May 12 birthdays and deaths:
Famous birthdays on May 12:
Zodiac: TaurusRishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak is a British politician serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2020. Born on May 12, 1980, in Southampton, England, he is a Conservative Party member and previously served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Birthyear: 1980
Rami Malek
Rami Malek is an American actor born on May 12, 1981, in Los Angeles. He is known for his intense preparation and portrayal of iconic characters, earning him numerous awards, including an Academy Award for his riveting performance as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2018).
Birthyear: 1981
Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn, a four-time Academy Award winner, was a trailblazing actress known for her spirited performances in classics like "The Philadelphia Story" and "On Golden Pond." Her iconic style, independence, and fierce individuality inspired generations of women.
Birthyear: 1907
Emilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez is a renowned American actor, director, and writer, known for his iconic roles in "The Breakfast Club," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "Young Guns." He's also the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor Charlie Sheen.
Birthyear: 1962
George Carlin
George Carlin was a renowned American comedian, actor, and author known for his biting social commentary and use of language. He was a pioneer of observational comedy, tackling topics like politics, religion, and the human condition with his signature irreverent style.
Birthyear: 1937
Stephen Baldwin
Stephen Baldwin is an American actor and producer, known for his roles in films like "The Usual Suspects" and "Bio-Dome". He's also appeared on reality TV shows, including "Celebrity Big Brother" and "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!".
Birthyear: 1966
Domhnall Gleeson
Domhnall Gleeson is a talented Irish actor, son of Brendan Gleeson, known for roles in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Ex Machina," and "About Time." His versatile filmography showcases his impressive range in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Birthyear: 1983
Burt Bacharach
Burt Bacharach was a renowned American singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer, known for his distinctive, jazzy style and iconic hits like "What the World Needs Now Is Love," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," and "What's New Pussycat."
Birthyear: 1928
Rhea Seehorn
Rhea Seehorn is an American actress born on May 12, 1972, in Virginia. She's best known for her roles as Kim Wexler in the AMC series "Better Call Saul" and Whitney Frost in the ABC series "I'm with Binx."
Birthyear: 1972
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, the "Lady with the Lamp," pioneered modern nursing, improving sanitation and hygiene practices in military hospitals during the Crimean War. Her groundbreaking work and writings, such as "Notes on Nursing," continue to inspire healthcare professionals worldwide.
Birthyear: 1820
Marcelo (footballer, born 1988)
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, known as Marcelo, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team, renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and attacking prowess.
Birthyear: 1988
Ving Rhames
Ving Rhames is a renowned American actor, born Irving Rameses Rhames on May 12, 1961. He's best known for his distinctive voice and roles in films like Pulp Fiction, Mission: Impossible, and Con Air, earning a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Don King.
Birthyear: 1959
Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk is a legendary American skateboarder and actor, renowned for his technical skills and innovative tricks. With a career spanning over four decades, he has won numerous awards, including multiple X Games medals, and has been featured in popular video games and films.
Birthyear: 1968
Malin Akerman
Malin Åkerman is a Swedish-Canadian model, actress, and singer born on May 12, 1978. She's known for her roles in films like "27 Dresses," "Watchmen," and TV shows like "Children's Hospital." Åkerman has also modeled for esteemed brands and has been a spokesperson for various charities.
Birthyear: 1978
Emily VanCamp
Emily VanCamp is a talented Canadian actress, best known for her roles in TV shows such as "Everwood," "Brothers & Sisters," and "Revenge." She has also appeared in films like "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Captain America: Civil War."
Birthyear: 1986
Steve Winwood
Steve Winwood, a renowned English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has had a profound impact on rock music. As a member of Traffic and Blind Faith, he has crafted timeless classics like 'Gimme Some Lovin'' and 'Higher Love', showcasing his soulful vocals and virtuosic musicianship.
Birthyear: 1948
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong is a Dutch professional footballer playing as a midfielder for Barcelona and the Netherlands national team. Known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and defensive skills, he won the UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season award in 2019.
Birthyear: 1997
Gabriel Byrne
Gabriel Byrne is a renowned Irish actor, director, and producer, known for his intense performances in films like "Miller's Crossing" and "Vikings," as well as his Emmy-winning role as Dr. Paul Weston in the HBO series "In Treatment."
Birthyear: 1950
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg
Julius Rosenberg, along with his wife Ethel, was convicted of espionage for passing nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. He was executed in the electric chair on June 19, 1953, at Sing Sing Prison in New York, sparking widespread controversy and debate about their guilt and the fairness of their trial.
Birthyear: 1918
Samantha Mathis
Samantha Mathis is an American actress born January 12, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. She is known for her roles in films like "Pump Up the Volume" (1990), "Little Women" (1994), and "American Psycho" (2000), as well as her numerous television appearances.
