The Duke of Wellington, Glenn Ford, Joseph Heller, Sonny James, Julian Mitchell, Una Stubbs, Judy Collins, Rita Coolidge, Jerry Weiss, Joanna Lumley, Anthony Worrall, Rob Spendlove, Steven Gerrard, and more are some of the famous people born on May 1.
These personalities above cut across all fields, including politics, sports, science, art, entertainment, and more. The famous people born today, May 1, have lasting legacies through their works and exhibitions of their talents and passion.
Join The News God in a jubilant celebration as we honor these heroes who have brought immense joy to millions and transformed the world with their remarkable achievements and contributions.
Who Are The Famous People’s Born Today: May 1?
Today, we joyfully celebrate the birthdays of famous people who have impacted and shaped their respective fields. Scroll down with excitement to discover and explore the famous people born on this day, May 1:
The Duke of Wellington will have been 255 years old today.

The Duke of Wellington is a prominent figure in British history. There has been debate on his date of birth, but according to our checks and evidence, he was one of the famous people born on May 1. He rose to fame during the Napoleonic Wars when his strategic brilliance and decisive victories ended them and defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.
The Duke of Wellington was born to Garret Wesley and Anne Wellesley on May 1, 1769, in Dublin, Ireland. He was a prominent Anglo-Irish statesman, military leader, and politician.
He received his education at Eton College and enlisted as an ensign in the British Army in 1787. In 1789, he became the member of Parliament for Trim in the Irish House of Commons.
His most notable achievement as a commander came in 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, where he led the Allied forces to a decisive victory over Napoleon Bonaparte, effectively ending the Napoleonic Wars. His strategic foresight and decisive action on the battlefield solidified his reputation as one of the greatest commanders in the modern era.
In addition to his military career and being a member of parliament, the Duke of Wellington also served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 1828 to 1830 and again from 1834 to 1835.
He married Catherine Pakenham, who died in 1831. The Duke had two children. He died on September 14, 1852, at the age of 83.
Quick Fact About The Duke of Wellington
- The Duke of Wellington was born Arthur Wellesley.
- He rose to the rank of Field marshal and the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.
- The Duke of Wellington served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- He died at the age of 83.
Sonny James will have been 96 years old today.

Sonny James, born Jimmie Hugh Loden, was a trailblazing American singer-songwriter who left an indelible mark on country music. Known as ‘The Southern Gentleman,’ he embarked on a career that spanned several decades, earning him a place in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.
Before his fame, Sonny James was already making waves in the industry. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to his early influence. In 1957, he marked his debut with the album, ‘The Southern Gentlemen,’ released under Capitol Records. This album showcased his talent and laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
One of Sonny James’ most iconic songs, “Young Love,” not only reached the top of multiple charts, including the US Country, Billboard Hot 100, and Cashbox charts, but it also left an indelible mark on the country music industry. This song, along with his other popular singles like “I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “Lovesick Blues,” “Apache,” and “The Minute You’re Gone,” solidified his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Sonny James released several albums, including “Southern Gentleman” and “My Christmas Dream.” His music showcased his versatile vocals and guitar skills. Regarding financial success, Sonny James had a net worth of $4 million. He remained active in the music industry from 1953 to 1983, creating music under various labels such as Capitol, Columbia, Dot, RCA, Monument, Dimension, and Curb.
Sonny James was born in Hackleburg, Alabama, United States, on May 1, 1928; he passed away on February 22, 2016, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 87.
Sonny James’ parents were Della Burleson Loden and Archie Lee Loden. He identified as White in terms of ethnicity. Regarding his education, Sonny James worked while belatedly finishing his final year of high school, showcasing his determination and commitment to his education and music career.
Quick Fact About Sonny James
- Sonny James’ parents were Della Burleson Loden and Archie Lee Loden.
- Sonny James, whose real name was Jimmie Hugh Loden.
- Sonny James albums, including “Southern Gentleman” and “My Christmas Dream.”
- He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Sonny James began his career in the music industry and achieved notable success throughout his life.
Una Stubbs will have been 87 years old today.

