Celebrity Birthdays - May

Kumail Nanjiani is what happens when sharp intelligence, dry humor, and an unexpected superhero transformation all decide to share the same body. One minute he’s delivering perfectly awkward punchlines, the next he’s starring in a Marvel movie looking like he’s been secretly bench-pressing entire cities. It’s the kind of career path that makes you think, “Well, there’s no traditional roadmap for that,” and frankly, that’s what makes it so fun to watch.

May 2, 1978, in Karachi, Pakistan

Trivia

• He moved to the United States to attend Grinnell College.
• He studied computer science and philosophy.
• He gained fame as Dinesh on Silicon Valley.
• He co-wrote and starred in The Big Sick, based on his real life.
• The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
• He played Kingo in Marvel’s Eternals.
• He is married to writer and producer Emily V. Gordon.

Lizzy Greene managed to do something most of us never quite pulled off—figure things out while growing up in front of a camera and somehow make it look easy. While the rest of us were awkwardly navigating school, she was delivering lines, hitting marks, and building a career. Not bad for someone who started out playing a kid dealing with siblings and ended up handling much heavier material on prime-time television.

May 1, 2003, in Dallas, Texas

Trivia

• She gained fame on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.
• She played Dawn Harper, the only girl among four siblings.
• She later starred in A Million Little Things.
• She successfully transitioned from comedy to drama roles.
• She began acting at a young age.
• She has expressed interest in working behind the camera.
• She has built her career steadily without major controversy.

In a world where most people hit snooze three times just to face a regular workday, Linda Evangelista once made it clear she wasn’t even opening one eye for less than five figures. And honestly, fair enough. When your job involves redefining beauty standards before breakfast, you’ve probably earned the right to negotiate with the alarm clock. The rest of us are just trying to find matching socks—she was out there setting the price of the entire industry.

May 10, 1965, in St. Catharines, Canada

Trivia

• Known for her famous quote about not working for less than $10,000 a day.
• Frequently changed her hairstyle and look, earning a reputation as a “chameleon.”
• Worked alongside Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford.
• Appeared on numerous international fashion magazine covers.
• Collaborated with top photographers and designers.
• Took breaks from modeling to focus on her personal life.
• Later spoke publicly about health challenges affecting her appearance.
• Remains one of the most influential models in fashion history.

George Strait is country music royalty, plain and simple. Known as the “King of Country,” he’s racked up more number-one hits than just about anyone in history, with classics like Amarillo by Morning and Check Yes or No becoming the soundtrack of countless road trips and rodeos. Strait’s style is timeless — clean, traditional country with just the right mix of heartbreak and honky-tonk swagger. Even now, he’s still filling stadiums and proving that cowboy hats never go out of style. His birthday should be celebrated with a dance floor under the stars, a fiddle in the band, and a Texas-sized toast to the man who kept country true.

May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas

Trivia

• He holds the record for the most number-one songs in any genre, with more than 60 chart-toppers across his career.
• Before his music career took off, he served in the U.S. Army and performed with an Army-sponsored band called Rambling Country.
• His Cowboy Rides Away Tour finale in 2014 set the record for the largest indoor concert in North America, drawing over 104,000 fans to AT&T Stadium in Texas.
• Despite decades of superstardom, he’s famous for keeping a low profile, often heading straight back to his Texas ranch instead of the usual celebrity party circuit.

There are people who spend years knocking on Hollywood’s door… and then there’s Rachel Zegler, who more or less walked up, sang a song, and had the door flung wide open. Not kicked in—no need for that—just opened with a polite “Oh, you’re the one we’ve been looking for.” It’s the kind of debut story that sounds suspiciously like a movie plot, which is fitting, because that’s exactly where it led her.

May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey

Trivia

• Was selected from over 30,000 applicants for the role of Maria
• Began performing in school and local theater productions
• Known for her powerful soprano voice
• Played Lucy Gray Baird in a Hunger Games prequel
• Cast as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake
• Frequently shares musical performances on social media
• Has Colombian and Polish heritage
• Started her film career as a teenager
• One of the youngest actresses to win a Golden Globe in her category

Ron Isley doesn’t rush a song—he lets it come to him like a man who knows dinner’s already paid for. There’s a confidence there that says he’s seen every trend, heard every new style, and still isn’t the least bit worried about keeping up. Why would he be? When your voice sounds like it’s been aging in a velvet-lined barrel for decades, you don’t chase the moment—the moment politely waits for you.