Birthyear: 1970
Otto Frank
Otto Frank, a German-Swiss businessman, survived the Holocaust and was the father of Anne Frank, whose diary became a symbol of hope and resilience. He dedicated his life to spreading his daughter's message, establishing the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam.
Birthyear: 1889
Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra, a baseball legend, played 19 seasons with the New York Yankees, winning 10 World Series championships. A 15-time All-Star and 3-time American League MVP, he later managed the Yankees and Mets, becoming a beloved coach and iconic figure in American sports history.
Birthyear: 1925
Jiddu Krishnamurti
Jiddu Krishnamurti was a renowned Indian-American philosopher, speaker, and writer who explored the human condition, spirituality, and the nature of the self. His teachings emphasized individual transformation, self-inquiry, and the importance of living in the present moment, free from conditioning and conformity.
Birthyear: 1895
Jason Biggs
Jason Biggs is an American actor and comedian, best known for his roles in the "American Pie" franchise, "Orange Is the New Black," and "Saving Silverman." He's also starred in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his comedic talent and versatility as a performer.
Birthyear: 1978
Etika
Etika, born Desmond Amofah, was a popular American YouTuber and live streamer known for his energetic and entertaining content. He gained a large following on YouTube and Twitch, sharing his gaming experiences and interacting with his fans.
Birthyear: 1990
Bruce Boxleitner
Bruce Boxleitner is an American actor and author, best known for his iconic roles as Captain John Sheridan in the science fiction TV series "Babylon 5" and as Lee Stetson in the 1980s TV series "Scarecrow and Mrs. King".
Birthyear: 1950
Kim Fields
Kim Fields is an American actress, singer, and television director, best known for her roles as Tootie Ramsey on the NBC sitcom "The Facts of Life" and as Regine Hunter on the Fox sitcom "Living Single."
Birthyear: 1969
Mo Bamba
Mo Bamba is an American-Ivorian professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. Born on May 12, 1998, in Harlem, New York, Bamba was a McDonald's All-American in 2017 and played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns.
Birthyear: 1998
Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu, a New Zealand rugby union winger, was a global phenomenon, known for his incredible speed, power, and tries. He burst onto the scene in 1994, earning 63 caps and scoring 37 tries, becoming an All Blacks legend before his untimely passing in 2015.
Birthyear: 1975
Steve Smith Sr.
Steve Smith Sr. is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens from 2001 to 2016. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, he's known for his exceptional speed, agility, and sure hands, earning him the nickname "The Old Man."
Birthyear: 1979
Ian Dury
Ian Dury, a punk rock icon, was a dynamic English singer-songwriter known for his witty lyrics and energetic stage presence. As lead singer of the Blockheads, he scored hits like "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" and "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick."
Birthyear: 1942
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas is a Greek professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Liverpool FC and the Greece national team. He's known for his pace, energy, and defensive skills, earning him a permanent place in Liverpool's squad since his 2020 transfer from Olympiacos.
Birthyear: 1996
Billy Squier
Billy Squier is a renowned American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for his distinctive blend of rock, pop, and blues. His 80s hits like 'The Stroke' and 'Everybody Wants You' remain staples of classic rock radio.
Birthyear: 1950
Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard is a Trinidadian cricketer and captain of the West Indies cricket team in limited-overs formats. A powerful all-rounder, he's known for his explosive batting, accurate medium-pace bowling, and exceptional fielding skills, playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and various franchises worldwide.
Birthyear: 1987
Maryam Mirzakhani
Maryam Mirzakhani, a trailblazing Iranian mathematician, made groundbreaking contributions to the study of the dynamics and geometry of Riemann surfaces. She was the first female winner of the Fields Medal (2014) and a professor at Stanford University.
Birthyear: 1977
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a renowned English poet and painter, was a leading figure in the Victorian era's Arts and Crafts movement. He co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, creating dreamlike, symbolic works that blended beauty and sensuality, influencing literary and artistic movements for generations.
Birthyear: 1828
Chris Patten
Chris Patten, a renowned English academic and politician, served as the 28th Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997. He's known for his progressive reforms, promoting democracy, and his last-governor-but-one status before the 1997 handover to China.
Birthyear: 1944
George Karl
George Karl is a renowned American basketball coach and former player, known for his 35-year coaching career, including stints with the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets, earning over 1,175 wins and a 2013 Coach of the Year award.
Birthyear: 1951
Tony Hancock
Tony Hancock was a renowned English actor, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his starring role in the sitcom "Hancock's Half Hour." His witty humor and versatile acting talent made him a beloved figure in British entertainment until his tragic death in 1968.
Birthyear: 1924
Gabriel Fauré
Gabriel Fauré was a renowned French pianist, composer, and educator, known for his elegant and expressive style. His works include Requiem, Pavane, and nocturnes, showcasing his mastery of harmony and melody. Fauré taught at the Paris Conservatory, influencing generations of composers.
