Celebrity Birthdays - May

Some actors walk into a scene like they own the place—Judge Reinhold walks in like he’s pretty sure he parked in the wrong spot and hopes no one notices. And that’s exactly why he works. He’s the guy who looks like he read the instructions, followed them carefully… and still somehow made things worse. Whether he’s chasing crooks in Beverly Hills or trying to out-logic Santa Claus, Reinhold perfected the fine art of looking confident right up until the moment everything falls apart.

May 21, 1957, in Wilmington, Delaware

Trivia

• He starred in over 75 film and television roles across his career.
• He played Brad Hamilton in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a film now preserved by the Library of Congress.
• He appeared in all Beverly Hills Cop films, including the 2024 sequel.
• He earned an Emmy nomination for his guest role on Seinfeld.
• His “everyman” persona became his trademark in Hollywood comedies.

While most teenagers are busy figuring out how to tune one guitar and maybe impress someone at a school dance, Mike Oldfield was off in a corner quietly assembling a full-blown musical universe like a man building a cathedral out of sound. No lyrics, no flashy gimmicks—just layer after layer of instruments, all played by the same fellow who probably didn’t even look up when history knocked on the door. Somewhere out there, a drummer is still waiting for his cue… and Mike already recorded the whole album without him.

May 15, 1953, in Reading, England

Trivia

• He recorded Tubular Bells at just 19 years old.
• He played over 20 different instruments on that album.
• The album was the first release on Virgin Records.
• Its theme became famous through The Exorcist.
• Tubular Bells has sold roughly 15 million copies worldwide.
• He began composing the album as a teenager (around age 17).
• The original album is one continuous piece split into two parts.
• He has worked across genres including rock, folk, ambient, and new age.

Fire up the DeLorean and set the clock to “celebration” — it’s Lea Thompson’s birthday! The Back to the Future star stole our hearts as Lorraine Baines McFly and somehow made time travel family drama look adorable.

Beyond Hill Valley, Thompson has danced with Howard the Duck, directed episodes of hit shows, and kept fans grinning through decades of movies and TV. Today we raise a glass — preferably one that won’t mess up the space-time continuum — to a woman who’s still making Hollywood feel like the ’80s never ended.

May 31, 1961, in Rochester, Minnesota

Trivia

• Early Ballet Career: Before becoming an actress, Lea Thompson was a professional ballet dancer. She trained at the American Ballet Theatre and the San Francisco Ballet but shifted to acting due to injuries.
• Family Ties: Thompson's husband, Howard Deutch, directed her in the films "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Article 99." Their collaboration is a testament to their strong personal and professional relationship.
• Voice Acting: Lea Thompson has lent her voice to several animated projects, including "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby" and the video game "Kingdom Hearts II," showcasing her versatility as a performer.

John Wayne wasn’t just an actor — he was the cowboy, the lawman, the tough-as-rawhide American hero who defined an entire era of cinema. With that slow drawl, iconic walk, and presence that could fill a wide-open prairie, Wayne turned every Western into a lesson in grit, honor, and the importance of a good hat. From Stagecoach to True Grit, he became the face of rugged individualism, the man you wanted on your side in a gunfight — or at least to have your back when the cattle stampede started. Even decades after his passing, John Wayne’s shadow still stretches across the Hollywood hills like a setting sun. If you tip your hat today, make sure it’s a Stetson — the Duke wouldn’t have it any other way.

May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa

June 11, 1979, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• The Duke: Wayne's nickname, "The Duke," originated from his childhood pet dog. The dog, named Duke, accompanied him everywhere, leading locals to refer to them both as "Little Duke" and "Big Duke."
• War Service: Although he portrayed many military heroes, Wayne never served in the armed forces, which led to some criticism during his career.
• Unreleased Projects: Wayne had planned to star in and direct a film about Genghis Khan, but the project never materialized.