May 21, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio

Trivia

• Lead singer of The Isley Brothers.
• Known for the hit song “Shout.”
• Introduced the “Mr. Biggs” persona in the 2000s.
• Career spans more than six decades.
• Influenced artists across R&B, funk, and hip-hop.

Tina Fey is comedy’s ultimate triple threat — writer, actress, and the queen of perfectly-timed sarcasm. She made Saturday Night Live smarter, gave us the endlessly quotable Mean Girls, and created 30 Rock, which remains one of the funniest, most self-aware sitcoms ever made. Fey’s humor is razor-sharp but somehow always warm, the kind that makes you laugh while also thinking, “Ouch, that was a little too true.” Her birthday should be celebrated with witty banter, pink frosting (but only on Wednesdays), and at least one awkward but brilliant Liz Lemon dance.

May 18, 1970, Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania

Trivia

• Tina Fey has a distinctive scar on the left side of her face, the result of an attack by a stranger when she was five years old. She has rarely spoken about it publicly, choosing instead to focus on her work.
• She was once voted “Worst-Dressed” in her high school yearbook, which makes her later red-carpet success a satisfying little plot twist.
• Fey was the youngest female head writer in Saturday Night Live history when she took the job at age 29.
• She and Amy Poehler made history by becoming the first female duo to host the Golden Globe Awards, and they were invited back multiple times because audiences loved their chemistry.
• Tina Fey is a trained improviser and spent nearly a decade performing with Chicago’s Second City before her television career took off.

Kerry Ingram may have started her career belting it out on the West End as the original Matilda — earning herself an Olivier Award before most of us learned to properly fold a fitted sheet — but she really caught global attention by playing Shireen Baratheon on Game of Thrones. Yes, the sweet, grayscale-scarred princess who somehow managed to teach both Davos and the audience to read (no small feat). Kerry’s bright, mischievous energy off-screen makes it all the more shocking that Westeros didn’t protect her at all costs — justice for Shireen! Outside of fantasy drama, she continues to act, sing, and charm fans on social media, where she somehow makes even the most random posts feel like a personal pep talk. If birthdays are for celebrating survival, Kerry deserves extra cake for surviving Game of Thrones — at least in spirit.

May 26, 1999, in Slough, Berkshire, England

Trivia

• Musical Talent: Ingram is a talented singer and often shares videos of herself singing on social media. She has expressed interest in pursuing music alongside her acting career.
• Active on Social Media: Ingram enjoys interacting with her fans and often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life and work on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
• Charity Work: She is involved in various charitable activities and uses her platform to raise awareness about osteogenesis imperfecta and other causes she is passionate about.

Queen Victoria turned monarchy into a full-time event — and she did it for more than six decades. She took the throne at just 18 and spent the next 63 years expanding the British Empire, steering the country through industrial change, and making “Victorian” practically synonymous with the 19th century. She loved her husband, Prince Albert, so fiercely that when he died, she spent the rest of her life in black — setting the standard for dramatic royal mourning. Yet, beneath the stern portraits, Victoria had a sharp wit and a big personality, one that helped shape Britain’s identity well into the modern era. Her birthday deserves a royal procession, a tower of scones, and maybe a commemorative teacup or two.

May 24, 1819, in London, England

January 22, 1901, on the Isle of Wight, England

Trivia

• Queen Victoria proposed to Prince Albert, reversing traditional gender roles. They were deeply in love and had nine children together.
• She survived several assassination attempts, demonstrating her resilience and the loyalty of her subjects.
• Victoria was the first known carrier of hemophilia, a genetic disorder, which she passed on to several of her descendants, affecting royal families across Europe.
• She was known for her strict adherence to mourning customs. After Prince Albert's death, she wore black for the rest of her life and limited public appearances, earning her the nickname "Widow of Windsor."

Tracey Gold became America’s favorite sister as Carol Seaver on Growing Pains, delivering wisecracks, heartfelt moments, and enough sibling rivalry to keep things interesting. She was the grounded, brainy heart of the show, and her performance helped make the Seaver family a primetime staple in the ’80s and ’90s. Beyond the sitcom world, Tracey has continued acting and advocating, using her own experiences to speak out on important health issues and inspire others. Her birthday deserves a nostalgic sing-along to that Growing Pains theme song and a family-style celebration — laugh track optional.