Birthyear: 1845
Tom Snyder
Tom Snyder, a renowned American journalist and talk show host, was known for his in-depth interviews and distinctive style. He hosted "The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder" from 1973 to 1982, featuring A-list celebrities and newsmakers, earning three Emmy nominations.
Birthyear: 1936
Lance Lynn
Lance Lynn is an American professional baseball pitcher who has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. A World Series champion in 2011, Lynn has been an MLB All-Star and has consistently been a reliable starter throughout his career.
Birthyear: 1987
Alan Ball Jr.
Alan Ball Jr. was a renowned English footballer and manager. He won the 1966 World Cup with England and managed clubs like Everton and Manchester City. His playing career spanned over a decade, earning 72 caps for England.
Birthyear: 1945
Wilfrid Hyde-White
Wilfrid Hyde-White was a renowned English actor, best known for his charming, dignified portrayals in film and television. Notable roles include Colonel Pickering in "My Fair Lady" (1964) and Emmanuel Rath in "The Browning Version" (1951). His distinguished career spanned over five decades.
Birthyear: 1903
Augustus II the Strong
Augustus II the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, reigned from 1697 to 1733. He was a skilled military leader, cultural patron, and robust ruler, earning his nickname "the Strong" for his impressive physical strength and political prowess.
Birthyear: 1670
Ian McLagan
Ian McLagan was a British keyboardist and songwriter, best known as a member of the Faces and Small Faces. He contributed to hits like "You're So Rude" and "Stay with Me," and had a successful solo career, earning a 1981 Grammy nomination for "Trouble Maker."
Birthyear: 1945
Henry Cabot Lodge
Henry Cabot Lodge, a prominent American historian and politician, served as a senator from Massachusetts from 1893 to 1924. He was a vocal supporter of US imperialism and played a key role in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations following World War I.
Birthyear: 1850
Mike Weir
Mike Weir is a Canadian professional golfer, best known for winning the 2003 Masters Tournament, becoming the first Canadian to claim a major championship. His consistent play earned him eight PGA Tour victories and numerous awards, including the Canadian Athlete of the Year.
Birthyear: 1970
Frank Stella
Frank Stella is a renowned American painter and sculptor, known for his work in the minimalist and abstract expressionist styles. He is famous for his "Black Paintings" series and his use of geometric shapes and bold colors.
Birthyear: 1936
Edward Lear
Edward Lear, a renowned English poet and illustrator, is best known for his whimsical and humorous works, such as "A Book of Nonsense" and "The Owl and the Pussycat." His absurd and imaginative stories have delighted readers of all ages.
Birthyear: 1812
Joseph Beuys
Joseph Beuys was a German artist known for his provocative sculptures, performances, and installations that explored humanism, politics, and the environment. He co-founded the German Green Party and was a influential figure in the Fluxus movement, blurring boundaries between art and life.
Birthyear: 1921
Jim Furyk
Jim Furyk is a renowned American golfer, winning the 2003 U.S. Open and collecting 17 PGA Tour titles. Known for his unorthodox swing, Furyk has consistently ranked among the world's top golfers, earning him a spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Birthyear: 1970
Bill Shorten
Bill Shorten is an Australian politician who served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Australian Labor Party from 2013 to 2019. Born on May 12, 1967, he was a trade unionist before entering politics, holding various ministerial positions, including Minister for Education and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
Birthyear: 1967
Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash, a pioneering entrepreneur, founded Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963, revolutionizing the direct sales industry. Her innovative approach empowered women, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, friendship, and personal growth, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of beauty and beyond.
Birthyear: 1918
Dorothy Hodgkin
Dorothy Hodgkin, a pioneering English biochemist and crystallographer, was awarded the 1964 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for determining the structure of biomolecules, including vitamin B12 and insulin. Her groundbreaking work revolutionized the field of biochemistry, earning her a lasting legacy in the scientific community.
Birthyear: 1910
Michael Ignatieff
Michael Ignatieff is a Canadian journalist, author, and former politician. He was the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2009 to 2011. A respected public intellectual, he has written extensively on human rights, international relations, and democracy.
Birthyear: 1947
Norman Whitfield
Norman Whitfield was a legendary American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Motown Records. He penned iconic hits like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" for The Temptations, earning multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
Birthyear: 1940
Kushida (wrestler)
Yujiro Kushida is a Japanese wrestler and mixed martial artist, known for his versatility and technical skills. He has competed in NJPW, WWE, and MMA organizations, earning accolades like the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and CMLL World Lightweight Championship.
Birthyear: 1983
Jesús Franco
Jesús Franco, aka Jess Franco, was a prolific Spanish director and screenwriter who made over 160 films, often horror and erotica, between 1959 and 2012. His work is known for its kitsch, camp, and surreal style, earning a cult following.
