenarian recognized as the world's oldest living man, born in the last year of the 1900s decade.

• May 28 Red Horner

  Red Horner was a prominent Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the...

• May 30 Benny Goodman

  Benny Goodman was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader, often referred to as the 'King of Swing.' He was a major figure in popularizing swing music in the 1930s and 1940s and is recognized for bringing jazz to mainstream audiences in the United States. [bio]

• May 31 René Lefèvre-Bel

  Prominent French actor who worked extensively in theatre and film during the mid-20th century, known for his versatile performances across...