May 16, 1969, in New York City

Trivia

• Tracey Gold changed her last name from Fisher to Gold after her stepfather, Harry Goldstein, adopted her.
• She wrote a memoir titled "Room to Grow: An Appetite for Life" (2003), where she shares her experiences with anorexia and her path to recovery.
• Gold competed on the reality TV show "Celebrity Wife Swap" in 2013, where she swapped lives with actress Carnie Wilson.
• She is married to Roby Marshall, and they have four sons together.

Some actors chew scenery. Others deliver speeches. And then there was Gary Cooper—a man who could stare into the distance, say ten words, and somehow out-act an entire cast doing Shakespeare at full volume. If Hollywood ever handed out awards for “doing the absolute least while still being completely unforgettable,” Cooper would’ve needed a second trophy shelf.

May 7, 1901, in Helena, Montana

May 13, 1961, in Holmby Hills, California

Trivia

• Won two Academy Awards for Best Actor (Sergeant York and High Noon)
• Received an honorary Oscar in 1961 for his career
• Starred in over 80 films across a 36-year career
• One of the top box-office stars for decades
• Frequently played Western heroes and principled characters
• Began his career as a film extra and stunt rider
• Had a well-known on-screen and off-screen partnership with many major actresses

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.

Long before jump scares and masked maniacs started doing all the heavy lifting, Vincent Price proved that true terror could be delivered with impeccable diction, arched eyebrows, and the sort of smile that suggested he knew exactly where the bodies were buried. He was horror with class, menace with manners, and perhaps the only man who could sound both charming and deeply unsettling while discussing fine art or haunted mansions. With Price, fear wasn’t just frightening—it was stylish.

May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri

October 25, 1993, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Studied art history at Yale University
• Starred in over 100 films
• Became a horror icon with House of Wax
• Narrated Michael Jackson’s Thriller
• Authored multiple cookbooks
• Helped establish the Vincent Price Art Museum
• Voiced Ratigan in Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective
• Appeared in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands
• Known for his elegant, chilling voice

Some actors chase fame. Santiago Cabrera seems to chase interesting jobs—and in the process, accidentally becomes the guy you recognize from everything. Medieval knight? Check. Time-bending artist? Check. Starship captain? Naturally. At this point, if he shows up as a time-traveling chef, no one would even blink.

May 5, 1978, in Caracas, Venezuela

Trivia

• He trained at the Drama Centre London.
• He played Isaac Mendez in Heroes.
• He portrayed Lancelot in Merlin.
• He starred as Aramis in The Musketeers.
• He played Captain Cristóbal Rios in Star Trek: Picard.
• He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Some people chase success, and some people seem to build it from scratch with sheer determination and a well-timed eye roll. Victoria Rowell fits comfortably in that second group. She didn’t just climb the ladder—she brought her own tools, fixed a few broken steps along the way, and made sure others could follow behind. With a career that moves from ballet studios to daytime drama royalty and into the director’s chair, she’s proof that talent helps—but grit, timing, and a refusal to sit quietly in the corner will take you a whole lot further.

May 10, 1959, in Portland, Maine

Trivia

• Played Drucilla Winters on The Young and the Restless for over a decade.
• Starred simultaneously on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder.
• Nominated for multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
• Won numerous NAACP Image Awards for her performances.
• Appeared in films like Dumb and Dumber and The Distinguished Gentleman.
• Started her career as a trained ballet dancer.

Melanie Lynskey is the queen of quietly stealing the show — and she’s been doing it since her breakout in Heavenly Creatures as a teenager. Over the years, she’s built a career playing complex, relatable, and often delightfully deadpan characters, from sitcoms like Two and a Half Men to scene-stealing roles in indie films and prestige TV. Most recently, she’s been blowing audiences away in Yellowjackets, proving that she can do dark, twisty drama just as well as comedy. Melanie has that rare ability to make you laugh, cry, and squirm — sometimes all in the same scene. Her birthday deserves cake, cozy pajamas, and maybe a suspiciously intense wilderness story or two.