Busta Rhymes is hip-hop’s human adrenaline shot — fast, fierce, and full of personality. Known for his lightning-speed flow and explosive delivery, Busta turned tracks like Break Ya Neck and Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See into full-on sonic assaults (the fun kind). He’s been a force in rap since the ‘90s, collaborating with everyone from Janet Jackson to Chris Brown, and somehow always stealing the spotlight. With his larger-than-life style and unstoppable energy, Busta proves that hip-hop can be both technically jaw-dropping and wildly fun. His birthday deserves a booming bass line, a packed dance floor, and a few breathless fans wondering how he still raps faster than anyone else.

May 20, 1972, in East Flatbush, New York

Trivia

• Busta Rhymes was given his stage name by Chuck D of Public Enemy, inspired by NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes.
• He has a distinctive rapid-fire rapping style, often considered one of the fastest and most intricate in hip-hop.
• Busta Rhymes has appeared in films such as "Higher Learning" (1995), "Shaft" (2000), and "Halloween: Resurrection" (2002).
• He is a devoted father of six children and often shares his love for his family on social media.

Some actors stick to one genre and make it their home. Rosario Dawson seems to treat genres like frequent flyer miles—collect them all, use them often, and never stay in one place too long. One minute she’s in a gritty indie film, the next she’s patching up superheroes, and then suddenly she’s wielding a lightsaber like it’s just another day at the office. At this point, if she showed up in a western, a sci-fi comedy, and a historical drama all in the same week, no one would blink—they’d just assume she’s keeping busy.

May 9, 1979, in New York City

Trivia

• Discovered as a teenager, leading to her debut in Kids (1995)
• Starred in Sin City
• Played Claire Temple across Marvel’s Netflix series
• Portrayed Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka
• Known for roles in both film and television across multiple genres
• Active in political and social causes
• Has done extensive voice acting work in animated films and series

Some people leave behind statues, others leave behind books. Russell Stover left behind chocolate—and honestly, that might be the smartest legacy of the bunch. Because while history books gather dust, a good box of chocolates disappears faster than you can say, “I’ll just have one more.”

May 6, 1888, in Alton, Kansas

May 11, 1954, in Miami, Florida

Trivia

• He co-founded his candy business with his wife, Clara Stover.
• His company became known for boxed chocolates.
• The brand grew during the Great Depression as an affordable treat.
• Russell Stover Candies became a major U.S. chocolate producer.
• His name remains on the brand decades after his passing.
• His chocolates are especially popular during holidays.
• He helped popularize boxed chocolates as gifts.

Jermaine Fowler is one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars, bringing sharp wit and big energy to everything he does. From his breakthrough stand-up to starring in shows like Superior Donuts and popping up in Coming 2 America, Jermaine has a knack for mixing clever humor with genuine heart. He’s the kind of performer who can make you laugh out loud one second and nod thoughtfully the next, which makes him one to watch as his career keeps climbing. His birthday should be celebrated with laughter, a packed crowd, and maybe a mic drop or two to keep things official.

May 16, 1988, in Washington, D.C.,

Trivia

• Jermaine Fowler has a twin brother named Jerome, and they often collaborated on early comedy projects.
• He made history as the first African-American to be the announcer for the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017.
• Fowler’s debut comedy special, "Give 'Em Hell, Kid," premiered on Showtime in 2017, receiving positive reviews for its humor and personal storytelling.
• In addition to his work in front of the camera, Fowler is also an accomplished writer, having penned scripts for various TV projects.

Don’t look back in anger — just grab a pint and celebrate, because it’s Noel Gallagher’s birthday! The former Oasis guitarist and chief songwriter gave us some of the most singalong-worthy anthems of the ’90s, turned sibling rivalry into a Britpop spectator sport, and still manages to pack arenas with his High Flying Birds. Whether he’s writing music that fills stadiums or dropping quotes that fill tabloids, Gallagher remains rock ’n’ roll’s favorite straight-talking poet — and today, he gets the spotlight all to himself.

