Celebrity Birthdays - June

Jim Belushi has spent most of his career playing the kind of guy who insists he knows the right way to do something—usually right before everything goes spectacularly wrong. According to Jim, he could turn a simple household chore into a full-blown disaster in under five minutes, often with the confidence of a man who definitely did not read the instructions. You get the sense that if Jim were handed a perfectly working remote control, he’d still manage to push one mysterious button and somehow switch the TV to a Bulgarian cooking channel. But that’s the charm—Jim Belushi has always been the guy who means well, tries hard, and occasionally ends up apologizing to the dog.

June 15, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois

Trivia

• He is the younger brother of Saturday Night Live star John Belushi.
• He joined Chicago’s famed Second City before hitting television.
• He starred in the long-running sitcom According to Jim for eight seasons.
• He performs with his blues band, The Sacred Hearts.
• He owns and operates a cannabis farm in Oregon.
• He has written a book about grilling and outdoor cooking.
• He appeared in films alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
• He has hosted and performed at numerous blues festivals.

Katelyn Nacon spent years outrunning zombies on The Walking Dead, which probably makes everyday problems seem pretty manageable. Late for an appointment? At least there’s no horde chasing you. Burnt toast? Still better than canned apocalypse food. After surviving a fictional end of the world, she now writes music, acts in new projects, and enjoys sushi—proving that if you can handle zombies, you can handle just about anything, including early mornings… though she’d still prefer coffee first.

June 11, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia

Trivia

• She gained early attention in the viral short Too Many Cooks.
• She joined The Walking Dead in its fifth season.
• Her character Enid became a fan favorite on the show.
• She is also a singer and songwriter.
• She has released original music.
• She grew up in Georgia and still values time there.
• She is a fan of horror films.

Most people change jobs a few times during their lives. Edward VIII managed to become King of the United Kingdom, reign for less than a year, abdicate the throne, marry the woman he loved, and spend the rest of his life as one of the most talked-about figures in royal history. It is not the traditional career path. In fact, if royal careers came with employee handbooks, Edward's story would probably occupy an entire chapter titled "Please Don't Do This." Yet nearly a century later, his remarkable life remains one of the most fascinating and controversial stories ever to unfold within the British monarchy.

June 23, 1894, in Richmond Park, England

May 28, 1972, in Paris, France

Trivia

• Eldest son of King George V.
• Became Prince of Wales in 1911.
• Served in the British Army during World War I.
• Became King on January 20, 1936.
• Reigned for only 326 days.
• First British monarch to voluntarily abdicate.
• Abdicated on December 11, 1936.
• Married Wallis Simpson in 1937.
• Received the title Duke of Windsor.
• Served as Governor of the Bahamas from 1940 to 1945.

While many artists spend years trying to stand out from the crowd, Cyndi Lauper solved that problem by showing up with brightly colored hair, unforgettable songs, and enough personality to light up an entire decade. From chart-topping hits to Broadway success, she built a career by embracing individuality and encouraging everyone else to do the same. Born on June 22, 1953, Lauper became living proof that being different is often the best career move of all.

June 22, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York

Trivia

• Was a member of the band Blue Angel before going solo.
• Damaged her vocal cords before achieving fame.
• Released She's So Unusual in 1983.
• First female artist with four Top Five singles from a debut album.
• Famous for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."
• Also known for "Time After Time" and "True Colors."
• Won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1985.
• Composed the music and lyrics for the Broadway hit Kinky Boots.

Fred Grandy may be best remembered as Gopher from The Love Boat, but his career took a route most actors never attempt without a very confused travel agent: Hollywood sitcom fame, Congress, nonprofit leadership, radio commentary, and back to performance. Most people leave a cruise with sunburn and a souvenir cup; Grandy left with a public profile sturdy enough to carry him all the way to Washington.

June 29, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa

Trivia

• He played Burl “Gopher” Smith on The Love Boat.
• The Love Boat aired as a regular series from 1977 to 1986.
• Grandy later served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• He represented Iowa in Congress from 1987 to 1995.
• Before acting fame, he worked as an aide to Congressman Wiley Mayne.
• He later served as president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.
• He appeared on The Mindy Project in a recurring role.
• His son Charlie Grandy became a television writer and producer.
• Grandy has reunited with The Love Boat cast for fan events and cruises.

Most people go camping and hope there’s a clean bathroom and maybe a coffee maker nearby. Bear Grylls goes camping and immediately starts chewing on a stick, drinking from a suspicious puddle, and explaining how to cook a beetle over a tiny fire. He’s the only guy who can look at a perfectly good sandwich and say, “No thanks, I’ll just eat this handful of moss instead.” If Bear ever showed up at a backyard barbecue, you just know he’d wander off into the bushes, come back with a handful of leaves, and say, “This is much more nutritious.” And somehow, you’d believe him.

