May 19 is a day that has given us generational thinkers, legends, and famous people. We honor the birthdays of individuals like Malcolm X, Nellie Melba, Lady Nancy Astor, Ho Chi Minh, and many more, who have left an indelible mark on our World.
Join the News God as we celebrate and honor these personalities for their contributions to society and the World. In this article, you will find all you need to know about famous people born on May 19.
Who Are The Famous People’s Born Today: May 19?
Today, we joyfully celebrate the birthdays of famous people born on May 19. Scroll down with excitement to discover and explore the famous people born on this day, May 19:
Malcolm X will have been 99 years old today.
We cannot celebrate famous people born May 19 without celebrating Malcolm X. Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, May 19, 1925, is a celebrated African American Muslim minister and human rights activist. His eloquent advocacy for the rights of black Americans and his critique of systemic racism made him a formidable and controversial figure in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
Malcolm X’s early education was marked by disruption and hardship. His father, Earl Little, was a preacher and an admirer of Marcus Garvey. After his mother’s hospitalization, Malcolm was placed in foster care and attended various schools.
Malcolm’s early adulthood was marred by criminal activities, leading to his imprisonment in 1946 for theft and burglary. It was during his time in prison that he underwent a transformative period of self-education and conversion to the Nation of Islam (NOI). Upon his release in 1952, Malcolm adopted the surname “X” to symbolize the loss of his African heritage.
Malcolm X’s influence extended beyond the Nation of Islam (NOI), reaching a broad audience through his speeches, debates, and writings. He played a pivotal role in increasing the NOI’s membership from a few hundred to tens of thousands during the 1950s and early 1960s. His autobiography, co-written with Alex Haley, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” published posthumously in 1965, became a seminal work in African American literature and thought.
Malcolm X married Betty Sanders, later known as Betty Shabazz, in 1958. The couple had six daughters.
In 1964, Malcolm X left the NOI due to growing ideological differences and conflicts with its leader, Elijah Muhammad. Following a pilgrimage to Mecca, he embraced Sunni Islam and adopted the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.
He founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) to bring international attention to African Americans’ plight and promote cooperation among people of African descent worldwide.
His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated on February 21, 1965, while preparing to address the OAAU in New York City. Three members of the NOI were convicted of his murder, though controversy and theories about the true nature of the assassination persist.
Malcolm X’s contributions to civil rights have been recognized posthumously through numerous awards and honors. Streets, schools, and cultural institutions have been named in his honor, and he is celebrated annually on Malcolm X Day in various U.S. cities.
Quick Fact About Malcolm X
- Malcolm X spent his adolescent years in foster homes.
- He was imprisoned for ten years for theft and burglary.
- He was a supporter and admirer of Marcus Garvey.
- Malcolm X died at the age of 39 by assassination.
- He had six children.
Dame Nellie Melba will have been 163 years old today.
Dame Nellie Melba, born Helen Porter Mitchell, was a renowned Australian operatic soprano who lived from May 19, 1861, to February 23, 1931. She was one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian and early 20th century and the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician.
As she was known professionally, Melba took her stage name from her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. She was born in Richmond, Australia, to parents David Mitchell and Isabella Ann Dow Mitchell, and was one of three children, with siblings Ann Fraser Box and Francis David Mitchell.
Melba received her early education at a local boarding school and the Presbyterian Ladies’ College. She then studied singing with Mary Ellen Christian, a former pupil of Manuel García, and Pietro Cecchi, an Italian tenor who was a respected teacher in Melbourne.
Melba’s professional singing career began in 1887 when she made her operatic debut in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor in Brussels. She quickly rose to fame, performing in leading opera houses across Europe and the United States, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Throughout her career, Melba was celebrated for her pure, silvery voice and compelling stage presence. In 1918, she was awarded the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contributions to the arts.
Melba married Charles Nesbitt Frederick Armstrong from 1882 to 1900 and had one son, George Nesbitt Armstrong. She passed away at 69 in St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.
Facts about Nellie Melba
- Nellie Melba’s real name was Dame Nellie Melba, but she was also known as Nellie Melba.
- She was an Australian operatic soprano who lived from 1861 to 1931.
- She took the stage name “Melba” from her hometown of Melbourne, Australia.
- Melba made her operatic debut in 1887 as Lucia di Lammermoor in Brussels.
- She passed away at 69 in St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.
Alma Cogan will have Been 92 years old today.
Alma Cogan, whose real name is Alma Angela Cohen Cogan, was a renowned British pop singer active from 1952 to 1966. Born on May 19, 1932, in Whitechapel, London, she was of English ethnicity, and her star sign was Taurus. Cogan attended St Joseph’s Convent School in Reading.
During her career, Cogan established herself as a traditional pop singer, recording for the HMV and Columbia record labels. She was known for her warm, vibrant vocals and engaging stage presence. Cogan also demonstrated her talents as a songwriter, co-writing several of her hits, including the 1963 single “Just Once More” (under the pseudonym “Al Western”) and the 1964 release “It’s You,” both collaborations with her long-time pianist Stan Foster.
Tragically, Cogan’s life was cut short at the young age of 35. In early 1966, she embarked on club dates in northern England but collapsed after just two performances. She was subsequently diagnosed with stomach cancer and passed away on October 26, 1966, at the Middlesex Hospital in London.
Despite her untimely death, Cogan’s legacy lived on. In 1991, Gordon Burn’s novel Alma Cogan presented an imaginary scenario in which the singer was still alive in the 1980s, reflecting on her life and fame. Cogan’s fans continue to celebrate her artistry, and the Alma Cogan International Fan Club maintains a website dedicated to preserving her memory and musical contributions.