May 29, 1967, in Manchester, England

Trivia

• Noel Gallagher wrote “Live Forever,” one of Oasis’ biggest hits, as a response to the nihilistic attitude of grunge music, particularly Nirvana’s “I Hate Myself and Want to Die.”
• He played a significant role in the resurgence of interest in British rock music in the 1990s, often seen as a counter to the American grunge movement.
• Despite his tough exterior, Gallagher has a soft spot for his pets and is a dedicated dog owner.

Rita Coolidge has one of those voices that makes you stop what you’re doing, sit down, and reconsider your life choices—mostly why you’re not listening to more Rita Coolidge. She didn’t chase trends, didn’t need gimmicks, and never had to shout to be heard. While everyone else was turning up the volume, she quietly walked in, sang a note, and owned the room.

Born May 1, 1945, in Lafayette, Tennessee

Trivia

• She has Cherokee heritage and has recorded music reflecting her roots.
• She began her career as a session singer for major artists.
• She toured with Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen group.
• Her hit “We’re All Alone” became one of her signature songs.
• She won Grammy Awards for duets with Kris Kristofferson.
• She participated in the recording of We Are the World in 1985.
• She has enjoyed a career spanning multiple decades and genres.

Eleanor Tomlinson has a knack for bringing period dramas to life with warmth and spark, most famously as Demelza in Poldark, where she stole hearts, traded banter with Aidan Turner, and made 18th-century Cornwall look impossibly romantic. She’s since taken on everything from fantasy adventures to modern dramas, proving she’s just as comfortable with a sword as she is with a sharp comeback. With her striking red hair and captivating screen presence, Eleanor lights up every scene she’s in. Her birthday should be celebrated with a windswept coastal walk, a roaring fire, and maybe a toast in a rustic tavern — Demelza style.

May 19, 1992, in London, England

Trivia

• Eleanor comes from a family with a strong acting background. Her father, Malcolm Tomlinson, is an actor and horse racing commentator, and her brother, Ross Tomlinson, is also an actor.
• She is known for her striking red hair, which she dyed for her role in "Poldark." Naturally a brunette, the change became a signature look for her during the series.
• Tomlinson is an advocate for women's rights and often speaks out on issues of gender equality in the entertainment industry.

If British acting had a secret ingredient, it might just be whatever Richard E. Grant has been sprinkling into his performances for the last four decades. Equal parts elegance, eccentricity, and “did he just say that?”, he’s the cinematic equivalent of a perfectly brewed cup of tea—comforting, refined, and occasionally strong enough to wake you right up.

May 5, 1957, in Mbabane, Swaziland (now Eswatini)

Trivia

• He cannot tolerate alcohol, despite his famous drunken role in Withnail and I.
• He received an Oscar nomination for Can You Ever Forgive Me?
• He has appeared in both Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• He studied English and drama at the University of Cape Town.
• He’s a longtime fan of Barbra Streisand.
• He has worked as an actor, presenter, writer, and even a perfumer.

Some actors chase the spotlight. Alley Mills seems to have politely nodded, poured a cup of coffee, and let the spotlight come to her. She’s the kind of on-screen presence who can calm a chaotic room with a single glance—the television equivalent of “everyone take a breath.” Whether she’s playing a mom, a confidante, or the one person who clearly sees what’s going on before anyone else does, she brings a steady hand to the scene. And let’s face it, in a world full of dramatic plot twists and over-the-top moments, every show could use a little Alley Mills energy to keep things from completely flying off the rails.

