Famous people and celebrities born in August 1940

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in August 1940! 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.

• Aug. 2 Will Tura

  Legendary Belgian singer-songwriter and guitarist, considered a national icon in Flemish music with a career spanning several decades.

• Aug. 3 Martin Sheen

  Martin Sheen is an acclaimed American actor best known for his roles on both film and television, most notably as President Josiah Bartlet in the acclaimed TV series 'The West Wing' and Captain Benjamin L. Willard in the film 'Apocalypse Now'. [bio]

• Aug. 3 Lance Alworth in Houston

  NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys.

• Aug. 3 Lance Alworth

  Legendary NFL wide receiver nicknamed 'Bambi', who played for the San Diego Chargers and was known for his exceptional pass receptions.

• Aug. 7 Jean-Luc Dehaene

  Prominent Belgian politician and lawyer who served as the 63rd Prime Minister of Belgium, playing a significant role in the country's...

• Aug. 8 Dennis Tito

  First private space tourist who paid to visit the International Space Station in 2001, and founder of Wilshire Associates investment...

• Aug. 10 Bobby Hatfield

  Bobby Hatfield was a legendary American singer, best known as one half of the iconic duo The Righteous Brothers.

• Aug. 12 Eddie Barlow

  Renowned South African cricketer and cricket coach who made significant contributions to the sport during his lifetime.

• Aug. 14 Arthur Laffer

  Influential economist famous for the Laffer Curve, a key concept in supply-side economics that significantly impacted fiscal policy...

• Aug. 14 Alexei Panshin

  Renowned science fiction author who won prestigious Hugo and Nebula Awards, known for innovative works exploring speculative fiction themes.

• Aug. 15 Gudrun Ensslin

  Gudrun Ensslin was a prominent German far-left terrorist and key member of the Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof...

• Aug. 16 Bruce Beresford

  Bruce Beresford is an acclaimed Australian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for directing a diverse array of films across multiple genres. He gained international recognition for his direction of 'Breaker Morant' (1980) and the Academy Award-winning 'Driving Miss Daisy' (1989). Beresford has established himself as an influential figure in both Australian and international cinema. [bio]

• Aug. 18 Adam Makowicz

  Renowned Polish-Canadian jazz pianist and composer known for his exceptional improvisational skills and contributions to jazz music.

• Aug. 19 Jill St. John

  Jill St. John is an American actress best known for her role as Tiffany Case in the James Bond film 'Diamonds Are Forever' (1971). She enjoyed a long career in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s and is recognized for her beauty, charm, and on-screen presence. [bio]

• Aug. 19 Johnny Nash

  Johnny Nash was an American singer-songwriter, best known for his hit single 'I Can See Clearly Now.' He played a significant role in popularizing reggae music in the United States during the 1970s. [bio]

• Aug. 22 Valerie Harper in Sufferin

  Acclaimed American actress famous for her roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Rhoda', winning multiple Emmy Awards.

• Aug. 23 Thomas A. Steitz

  Prize laureate for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome.

• Aug. 23 Galen Rowell

  Renowned nature photographer and mountaineer known for his stunning landscape images and adventurous spirit, capturing breathtaking scenes...

• Aug. 25 José Van Dam

  Renowned Belgian operatic bass-baritone celebrated for his exceptional performances in major international opera houses, known for his...

• Aug. 26 Don LaFontaine

  Legendary voice actor known for movie trailer voiceovers, famously saying 'In a world.

• Aug. 26 Nik Turner

  Pioneering English musician, saxophonist, and founding member of the space rock band Hawkwind, known for his experimental and psychedelic...

• Aug. 28 Ken Jenkins

  Ken Jenkins is an American actor known for his extensive work in television, film, and theatre. He is best recognized for playing Dr. Bob Kelso on the hit medical comedy series 'Scrubs.' [bio]

• Aug. 28 William Cohen

  Prominent American politician who served as the 20th United States Secretary of Defense, representing significant leadership in national...

• Aug. 28 Philippe Léotard

  Versatile French artist known for his multifaceted career as a poet, actor, and singer, contributing significantly to French cultural arts.

• Aug. 29 James Brady

  White House Press Secretary who survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley during the Reagan presidency.

• Aug. 29 Gary Gabelich

  Legendary land speed record holder who achieved 622 mph on Utah salt flats in 1970, setting a world record.