May 16, 1977, in New Plymouth, New Zealand

Trivia

• Melanie Lynskey has maintained a close friendship with her "Heavenly Creatures" co-star Kate Winslet since they filmed together as teenagers.
• She is married to actor Jason Ritter, and they have a daughter together. The couple is known for their low-key, private lifestyle.
• Lynskey is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity, using her platform to support and encourage others.

If country music had a personality setting somewhere between “sweet tea on the porch” and “don’t underestimate me,” RaeLynn would land right in the middle—with a grin and a song that somehow sticks in your head for the rest of the day. She’s got that rare mix of charm and confidence that makes you think everything’s light and breezy… right up until you realize she’s been quietly building a serious career all along.

May 4, 1994, in Baytown, Texas

Trivia

• Competed on The Voice Season 2
• Mentored by Blake Shelton
• Breakout hit was “God Made Girls”
• Debut album WildHorse reached No. 1 on country charts
• Lives with Type 1 diabetes
• Married Josh Davis in 2016
• Became a mother in 2021
• Known for blending country and pop influences

If you had told folks in the 1700s that the future of medicine involved borrowing a little help from cows, they might’ve politely suggested you lie down and rest for a while. Yet here we are, centuries later, tipping our hats to a man who looked at a milkmaid, a cow, and a deadly disease and somehow connected the dots. It’s proof that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs don’t come from fancy equipment—they come from paying attention, asking odd questions, and not being afraid to follow an idea… even if it starts in a barn.

May 17, 1749, Berkeley, England

January 26, 1823, Berkeley, England

Trivia

• The first vaccinated patient was an eight-year-old boy named James Phipps.
• The term “vaccine” comes from vacca, the Latin word for cow.
• Jenner published his groundbreaking research in 1798.
• Smallpox was officially eradicated worldwide in 1980.
• Jenner was also a naturalist who studied cuckoo bird behavior.
• He served as physician to King George IV later in life.
• Jenner’s work is often credited with saving more lives than any other individual in history.

There are good dancers, great dancers, and then there’s Fred Astaire—who looked like he accidentally wandered into the wrong room and decided to casually outperform everyone in history. No huffing, no puffing, no “watch this trick,” just a smooth glide across the floor like his shoes had a quiet agreement with physics. He didn’t dance to impress you—he danced as if this was simply how walking was supposed to be done, and the rest of us had somehow missed the memo.

May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska

June 22, 1987, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Famous for his partnership with Ginger Rogers in 1930s musicals.
• Starred in classics like Top Hat and Swing Time.
• Known for filming dance sequences in long, uninterrupted takes.
• Received an honorary Academy Award in 1950.
• Worked with stars like Judy Garland and Audrey Hepburn.
• Continued performing in film and television later in life.
• Considered one of the greatest dancers in film history.
• His early screen test famously underestimated his abilities.

Some people inherit a famous last name and spend their careers explaining it. Grace Gummer took a different approach—she showed up, did the job well, and let everyone else connect the dots later. No grand announcements, no dramatic entrances—just solid performances that quietly say, “Yes, I belong here.” It’s the acting equivalent of walking into a room full of experts, rolling up your sleeves, and getting to work while everyone else is still checking name tags.

May 9, 1986, in New York City

Trivia

• Daughter of Meryl Streep and Don Gummer
• Studied theater at Vassar College
• Appeared in The Newsroom as Hallie Shea
• Played FBI agent Dominique DiPierro on Mr. Robot
• Featured in American Horror Story
• Married Mark Ronson in 2021
• Known for subtle, grounded performances

David Eigenberg has perfected the art of playing “the guy you’d actually want around when things go sideways.” Need honest advice? He’s your man. Need someone to crack a joke at exactly the right moment? Also him. Need someone to run into a burning building while yelling something halfway between encouragement and mild annoyance? Definitely him. He’s the rare actor who makes you feel like everything’s under control—even when the script clearly says it isn’t.

May 17, 1964, in Manhasset, New York

Trivia

• He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
• He is best known as Steve Brady on Sex and the City.
• He plays Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire.
• He reprised his Sex and the City role in films and the revival series.
• He grew up in Naperville, Illinois.
• He has appeared across multiple shows in the Chicago franchise.
• He has spoken publicly about living with hearing loss.