Famous people and celebrities born in January 1940

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 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.

• Jan. 1 Clifford Olson

  Notorious Canadian serial killer who murdered 11 young victims between 1980 and 1981, becoming one of the most infamous criminals in...

• Jan. 1 Frank Langella

  Acclaimed American actor known for numerous stage and film performances, including his portrayal of Dracula and roles in various critically...

• Jan. 1 Leonard Susskind

  Renowned theoretical physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to string theory and quantum mechanics, considered one of the founders...

• Jan. 1 Yuko Tojo

  Daughter of Hideki Tojo, the infamous Prime Minister of Japan during World War II, who was a key figure in Japan's wartime leadership and...

• Jan. 2 Jim Bakker

  Controversial American televangelist known for his massive PTL ministry and subsequent fraud conviction.

• Jan. 3 Thelma Schoonmaker

  Acclaimed film editor renowned for her long-standing collaboration with Martin Scorsese, having edited numerous iconic films including...

• Jan. 3 Leo de Berardinis

  Renowned Italian theater actor and director known for his experimental and avant-garde performances, who significantly influenced...

• Jan. 4 Gao Xingjian

  Nobel Prize winner for literature, Chinese-French author, playwright, and critic known for his innovative works bridging Eastern and Western...

• Jan. 4 Brian David Josephson

  Prize laureate for his theoretical predictions of the properties of a supercurrent through a tunnel barrier, in particular those phenomena...

• Jan. 5 Athol Guy

  Founding member of the popular Australian folk-rock band The Seekers, known for their international success in the 1960s and significant...

• Jan. 6 Olga Georges-Picot

  Olga Georges-Picot was a French actress known for her work in European cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in both French and international films. [bio]

• Jan. 6 Van McCoy

  Renowned American singer and songwriter famous for disco hits like 'The Hustle', who tragically died at the young age of 35.

• Jan. 9 Ruth Dreifuss

  Prominent Swiss politician who served as the 86th President of the Swiss Confederation, making significant contributions to Swiss political...

• Jan. 13 Edmund White

  Edmund White is a renowned American novelist, essayist, and literary critic known for his groundbreaking works exploring LGBTQ+ experiences...

• Jan. 14 Julian Bond

  Julian Bond was an American social activist, leader in the Civil Rights Movement, politician, professor, and writer. He was a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout his life. [bio]

• Jan. 15 Anna Hazare

  Prominent Indian social activist known for his anti-corruption campaigns and significant role in India's civil society movements.

• Jan. 15 Arlie Russell Hochschild

  Renowned sociologist and professor known for her groundbreaking work on emotions and social theory, particularly in gender and workplace...

• Jan. 18 Pedro Rodriguez

  Legendary Mexican racing driver who tragically died during a motorsport competition in 1971, known for his significant contributions to...

• Jan. 18 Graham Wade

  Renowned British musicologist and author specializing in guitar history and biographies of classical musicians, particularly known for his...

• Jan. 19 Paolo Borsellino

  Renowned Italian magistrate who fought against organized crime and was tragically assassinated by the Mafia in a bomb attack in Palermo,...

• Jan. 20 Georges Poujouly

  French artist known for his contributions in music, acting, and poetry during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 21 Jack Nicklaus

  Legendary American professional golfer widely considered the greatest golfer of all time.

• Jan. 22 John Hurt

  Sir John Hurt was an English actor known for his powerful performances in film, television, and stage. With a career spanning over five decades, he was acclaimed for his versatility, distinctive voice, and portrayals of complex characters, appearing in several landmark productions. [bio]

• Jan. 27 James Cromwell

  James Cromwell is an American actor and activist, known for his wide-ranging work in film, television, and theater over a career spanning more than five decades. He achieved critical acclaim for his performance in the film 'Babe' and has appeared in many other prominent movies and TV shows. [bio]

• Jan. 28 Carlos Slim

  Carlos Slim is a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the world's richest individuals. He serves as the chairman and CEO of Telmex, América Móvil, and Grupo Carso, with major investments spanning telecommunications, retail, finance, and technology sectors. Slim's fortune and influence have had a significant impact on the economy of Latin America. [bio]

• Jan. 29 Katharine Ross

  Katharine Ross is an acclaimed American actress best known for her roles in iconic films of the 1960s and 1970s, including 'The Graduate', 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', and 'The Stepford Wives'. She has received numerous accolades for her performances and is recognized as one of the notable actresses of her era. [bio]

• Jan. 31 Jessica Walter in Brooklyn

  Acclaimed actress known for her memorable roles in 'Play Misty for Me' and 'Arrested Development', with a career spanning film and...

• Jan. 31 Stuart Margolin

  Emmy Award-winning American actor and director known for his roles in 'The Rockford Files' and as a versatile television performer.