June 7, 1974, in London, England

Trivia

• He earned the nickname “Bear” from his sister when he was a baby.
• He served in the British SAS before becoming a TV star.
• He broke his back in a parachuting accident at age 21.
• He climbed Mount Everest at 23, one of the youngest climbers at the time.
• He has crossed the North Atlantic in an inflatable boat.
• He holds a black belt in Shotokan karate.
• He practices yoga to stay flexible and focused.
• His autobiography Mud, Sweat, and Tears became a bestseller.

Some singers hit the high notes. Don Dokken practically built a career on them. During the glory days of big hair, louder guitars, and amplifiers that could probably be heard from low Earth orbit, Dokken helped create the soundtrack for an entire generation of rock fans who believed volume knobs existed for one purpose only: to be turned all the way up.

June 29, 1953, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Founder and lead vocalist of Dokken.
• Began his recording career in Germany before achieving success in America.
• Breaking the Chains was the band's breakthrough album.
• Under Lock and Key became Dokken's biggest commercial success.
• Back for the Attack reached the Top 20 on the Billboard 200.
• Dream Warriors was written for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
• Received a Grammy nomination with Dokken for Best Metal Performance in 1989.
• Released the solo album Up from the Ashes in 1990.
• Reunited with the classic Dokken lineup in 1993.
• Known for his powerful melodic tenor voice.

There are singers who chase musical trends, and then there are singers who simply walk on stage, grab the microphone, and remind everyone what real rock vocals sound like. Patty Smyth has spent decades doing exactly that. Whether fronting Scandal, recording unforgettable solo hits, or casually turning down an offer that many singers would have considered the opportunity of a lifetime, she's built a career on talent, confidence, and the refreshing habit of doing things her own way.

June 26, 1957, in New York City

Trivia

• Lead singer of the rock band Scandal.
• "The Warrior" became a Top 10 hit in 1984.
• "Goodbye to You" remains one of Scandal's signature songs.
• Released her debut solo album Never Enough in 1987.
• Recorded the No. 2 hit "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" with Don Henley.
• Turned down an offer to replace David Lee Roth in Van Halen.
• Co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song "Look What Love Has Done."
• Married tennis legend John McEnroe in 1997.

Dana Carvey has spent his life proving that a pair of glasses, a funny voice, and a strange wig can change the world. While most people try to avoid awkward silences, Dana built an entire career on them—usually followed by a bizarre impression or a high-pitched giggle. Somewhere out there, there’s probably a drum set, a golf club, and a Church Lady wig all in the same closet, just waiting for their next big moment. And honestly, that sounds like a perfectly reasonable way to live.

June 2, 1955, in Missoula, Montana

Trivia

• Dana Carvey won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1993 for his work on Saturday Night Live.
• His George H. W. Bush impression was so popular that even the president himself praised it.
• He plays multiple musical instruments, including drums and guitar.
• The Dana Carvey Show featured future comedy heavyweights like Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell.
• He voiced the character Pops in The Secret Life of Pets films.

If there were an Olympic event for stealing scenes, Kathy Bates would probably win the gold, thank the judges, comfort the silver medalist, and still have time to terrify an entire audience before the closing credits rolled. Whether she's playing a lovable friend, a fearless survivor, or someone you definitely wouldn't want showing up unannounced at your front door, Bates has a remarkable ability to make every character unforgettable.

June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee

Trivia

• Won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Misery (1990).
• Played Molly Brown in Titanic (1997).
• Starred in Dolores Claiborne, another Stephen King adaptation.
• Has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Directed episodes of Oz, Six Feet Under, NYPD Blue, and Homicide: Life on the Street.
• Is a two-time cancer survivor.
• Actively supports lymphedema awareness through the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.
• Starred in several seasons of American Horror Story.
• Returned to television in the title role of CBS's Matlock reboot.

Ashley Olsen went from delivering toddler one-liners on national television to designing clothing so elegant it probably has its own passport. While most former child stars try to stay famous, Ashley did the opposite—she quietly slipped out the back door of Hollywood and showed up years later running a luxury fashion empire. Somewhere out there, there’s a very expensive, perfectly tailored coat that owes its existence to a kid who once said, “You got it, dude,” while holding a juice box. And honestly, that might be one of the greatest career plot twists in entertainment history.

June 13, 1986, in Sherman Oaks, California

Trivia

• Ashley and Mary-Kate were just nine months old when they were cast on Full House.
• Her full name is Ashley Fuller Olsen.
• The twins became co-presidents of Dualstar at age 18.
• Ashley retired from acting in the early 2010s to focus on fashion.
• The Row started with the simple goal of creating the perfect white T-shirt.
• She and her sister have won multiple CFDA fashion awards.
• Ashley prefers to stay out of the spotlight and rarely gives interviews.

