Famous people born on May 2nd
May 2 brings together an unusually wide range of innovators, performers, and public figures across centuries. From trailblazing thinkers who shaped modern politics and literature to global stars in sport, film, and fashion, this date spans many kinds of influence. The roster reflects both cultural tastemakers and consequential voices in public life, making May 2 a richly varied birthday on the calendar.
Notable highlights
- Donatella Versace (1955) - As creative director, she steered Versace into a new era while preserving its bold, high-glamour identity.
- Theodor Herzl (1860) - His political writing and organizing helped crystallize modern Zionism, including convening the First Zionist Congress.
- Novalis (1772) - A key German Romantic, he fused philosophy and lyricism, leaving an outsized legacy despite an early death.
- Satyajit Ray (1921) - Acclaimed for humanist storytelling and visual precision, he brought Indian cinema to global prominence with works like the Apu Trilogy.
- Jerome K. Jerome (1859) - His comic novel Three Men in a Boat became a classic of English humor with enduring popularity.
- David Beckham (1975) - Known for elite free-kick technique and crossing accuracy, he became a global football icon and major ambassador for the sport.
- Dwayne Johnson (1972) - He successfully bridged pro wrestling superstardom into blockbuster acting and large-scale entertainment entrepreneurship.
- Philippe Halsman (1906) - A legendary portraitist, he photographed many 20th-century icons and popularized dynamic “jump” portraits.
- Benjamin Spock (1903) - His parenting book reshaped child-rearing advice for generations, emphasizing empathy and practical guidance.
- Manfred von Richthofen (1892) - The “Red Baron” became World War I’s most famous fighter ace and a symbol of early aerial warfare.
On this day
- 1519 - Leonardo da Vinci dies in Amboise, France, leaving a towering legacy across art, engineering, and scientific inquiry.
- 1611 - The King James Bible is published in England, becoming one of the most influential English-language texts in history.
- 1933 - Gleichschaltung accelerates in Nazi Germany as independent trade unions are dismantled and replaced by state-controlled organizations.
- 2011 - U.S. forces kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in an operation that marks a major moment in the post-9/11 era.