Famous people and celebrities born in May 1940

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

• May 1 John Wheeler

  Prominent American theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and nuclear physics, known for his work on...

• May 1 Elsa Peretti

  Renowned Italian jewelry designer who revolutionized modern jewelry design with her minimalist and organic aesthetic, working extensively...

• May 3 Conny Plank

  Influential German music producer and electronic music pioneer known for his groundbreaking work with bands like Cluster and Kraftwerk,...

• May 3 David Koch

  Prominent American businessman, political donor, and philanthropist who was a key figure in conservative political circles and co-owner of...

• May 4 Robin Cook

  Renowned American physician and bestselling medical thriller novelist known for pioneering the medical suspense genre with books like...

• May 5 Lance Henriksen

  Lance Henriksen is an American actor best known for his roles in science fiction, horror, and action films, as well as television. His distinctive deep voice and intense screen presence have made him a cult favorite, most notably recognized for his role as Bishop in the 'Aliens' franchise. [bio]

• May 5 Michael Lindsay-Hogg

  Michael Lindsay-Hogg is a British-American director and producer, renowned for his work in music films and rock documentaries, as well as in theatre and television. He is particularly known for his involvement in groundbreaking projects with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. [bio]

• May 7 Angela Carter

  Angela Carter was a groundbreaking British novelist, short story writer, and journalist who revolutionized feminist literature through her...

• May 8 Ricky Nelson

  Ricky Nelson was an influential American singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s as both a teenage rock-and-roll star and a television personality. He is known for his string of hit singles, successful albums, and his key role in shaping early rock music. [bio]

• May 8 Emilio Delgado

  Beloved actor best known for his long-running role as Luis on the children's educational television series Sesame Street, which made him a...

• May 8 Peter Benchley

  Renowned American author and screenwriter best known for writing 'Jaws', a novel that was adapted into the iconic Steven Spielberg film that...

• May 9 James L Brooks

  Renowned American film and television producer, director, and screenwriter known for critically acclaimed works like 'Broadcast News',...

• May 10 Wayne Dyer

  Wayne Dyer was an American self-help author and motivational speaker, best known for his first book 'Your Erroneous Zones,' which became one of the best-selling books of all time. Dyer's work focused on spiritual growth, self-empowerment, and transformational thought, influencing millions in the self-help and personal development fields. [bio]

• May 12 Norman Whitfield

  Legendary Motown songwriter and record producer who wrote numerous hit songs for The Temptations and other soul artists, significantly...

• May 15 Lainie Kazan

  Lainie Kazan is an American actress and singer recognized for her roles in musical theater, television, and film. She gained major fame for her performance in the Broadway production of 'Funny Girl' and as Maria Portokalos in the 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' film series. [bio]

• May 17 Adel Imam

  Adel Imam is a renowned Egyptian actor and comedian, considered one of the most influential figures in the Arab entertainment industry. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, he is known for his distinctive comedic style and has starred in numerous films, television series, and plays. [bio]

• May 17 Alan Kay

  Alan Kay is a pioneering computer scientist who played a crucial role in developing object-oriented programming and graphical user...

• May 19 Frank Lorenzo

  Controversial American airline industry executive who dramatically transformed airline business models through aggressive corporate...

• May 20 Sadaharu Oh

  Legendary Japanese baseball player and manager who holds the world record for most home runs in professional baseball history with 868...

• May 20 Stan Mikita

  Hockey Hall of Fame legend who played his entire 22-year career with the Chicago Blackhawks, considered one of the greatest centers in NHL...

• May 22 Bernard Shaw

  George Bernard Shaw was a Nobel Prize-winning Irish playwright, literary critic, and political activist renowned for his sharp wit, social...

• May 23 Gérard Larrousse

  Legendary French racing driver who dominated endurance racing, winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in 1973 and 1974.

• May 24 Joseph Brodsky

  Joseph Brodsky was a renowned Russian-American poet, essayist, and translator who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1987.

• May 26 Levon Helm

  Levon Helm was an American musician and actor best known as the drummer and one of the vocalists for the rock group The Band. Renowned for his distinctive, soulful voice and innovative drumming, Helm played a key role in shaping the group's sound and influence on Americana and roots rock. [bio]

• May 29 Farooq Leghari

  Farooq Leghari was the 8th President of Pakistan, serving from 1993 to 1998.

• May 30 Jagmohan Dalmiya

  Prominent Indian cricket administrator who played a significant role in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and was a key...