Emily Ratajkowski has the kind of life where one day she’s on a magazine cover, the next she’s launching a fashion line, and the day after that she’s writing essays about culture and identity. Meanwhile, the rest of us feel accomplished if we manage to fold laundry and remember where we left our coffee. She seems to glide through photo shoots, business meetings, and book tours with the confidence of someone who knows exactly what she’s doing—while the rest of us are still trying to remember our email passwords. If multitasking were an Olympic sport, Emily would probably win gold, then design the uniforms, write a thoughtful essay about the experience, and still make it to the after-party on time.

June 7, 1991, in, London, England

Trivia

• She signed with a modeling agency at just 14 years old.
• Her parents are both artists—her father a painter, her mother a writer and professor.
• Her first major film role was in Gone Girl (2014).
• She launched her own fashion brand, Inamorata, in 2017.
• She released a book of essays titled My Body in 2021.
• She is known for her love of vintage clothing and art museums.
• She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2014.
• She has a pet dog that frequently appears on her social media.

Torrey DeVitto has played a violinist, a mysterious older sister, a vampire-adjacent doctor, and a full-on emergency room physician. At this point, if your TV breaks down, she’ll probably show up with a stethoscope, a bow, and a suspicious look, just in case it’s hiding a dark secret. And if a vampire crashes through the window while she’s cooking dinner, she’ll likely just sigh, grab a medical kit, and say, “Not again.” That’s the kind of calm, capable energy she brings to everything—even if the pizza toppings are still up for debate.

June 8, 1984, in Huntington, New York

Trivia

• Torrey's father, Liberty DeVitto, was Billy Joel's drummer.
• She’s a certified yoga instructor.
• Torrey once played the violin in a Tommy Hilfiger commercial.
• She’s a huge fan of the Harry Potter series.
• Torrey has a tattoo of a violin on her left wrist.
• She’s an advocate for veganism and animal rights.
• Torrey has a degree in psychology.

Most people celebrate a birthday by blowing out candles and hoping for a nice dinner. Elon Musk celebrates by launching rockets, building electric cars, digging tunnels, developing brain-computer technology, debating artificial intelligence, and occasionally rewriting the day's news before breakfast. Keeping up with him can feel less like following a businessman and more like trying to read tomorrow's headlines a day early.

June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa

Trivia

• Holds degrees in economics and physics from the University of Pennsylvania.
• Co-founded Zip2 before helping create PayPal.
• Founded SpaceX in 2002.
• Became CEO of Tesla in 2008.
• Acquired Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X in 2023.
• Co-founded Neuralink and The Boring Company.
• Has appeared as himself in The Simpsons, The Big Bang Theory, and Rick and Morty.
• Has long promoted the goal of establishing a human settlement on Mars.
• Has frequently ranked among the world's wealthiest people.

Barry Manilow has spent decades proving that you don’t need leather pants, smashed guitars, or a stage dive to be a rock star—you just need a piano, a tuxedo, and a melody that refuses to leave people’s heads for the next 40 years. He wrote songs about showgirls, Copacabana dancers, and even Mandy, whoever she was, and somehow convinced the world that emotional ballads and soft lighting could fill arenas. His concerts often look less like rock shows and more like elegant reunions where thousands of fans sing along in perfect harmony, waving programs instead of lighters. And somewhere in the middle of it all, Barry sits at the piano, smiling calmly, knowing full well that he’s got the entire crowd humming his tunes all the way home.

June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York

Trivia

• Barry Manilow was born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York.
• His birth name was Barry Alan Pincus, and he later adopted his mother's maiden name, Manilow, professionally.
• Barry's big break came in 1974 with his hit single "Mandy," which topped the charts and launched his career.
• He has sold over 85 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
• Barry is a self-proclaimed "tech geek" who enjoys staying up to date on the latest technology trends.

Some people collect awards. Some collect movie roles. Meryl Streep appears to have collected entire careers. Over the course of more than five decades, she has transformed herself into prime ministers, chefs, singers, authors, fashion editors, and just about anyone else Hollywood could imagine. If acting were an Olympic sport, there would probably be a rule limiting how many medals one person could win. Born on June 22, 1949, Meryl Streep has spent a lifetime setting a standard that leaves audiences impressed, critics scrambling for new compliments, and fellow actors wondering if she secretly has extra hours in her day.

June 22, 1949 in Summit, New Jersey

Trivia

• Her full name is Mary Louise Streep.
• The nickname "Meryl" was invented by her father.
• Graduated from Vassar College in 1971.
• Earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama in 1975.
• Made her film debut in Julia (1977).
• Received her first Oscar nomination for The Deer Hunter (1978).
• Won her first Academy Award for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
• Won Best Actress Oscars for Sophie's Choice and The Iron Lady.
• Originally trained as a singer before focusing on acting.
• Known for her ability to perform a wide variety of accents.
• Has won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
• Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses in film history.