Birthyear: 1930
Daniel Libeskind
Daniel Libeskind, a renowned American architect, has made a lasting impact on the architectural world. His notable designs include the Imperial War Museum North and the Jewish Museum, showcasing his unique blend of modernity and cultural sensitivity.
Birthyear: 1946
Earle Nelson
Earle Nelson, also known as the "Gorilla Murderer," was an American serial killer and rapist who terrorized the country in the 1920s. Between 1926 and 1927, he murdered at least 22 women, mostly landladies, and was eventually caught and executed in 1928.
Birthyear: 1897
Brett Gurewitz
Brett Gurewitz is an American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder and guitarist of punk rock band Bad Religion. He's also the founder of Epitaph Records, a renowned independent record label.
Birthyear: 1962
Sam Nujoma
Sam Nujoma, Namibia's founding father, served as the country's first President from 1990 to 2005. A key figure in the fight for independence, he led the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) against apartheid South Africa, securing Namibia's freedom and self-rule.
Birthyear: 1929
Justus von Liebig
Justus von Liebig was a renowned German chemist and academic who pioneered organic chemistry, introducing the concept of isomers and discovering chloroform. He also made significant contributions to agricultural chemistry and founded the Giessen laboratory, a hub for scientific research.
Birthyear: 1803
Felipe Alou
Felipe Alou is a Dominican-American baseball legend, playing 17 seasons with MLB teams like the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. He later became a successful coach and manager, leading the Montreal Expos and San Francisco Giants to winning seasons.
Birthyear: 1935
Jules Massenet
Jules Massenet, a renowned French composer, created operas that merged romanticism and verismo. His works, such as "Manon" and "Werther," remain beloved for their melodic beauty, dramatic intensity, and poetic librettos, earning him a lasting place in the operatic canon.
Birthyear: 1842
Farley Mowat
Farley Mowat, a renowned Canadian author and environmentalist, wrote extensively on nature and conservation. His iconic book "Never Cry Wolf" exposed the plight of Arctic wolves, earning him international acclaim.
Birthyear: 1921
Lou Whitaker
Lou Whitaker, aka "Sweet Lou," is a legendary American baseball player who played his entire 19-year career with the Detroit Tigers (1977-1995). A five-tool player, he was a five-time All-Star and won three Silver Slugger Awards as a second baseman.
Birthyear: 1957
Graeme Dott
Graeme Dott is a Scottish former professional snooker player and current coach, born on May 12, 1977. He won the 2006 World Snooker Championship, defeating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final, and has ranked as high as world number 2.
Birthyear: 1977
Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was a Renaissance man: Bengali writer, painter, violinist, and composer. A pioneer in halftone printing, he founded the Mookerjee Press, introducing modern printing techniques to India. His literary works, including "Tuntunir Boi," remain beloved in Bengali literature.
Birthyear: 1863
Louis Philippe I, Duke of Orléans
Louis Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, was a French nobleman and cousin of King Louis XVI. He was known for his liberal ideas and opposition to absolute monarchy, earning him the nickname "Philippe Égalité" for his support of the French Revolution.
Birthyear: 1725
Leslie Charteris
Leslie Charteris, born Leslie Charles Bowyer-Yin, was a renowned English author and screenwriter, best known for creating the iconic character Simon Templar, aka "The Saint", in a series of novels and adaptations that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Birthyear: 1907
Johnny Bucyk
Johnny Bucyk, aka "Chief," played 21 seasons with the Boston Bruins (1955-1978), recording 556 goals and 813 assists. A four-time NHL All-Star, he's a Hockey Hall of Famer and Bruins' all-time leading scorer.
Birthyear: 1935
Guillermo Endara
Guillermo Endara was a renowned Panamanian lawyer and politician who served as the 32nd President of Panama from 1989 to 1994. He played a crucial role in transitioning Panama to democracy after the US invasion, promoting economic growth and stability in the region.
Birthyear: 1936
Gustav Vasa
Gustav I of Sweden, also known as Gustav Vasa, was a Swedish king who ruled from 1523 to 1560. He led the Swedish War of Liberation, ending Danish dominance, and established the Vasa dynasty, modernizing Sweden's government, economy, and church, earning the title "Father of Modern Sweden."
Birthyear: 1496
Manuel Godoy
Manuel Godoy was a Spanish field marshal and politician who served as Prime Minister of Spain from 1792 to 1797 and again from 1801 to 1808. He was a favorite of King Charles IV and Queen Maria Luisa, wielding significant power during their reign.
Birthyear: 1767
Mary Reibey
Mary Reibey was a pioneering Australian businesswoman and entrepreneur. Born in 1777, she arrived in Sydney in 1792 as a convict. Reibey built a successful shipping and trade empire, becoming one of the wealthiest women in the colony, known for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy.
Birthyear: 1777