Una Stubbs, whose real name was Una Stubbs, was a talented British actress, dancer, and TV presenter. She was born on May 1, 1937, in Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom. Una Stubbs had a diverse and successful career in the entertainment industry for several decades. Her infectious laughter and warm personality endeared her to all who worked with her.
Standing at a height of 5 ft 2 in / 157 cm, Una Stubbs made a name for herself in various roles on stage, television, and film. Before gaining fame, she showcased her dancing skills in the Folies Bergère-style musical revue at the Prince of Wales Theatre called “Pardon My French.” She performed alongside notable figures such as Frankie Howerd and pianist Winifred Atwell.
Una Stubbs became widely recognized after her appearance in the film “Summer Holiday” (1963). She further solidified her fame by portraying Rita Rawlins in “Till Death Us Do Part” (1965–1975) and “In Sickness and in Health” (1985–1992). Her talent and versatility were evident in her portrayal of Miss Bat in “The Worst Witch” (1998–2001) and Aunt Sally in “Worzel Gummidge” (1979–1981).
Una Stubbs also had an impressive filmography, with notable roles in movies such as “Summer Holiday,” “West 11,” “Golden Years,” and “The Water Babies.”
Tragically, Una Stubbs passed away on August 12, 2021, in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, at the age of 85. Her loss is deeply felt by the entertainment industry and her fans worldwide. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, infectious laughter, and warm personality will always be remembered.
Una Stubbs was born to Clarence Reginald Stubbs and Angela K. Rawlinson. She was of White ethnicity. Notably, her great-grandfather was Ebenezer Howard, and her uncle was Geoffrey Howard. Una was a loving mother and grandmother; her family was always her top priority. She was also known for her close friendships with her co-stars, who often described her as a joy to work with.
Quick Fact About Una Stubbs
- Una Stubbs was born to Clarence Reginald Stubbs and Angela K. Rawlinson.
- Una had an impressive filmography, with notable roles in movies such as “Summer Holiday,” “West 11,” “Golden Years,” and “The Water Babies.”
- Una Stubbs became widely recognized after her appearance in the film “Summer Holiday” (1963).
- She was born on May 1, 1937, in Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom.
- Una Stubbs made a name for herself in various roles on stage, television, and film.
- Una Stubbs had a diverse and successful career in the entertainment industry for several decades.
Glenn Ford will have been 108 years old today.

Gwyllyn Samuel Newton Ford, famous as Glenn Ford, was born in Quebec, Canada, on May 1, 1916, to Newton Ford and Hannah Wood. He was a renowned Canadian-American actor.
Ford’s career in acting began while he was a student at Santa Monica High School, where he participated in school drama. He became an American citizen at the age of 23.
His professional career began in 1937 when he appeared in the short film “Night in Manhattan“ under the film company West Coast Stage. In 1939, Glenn joined Columbia Pictures. Ford’s first major movie role was in ” Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence” (1939), and his first film for Columbia Pictures was in “My Son Is Guilty” (1939).
Ford’s most iconic roles in films were the noirs “Gilda” (1946) and “The Big Heat” (1953). These films brought him into the limelight and propelled him to become one of the most influential actors in Hollywood history. His other notable films include “Lady for a Day” (1933), “Don’t Go Near the Water” (1957), and “Blackboard Jungle” (1955).
Throughout his career, Ford received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the film industry, including the Golden Globe Award, the Golden Laurel Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Glenn Ford’s personal life was as intriguing as his professional one. He embarked on four marriages, including unions with actress Eleanor Powell and Kathryn Hays. Despite his busy career, he managed to balance his personal life, and he was a loving father to his one child.
Quick Fact About Glenn Ford
- Glenn Ford became an American citizen at the age of 23.
- He was born in Quebec, Canada.
- Ford married four times and had only one child.
- He died at the age of 90 on August 30, 2006.
Julian Mitchell is 89 years old today.

Charles Julian Humphrey Mitchell, best known as Julian Mitchell, was a famous person born on May 1, 1935. Julian Mitchell is a famous playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. He was awarded the FRSL for his contribution to literature. Mitchell is best known as the writer of Another Country, Inspector Morse, and Many others.
Julian Mitchell was born on May 1, 1935, in Epping, Essex, United Kingdom, and he is 89 years old as of 2024. He received his education in the neighborhood and graduated from Wadham College, Oxford, with a BA in 1958. He also earned an MA from St Anthony’s College, Oxford, in 1968, and he became a freelance writer in 1962.
Julian has written nine produced plays, notable ones including Another “Country” (1981) and “After Aida” (1985). He is a famous screenwriter and has about five credits in films. Mitchel authored many notable novels, including “The White Father,” “Imaginary Toys,” “A Disturbing Influence,” and many more. Julian Mitchell has impacted the literature, theater, and film sectors with talent and creative performance.
Quick Facts about Julian Mitchell
- Julian Mitchell is 89 years old as of 2024
- Julian has a BA with first-class honors from Wadham College, Oxford.
- He was born in Epping, Essex, UK
- Mitchell won the English Verse and Duncan Reading Prizes.
- He wrote nine produced plays
- He is a fellow of The Royal Society of Literature.