Born May 9, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois

Trivia

• Attended Yale University for drama
• Best known as Norma Arnold on The Wonder Years
• Played Marjorie Quinn on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
• Starred as Pamela Douglas on The Bold and the Beautiful
• Married Orson Bean in 1993
• Comes from a family involved in writing and television
• Known for portraying strong, grounded maternal characters

Miles Davis didn’t just play jazz — he reinvented it, then did it again, and again, just to keep everyone else on their toes. With his trumpet, he could turn a single note into a whole mood — cool, moody, and just a little dangerous, like that guy at the party you can’t decide is a genius or trouble (spoiler: he was both). From Kind of Blue to Bitches Brew, Miles was never content to sit still, dragging jazz forward whether the rest of the world was ready or not. He was equal parts innovator and iconoclast, rocking sharp suits and an attitude that said, “Catch up or get out of the way.” If music had a Mount Rushmore, Miles Davis would be up there — probably wearing shades, probably unimpressed, and definitely cooler than everyone else.

May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois

September 28, 1991, in Santa Monica, California

Trivia

• Name Change: He was born Miles Dewey Davis III but often dropped the "III" in his professional life.
• Artistic Talents: In addition to his musical genius, Davis was an accomplished painter and often used his art as a form of expression and relaxation.
• Film Scoring: Davis ventured into film scoring, most notably for the French film "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" (Elevator to the Gallows) in 1958, which is regarded as a classic example of jazz in cinema.

Russell Hornsby has built a career playing characters with quiet strength and commanding presence, the kind of roles that stick with you long after the credits roll. From his breakout as Hank Griffin in Grimm to his powerful performances in Fences and The Hate U Give, Hornsby brings depth and gravitas to everything he does. More recently, he’s turned heads as boxing promoter Don King in Mike and as the lead in BMF, proving he can carry both historical figures and high-stakes dramas with equal weight. His birthday deserves a standing ovation, a thoughtful toast, and maybe a story or two about the many worlds he’s brought to life on screen.

May 15, 1974, in Oakland, California

Trivia

• Hornsby is an accomplished stage actor and has performed in numerous theater productions, including August Wilson's "Fences" and "Jitney."
• He is a devoted family man and often shares insights about balancing his professional career with his personal life.
• Hornsby has a background in sports and was an avid football player during his youth, which has influenced some of his roles, particularly those involving physicality and athleticism.
• He is known for his distinctive voice and has lent his vocal talents to several audiobooks and animated projects.

If careers came with instruction manuals, Stephen Baldwin’s would’ve been tossed out sometime in the mid-’90s—right around the moment he went from a sharp crime thriller to a dome full of questionable decisions and air filtration systems. And you know what? Good for him. While others carefully mapped out their Hollywood trajectories with charts and five-year plans, Baldwin seemed to prefer the “let’s see what happens if I press this button” approach. The result is a career that’s unpredictable, occasionally baffling, and never boring—which, in an industry full of copy-and-paste careers, is actually pretty refreshing.

May 12, 1966, in Massapequa, New York

Trivia

• Breakout film role in The Usual Suspects (1995)
• Starred in cult comedy Bio-Dome (1996)
• Appeared in the TV series The Young Riders
• Became a born-again Christian in the early 2000s
• Married to Kennya Baldwin since 1990
• Father of model Hailey Bieber
• Has worked in both mainstream and faith-based films
• Known for taking unconventional career paths

Louis Farrakhan is not the kind of speaker who warms up a room—he walks in and the room adjusts itself. Whether you agree with him, disagree with him, or find yourself somewhere in the middle, one thing’s certain: you’re not checking your watch five minutes into the speech. He has that rare ability to hold attention the old-fashioned way—no gimmicks, no shortcuts, just a microphone, a message, and the kind of delivery that makes people sit up a little straighter whether they planned to or not.

May 11, 1933, in New York City

Trivia

• Former professional violinist
• Longtime leader of the Nation of Islam
• Studied under Elijah Muhammad
• Re-established the Nation of Islam in 1977
• Organizer of the Million Man March in 1995
• Known for his powerful public speaking
• A highly influential and controversial public figure
• Active in public life for several decades

Jewel went from living in her car to living on the charts, proving that a big voice and bigger determination can turn struggle into stardom. With heartfelt hits like Who Will Save Your Soul and You Were Meant for Me, she became the soundtrack of the ‘90s for anyone who ever stared out a rainy window feeling deep and poetic. Over the years, Jewel has explored pop, country, and folk, always staying true to her storytelling roots — and occasionally reminding us that she can yodel like nobody’s business. Her birthday deserves an acoustic guitar, a campfire, and a chorus of friends singing along under the stars.