Paul Schulze has played so many serious, intense characters that you half-expect him to walk into a room and immediately start delivering a speech about life, morality, or a looming federal crisis. He’s been a priest who loved pasta a little too much, a government agent who took his job very seriously, and a pharmacist with a heart bigger than his common sense. If there’s ever a TV show about a deeply conflicted man standing in a dimly lit room, looking worried while holding a cup of coffee, Paul Schulze is probably already cast. And honestly, he’ll probably be the best part of the scene.

June 12, 1962, in New York City

Trivia

• He studied acting at SUNY Purchase.
• He played Father Phil Intintola on The Sopranos.
• He portrayed Ryan Chappelle on 24.
• He appeared in the thriller Panic Room with Jodie Foster.
• He starred as Eddie Walzer on Nurse Jackie.
• Schulze has appeared in multiple Law & Order episodes.
• He has a strong background in theater.
• He often plays intense or morally complex characters.

Before there was Auto-Tune, vocal coaches, or pop stars lip-syncing through fog machines, there was Ann Wilson — belting out rock ballads with enough force to knock the hairspray off the '70s. Today, we crank the volume and raise a lighter (real or app-based) to celebrate the birthday of the woman who made “Crazy on You” feel like a spiritual awakening. If you've ever attempted to hit one of her high notes in the car, you already know: there’s only one Ann.

June 19, 1950, in San Diego, California

Trivia

• She moved frequently due to her father's military career, which exposed her to various cultures and music styles.
• Ann is best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Heart, which she formed with her sister Nancy Wilson.
• Ann is an accomplished flautist who often incorporated the instrument into Heart’s music.
• She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and supports several animal welfare organizations.
• Despite her rock star persona, she enjoys knitting and often makes handmade gifts for friends and family.

If Lucy Hale ever decided to quit acting, she could probably start a very successful second career as a professional coffee taster, dog spoiler, and part-time karaoke champion. She’s the kind of person who looks effortlessly stylish in a designer gown on the red carpet and then five minutes later is at home in sweatpants, baking cookies, and arguing with her dog about who actually runs the house. (Spoiler: it’s the dog.) With her mix of charm, talent, and caffeine-fueled enthusiasm, it’s no wonder she keeps landing roles—Hollywood clearly knows a good leading lady when it sees one.

June 14, 1989, in Memphis, Tennessee

Trivia

• She was homeschooled during her early acting career.
• She once had a cameo in the Scream 4 opening sequence.
• Lucy is a big fan of classic country music, including artists like Shania Twain and Faith Hill.
• She has said that Friends is one of her favorite comfort shows.
• Lucy has a tattoo that reads “Light” as a reminder to stay positive.
• She originally auditioned for the role of Hanna on Pretty Little Liars before being cast as Aria.

If there’s one thing Michael J. Fox has taught us, it’s that no matter what timeline you land in, a little humor goes a long way. This is a man who accidentally created the coolest high school dance in movie history, turned city hall into a comedy club, and made a talking mouse feel like the bravest little hero on the planet. Most people would be satisfied with just one of those accomplishments, but Michael managed all three—and still found time to change the world offscreen. If life ever feels complicated, just remember his approach: keep your sense of humor, hug your family, and, if possible, keep a DeLorean on standby. You never know when you might need a quick trip to a better day.

June 9, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Trivia

• Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000.
• He won four Golden Globe Awards and five Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Fox provided the voice for the character Stuart Little in the "Stuart Little" film series.
• He authored several books, including his memoir "Lucky Man" (2002).
• Fox was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2000.
• He starred in the TV series "Spin City" (1996–2001), earning him three Golden Globe Awards.
• Fox received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from New York University in 2008.

Chris Isaak has spent decades proving that a guitar, a velvet voice, and a sharp suit never go out of style. While many musicians chase the latest trends, Isaak has happily wandered down his own road, sounding as though he stepped out of a classic recording studio in the 1950s and somehow landed in the modern era. The result? Songs that are timeless, concerts packed with laughter as well as music, and a career that's been anything but a Wicked Game.

June 26, 1956, in Stockton, California

Trivia

• Best known for the hit song Wicked Game.
• Formed the band Silvertone in the early 1980s.
• Earned degrees in English and communications.
• Studied in Japan during college.
• Inspired by Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.
• Known for his soaring falsetto vocals.
• Starred in The Chris Isaak Show on Showtime.
• Hosted The Chris Isaak Hour.
• Appeared in The Silence of the Lambs.
• Appeared in David Lynch's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.
• Released more than a dozen studio albums.
• Continues to tour with his longtime band Silvertone.