January 1, 1939

1939Michèle Mercier, French actress^[†]

Michèle Mercier is a French actress. In the course of her career she has worked with leading directors like François Truffaut, Jean-Pierre Melville, Jacques Deray, Dino Risi, Mario Monicelli, Mario Bava, Peter Collinson and Ken Annakin. Her leading men have included Marcello Mastroianni, Vittorio Gassman, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Gabin, Charles Aznavour, Robert Hossein, Charles Bronson, Tony Curtis and Charlton Heston. She has appeared in over fifty films, and is best known for her starring role in Angelique, Marquise des Anges.

1939Phil Read, English motorcycle racer and businessman (died 2022)^[†]

Phillip William Read, was an English professional motorcycle racer. He competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1961 to 1976. Read is notable for being the first competitor to win world championships in the 125 cc, 250 cc and 500 cc classes. Although he was often overshadowed by his contemporary, Mike Hailwood, he won seven FIM Grand Prix road racing world championships.

1939Senfronia Thompson, American politician^[†]

Senfronia Calpernia Thompson is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, she has represented the 141st district in the Texas House of Representatives since 1973. She is the former dean of women legislators in Texas and is the longest-serving African American or female lawmaker in state history. She has been elected to 25 terms in office.

1939Younoussi Touré, Malian politician, Prime Minister of Mali (died 2022)^[†]

Younoussi Touré was a Malian politician. He was Prime Minister of Mali from 9 June 1992 to 12 April 1993 and was the first prime minister appointed under President Alpha Oumar Konaré. Touré was the president of the Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD), a political party, from 2003 to 2014. He was First Vice-President of the National Assembly from 2007 to 2012 and President of the National Assembly from 2012 to 2013.