Famous people and celebrities born in May 1917

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1917! 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 Danielle Darrieux

  Danielle Darrieux was a renowned French actress and singer whose career spanned over eight decades. She became one of France's most beloved stars, known for her versatility and longevity in film, television, and stage. [bio]

• May 1 Jack Paar

  Pioneering American television host who significantly influenced late-night talk show format from 1957-1962.

• May 4 Betty Comden

  Betty Comden was a renowned American lyricist, playwright, and actress who significantly contributed to musical theater, particularly famous...

• May 5 June Lang

  June Lang was an American film actress best known for her work in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly at 20th Century Fox. [bio]

• May 5 Pío Leyva

  Renowned Cuban singer and songwriter, famous for his participation in the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a musical collective that...

• May 6 Channel Tunnel

  The Channel Tunnel is a 50.

• May 7 David Tomlinson

  David Tomlinson was an English actor best known for his roles in classic family films such as 'Mary Poppins,' 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks,' and 'The Love Bug.' [bio]

• May 14 Lou Harrison

  Lou Harrison was a pioneering American composer known for his innovative work blending Western and Asian musical traditions, particularly in...

• May 16 George Gaynes

  George Gaynes was a Finnish-American actor and singer best known for his roles as Commandant Eric Lassard in the 'Police Academy' film series and as Henry Warnimont on the television series 'Punky Brewster.' [bio]

• May 17 Juan Rulfo

  Juan Rulfo was a renowned Mexican novelist, short story writer, and photographer, best known for his influential works 'Pedro Páramo' and...

• May 19 James Donald

  James Donald was a distinguished Scottish actor renowned for his memorable performances in iconic war films like 'Bridge on the River Kwai'...

• May 21 Raymond Burr

  Raymond Burr was a Canadian-American actor best known for his roles in television drama series, notably as Perry Mason in 'Perry Mason' and Robert T. Ironside in 'Ironside'. Over his extensive career, he became an iconic figure in legal and crime dramas, acclaimed for his commanding screen presence. [bio]

• May 23 Edward Norton Lorenz

  Pioneering meteorologist who developed chaos theory and the butterfly effect, fundamentally transforming our understanding of complex...

• May 24 Theodore Hesburgh

  Renowned Catholic priest and president of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years, who was a significant civil rights advocate and...

• May 25 Ramesh Balsekar

  Ramesh Balsekar was a prominent Indian spiritual philosopher who significantly contributed to the understanding of Advaita Vedanta, offering...

• May 27 Yasuhiro Nakasone

  Prominent Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1982 to 1987, known for his conservative policies and close...

• May 28 Papa John Creach

  Renowned American violinist known for his work with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, a significant figure in rock and folk music scenes.

• May 29 John Fitzgerald Kennedy

  John Fitzgerald Kennedy, often referred to as JFK, was the 35th president of the United States. He is widely known for his leadership during pivotal moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the establishment of the Peace Corps, the advancement of the U.S. space program, and for his tragic assassination in 1963 in Dallas, Texas. [bio]

• May 29 Élie Rothschild

  French banker and guardian of the Rothschild's French branch.

• May 29 Fred Ascani

  American military officer, major-general, and test pilot in the US Air Force.

• May 31 Jean Rouch

  Jean Rouch was a pioneering French filmmaker and anthropologist who significantly influenced documentary filmmaking.