Famous people and celebrities born in May 1939
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1939! 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.
![Judy Collins]()
May 1 Judy CollinsRenowned American folk singer with a distinctive crystal-clear soprano voice who transitioned from classical piano to folk music.
![Max Robinson]()
May 1 Max RobinsonGroundbreaking African American television journalist who became the first Black anchor of ABC Evening News.
![Jonathan Harvey]()
May 3 Jonathan HarveyRenowned English composer and music educator known for his innovative contemporary classical music and electronic compositions.
![Amos Oz]()
May 4 Amos OzRenowned Israeli novelist, journalist, and intellectual who was a professor at Ben-Gurion University and a prominent voice in Israeli...
![Jimmy Ruffin]()
May 7 Jimmy RuffinJimmy Ruffin was an American soul singer best known for his hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". His emotionally powerful voice and enduring contributions to Motown in the 1960s made him a beloved figure in soul and R&B music. [bio]
![Sidney Altman]()
May 8 Sidney AltmanNobel Prize-winning biochemist who made groundbreaking discoveries about RNA's catalytic properties, fundamentally changing our...
![Pierre Desproges]()
May 9 Pierre DesprogesPierre Desproges was a French humorist, best known for his incisive, darkly satirical wit, influential performances on radio and television, and his bestselling books. He became one of the most original and revered voices in French comedy during the late 20th century. [bio]
![Ion Tiriac]()
May 9 Ion TiriacLegendary Romanian tennis player and successful businessman who transformed tennis management and became a prominent sports entrepreneur in...
![Harvey Keitel]()
May 13 Harvey KeitelHarvey Keitel is an acclaimed American actor known for his intense and versatile roles in film. He has worked frequently with prominent directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, becoming a key figure in American cinema since the 1970s. [bio]
![Siegfried Fischbacher]()
May 13 Siegfried FischbacherGerman-American magician and entertainer famous for his spectacular magic performances with partner Roy Horn as the legendary duo Siegfried...
![Veruschka von Lehndorff]()
May 15 Veruschka von LehndorffIconic German model and actress who became a significant figure in the fashion world during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her striking...
![Giovanni Falcone]()
May 18 Giovanni FalconeGiovanni Falcone was a courageous Italian magistrate who fought against the Mafia and was tragically assassinated in a bomb attack in...
![Nancy Kwan]()
May 19 Nancy KwanNancy Kwan is a Hong Kong-born American actress and dancer best known for her roles in groundbreaking films such as 'The World of Suzie Wong' (1960) and 'Flower Drum Song' (1961), which helped pave the way for wider recognition of Asian actors in Hollywood. [bio]
![Francis Scobee]()
May 19 Francis ScobeeNASA astronaut and USAF pilot who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986.
![Samih al-Qasim]()
May 19 Samih al-QasimRenowned Palestinian poet and political activist who used his powerful poetry to highlight the Palestinian struggle and resistance against...
![Balu Mahendra]()
May 20 Balu MahendraBalu Mahendra was a prominent Sri Lankan-Indian film director, cinematographer, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to South...
![Paul Winfield]()
May 22 Paul WinfieldPaul Winfield was an acclaimed American actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. He was recognized for his powerful performances in both leading and supporting roles, including an Academy Award-nominated turn in 'Sounder' (1972) and memorable roles in 'The Terminator' (1984) and in television series such as 'Roots: The Next Generations.' [bio]
![Jean-Claude Mas]()
May 24 Jean-Claude MasFrench businessman who founded Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP), a controversial breast implant manufacturer that was involved in a major public...
![Ian McKellen]()
May 25 Ian McKellenSir Ian McKellen is an acclaimed English actor renowned for his work in theatre, film, and television. He is especially famous for his roles as Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' film trilogies and as Magneto in the 'X-Men' series. McKellen's career spans over six decades, earning him multiple prestigious accolades including Tony, Golden Globe, and … [bio]
![Dixie Carter]()
May 25 Dixie CarterDixie Carter was an American actress best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker in the television sitcom 'Designing Women.' Her stage and screen career spanned over four decades, earning her critical acclaim and a loyal following. [bio]
![Brent Musburger]()
May 26 Brent MusburgerLegendary sports broadcaster known for his iconic commentary on NFL games and college sports, who significantly influenced sports media in...
![Maeve Binchy]()
May 28 Maeve BinchyRenowned Irish novelist, journalist, and playwright known for her warm and engaging storytelling about Irish life and culture.
![Michael Pollard]()
May 30 Michael PollardMichael J. Pollard was an American character actor best known for his quirky supporting roles in film and television, particularly his Academy Award-nominated performance as C.W. Moss in the film 'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967). [bio]
![Al Unser]()
May 30 Al UnserLegendary American race car driver, multiple-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and one of the most successful racers in motorsport history.
![Terry Waite]()
May 31 Terry WaiteBritish humanitarian and negotiator who was held hostage in Lebanon for nearly five years while working to secure the release of other...