May 23, 1974, in Payson, Utah

Trivia

• Jewel's initial passion was for opera, and she received formal training at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan.
• She is a skilled yodeler, a talent she inherited from her father, Atz Kilcher, who is also a musician.
• Jewel made a guest appearance on the popular TV show "The Lyon's Den," showcasing her acting chops alongside Rob Lowe.
• An advocate for mental health, Jewel founded the Never Broken Foundation, which provides resources and tools for emotional well-being.
• In addition to her artistic talents, Jewel is also an entrepreneur, launching a line of jewelry that reflects her rustic, bohemian style.

Khary Payton has one of the most recognizable voices in animation — and one of the most commanding presences on screen. Fans know him as King Ezekiel from The Walking Dead, the dreadlocked, tiger-owning leader who somehow made a post-apocalyptic world feel a little more regal. But long before he was ruling over the Kingdom, Khary was voicing the ever-energetic Cyborg on Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!, making “Booyah!” a permanent part of the cartoon lexicon. Whether he’s leading survivors or cracking jokes in the recording booth, Khary brings charisma to every role. His birthday should be celebrated with cake, a royal decree, and maybe a giant CGI tiger just to keep things dramatic.

May 16, 1972, in Augusta, Georgia

Trivia

• Khary Payton began his career in theater and won the 1995 Irene Ryan Award for best actor in the nation.
• He has voiced over 90 characters in his career, demonstrating his incredible range and versatility.
• Payton is an advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, often speaking out about the importance of inclusive storytelling.
• He has two children and often shares the joys and challenges of fatherhood with his fans.

Mark Zuckerberg is the hoodie-wearing tech mogul who turned a college project into Facebook, then turned Facebook into the reason your aunt shares Minion memes at 3 a.m. He’s the architect of the social media empire that made “liking” a post an international pastime and “unfriending” a legitimate act of war. Whether he’s connecting the world or talking about the metaverse with that unblinking CEO stare, Zuck somehow manages to look like he’s both 19 and running the future at the same time.

May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York

Trivia

• Mark Zuckerberg created an early messaging program for his family at age 12 called “ZuckNet.”
• He turned down a $1 billion offer from Yahoo to buy Facebook in 2006.
• Zuckerberg only earns a base salary of $1 per year as Meta’s CEO.
• He is color-blind to red and green, which is one reason Facebook’s main color is blue.
• He once set a personal challenge to eat only meat from animals he hunted himself for a year.

Matt Stone is the man who helped unleash South Park on the world — and we’ve been laughing, cringing, and occasionally gasping ever since. Along with creative partner Trey Parker, Stone turned a crude little animated short into one of the longest-running, sharpest-tongued comedies on television. Nothing is sacred in Matt’s world — politicians, celebrities, social trends — if it exists, he’s probably skewered it in construction-paper animation. Beyond South Park, he’s co-written Broadway hits like The Book of Mormon, proving he can be both wildly inappropriate and critically acclaimed at the same time (a rare talent). If you’re celebrating Matt’s birthday, be warned: the cake might sing, the candles might curse, and somewhere, Cartman is probably plotting to eat the whole thing.

May 26, 1971, in Houston, Texas

Trivia

• Educational Background: Stone attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he met Trey Parker. The two began collaborating on various projects, including the short film "The Spirit of Christmas," which laid the groundwork for "South Park."
• Voice Talent: Stone voices several key characters in "South Park," including Kyle Broflovski and Butters Stotch.
• Philanthropy: Stone and Parker have donated millions to various causes, including education and the arts, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the community.