Alma Cogan’s versatility, vocal prowess, and songwriting abilities made her a beloved figure in the British pop music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy as a talented and captivating performer endures.
Facts about Alma Cogan
- She was a British pop singer active from 1952 to 1966.
- Cogan was born on May 19, 1932, in Whitechapel, London.
- Cogan attended St Joseph’s Convent School in Reading.
- She recorded for the HMV and Columbia record labels.
- Cogan co-wrote some of her hit songs, including “Just Once More” and “It’s You.”
- She died of stomach cancer on October 26, 1966, at the age of 35.
- After her death, a novel titled “Alma Cogan” by Gordon Burn was published in 1991.
- The Alma Cogan International Fan Club maintains a website about the singer.
James Fox is 85 years old today.
James William Fox, also famously known as James Fox, is a renowned British actor with a career spanning over seven decades. Born on May 19, 1939, in London, United Kingdom, Fox is the son of actors Robin Fox and Angela Fox and comes from a family of renowned performers.
Standing 6 feet (1.85 m) tall, the Taurus-born actor began his on-screen career as a child, making his debut film appearances in The Miniver Story and The Magnet in 1950, using the name William Fox. Despite his father’s initial objections, Fox went on to portray the lead role in “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner,” which marked a significant turning point in his career.
Over the years, Fox has amassed an impressive filmography, with notable roles in acclaimed projects such as “The Servant” (1963), “Performance” (1970), and “The Russia House” (1990). His versatility as an actor has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award nomination.
In addition to his successful acting career, Fox is active on social media, boasting an impressive following of over 50.5K on his Instagram account @furryfitfox. Here, he shares glimpses into his personal life and fitness regimen.
With a net worth estimated at $4 million, James Fox has undoubtedly cemented his status as one of Britain’s most respected and accomplished actors. He continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performances, drawing on his wealth of experience and natural talent.
Facts about James Fox
- James Fox’s full name is James William Fox.
- He is a British actor who has been active in the industry since 1950.
- Fox was born in London, United Kingdom on May 19, 1939,
- Fox comes from a family of actors, with his parents being Robin Fox and Angela Fox.
- He is the father of actors Laurence Fox, Lydia Fox, Jack Fox, Robin Fox, and Thomas Fox.
- Fox was previously married to Mary Elizabeth Piper from 1973 to 2020.
- His notable film roles include The Servant (1963) and Performance (1970).
- James Fox has an active Instagram account, @furryfitfox, with over 50.5K followers.
Lady Nancy Astor will have been 145 Years today.
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, The First Woman to Serve in the British Parliament, is one of the famous people born on May 19. She was born in Danville, Virginia, on May 19, 1879. Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor was an American-born British politician who made history as the first woman to serve as a member of the British Parliament.
Hailing from the influential Astor family, Astor’s political career was the most prominent phase of her life. She gained attention not only as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field but also as someone who often defied the established rules, usually attributed to her American upbringing.
Astor’s political journey began in 1919 when she was elected as a Conservative member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton, a seat she would hold until 1945. Her campaign and political platform were marked by her teetotalism and her sometimes controversial views on various political issues, which at times hampered her popularity with voters.
Despite these challenges, Astor appealed to the electorate through her earlier work with Canadian soldiers and British allies, her charitable efforts during the war, her financial resources, and her improvisation ability. This, combined with her determination and pioneering spirit, made her the first woman to sit in the House of Commons.
Astor’s legacy continues to inspire women in politics, and her achievements have cemented her place in history as a trailblazer and a champion of women’s rights. She passed away on May 2, 1964, at the age of 85, leaving behind an indelible mark on British politics.
Facts about Lady Nancy Astor
- Astor was an American-born British politician and member of the influential Astor family.
- She was married twice, first to Robert Gould Shaw II and then to Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor.
- Astor had six children, including Robert Gould Shaw III, William Waldorf Astor II, and Nancy Phyllis Louise Astor.
- She served as a Conservative member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton from 1919 to 1945.
- Astor was known for her teetotalism and sometimes controversial political views.
- Astor died on May 2, 1964, in Grimsthorpe, United Kingdom, at age 85.
More Famous People’s Birthday Today: May 19.
Ho Chi Minh will have been 134 years old today.
Birth Year: 1890
Place of Birth: Kim Liên, Vietnam
Profession: Former President of North Vietnam
Sir Michael Balcon will have been 128 years old today.
Birth Year: 1896
Place of Birth: Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Profession: Film producer
Pete Townsend is 79 years old today.
Birth Year: 1945
Place of Birth: Chiswick, London, United Kingdom
Profession: Musician
Grace Jones is 76 years old today.
Birth Year: 1948
Place of Birth: Spanish Town, Jamaica
Profession: Singer, songwriter, model, and actress.
Victoria Wood will have been 71 years old today.
Birth Year: 1953
Place of Birth: Prestwich, United Kingdom
Profession: Comedian, actress, lyricist, singer, composer, pianist, screenwriter, producer and director.
Phil Rudd is 70 years old today.
Birth Year: 1954
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Australia
Profession: Drummer
Jenny Berggren is 52 years old today.
Birth Year:1972
Place of Birth: Gothenburg, Sweden
Profession: mezzo-soprano singe
Marshmello is 32 years old today.
Birth Year: 1992
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Profession: Electronic music producer and DJ
Andrea Pirlo is 45 years old today.
Birth Year: 1979
Place of Birth: Flero, Italy
Profession: Football manager and former player
