Celebrity Birthdays - May

Danny Trejo has one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood — and usually, it’s the last thing the bad guys see before things go very, very wrong. With his signature scowl, tattooed chest, and machete-wielding swagger, Trejo has turned gritty, tough-guy roles into an art form. But here’s the twist — off-screen, he’s famously one of the nicest guys around, running taco shops, rescuing animals, and even saving people in real life (because of course he has). His birthday should be celebrated with tacos, mariachi music, and maybe a slow-motion walk toward the camera with an explosion in the background — because it wouldn’t be a Danny Trejo party without one.

May 16, 1944, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Danny Trejo is a second cousin to filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, who has cast him in many of his films, helping to elevate Trejo's career.
• He has appeared in several music videos, including Enrique Iglesias’s “Loco” and Train’s “Angel in Blue Jeans.”
• Trejo is an avid animal lover and has several rescue pets, often advocating for animal rights and supporting local shelters.
• He voiced characters in popular animated series such as "King of the Hill," "Family Guy," and "Rick and Morty," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

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.

Some singers have a recognizable voice. Frankie Valli has a voice that makes you stop mid-sentence, point at the radio, and say, “That’s him.” It’s not just high—it’s impossibly high, like someone dared him to hit a note and he decided to go one better. And the remarkable part? He didn’t just hit those notes once or twice. He built an entire career on them… and made it look easy.

May 3, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey

Trivia

• Lead singer of The Four Seasons
• Known for his powerful falsetto voice
• Scored numerous No. 1 hits in the 1960s
• Had a successful solo career alongside group work
• Sang the title track for the movie Grease
• Story told in the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys
• Career spans more than six decades
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with The Four Seasons)
• Continues to perform well into his later years

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

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 ease into Hollywood with charm, good looks, and a few safe roles. Tim Roth took a different route—he showed up, played a violent criminal, a lying con man, a terrifying villain, and somehow made you like him anyway. If there’s a role that requires intensity, unpredictability, or the kind of stare that makes you rethink your life choices, Roth has probably already done it… and done it better than most.

May 14, 1961, in Dulwich, England

Trivia

• He originally planned to become a sculptor, not an actor.
• He gained fame through collaborations with Quentin Tarantino.
• He won a BAFTA Award for Rob Roy and was nominated for an Oscar.
• He directed the film The War Zone in 1999.
• He starred in the TV series Lie to Me as a human lie detector.
• He played Abomination in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Salute and stand tall — it’s Louis Gossett Jr.’s birthday! The Oscar-winning actor who drilled his way into film history as the tough-as-nails Sgt. Foley, in An Officer and a Gentleman, has spent decades commanding the screen with presence and power. From Roots to Iron Eagle and beyond, Gossett has shown that whether he’s playing a mentor, a hero, or a man with a mission, he does it with heart — and today, we celebrate a true Hollywood heavyweight.

May 27, 1936, in Coney Island, New York

March 29, 2024, in Santa Monica, California

Trivia

• Sports Enthusiast: Before pursuing acting, Gossett was a talented athlete. He received a basketball scholarship to New York University, where he excelled in sports before deciding to focus on his acting career.
• Directorial Ventures: In addition to acting, Gossett has ventured into directing. He made his directorial debut with the television film "The Inspectors" (1998), showcasing his talent behind the camera.
• Author: Gossett is also an accomplished author. His memoir, "An Actor and a Gentleman," provides an insightful look into his life, career, and the challenges he has faced along the way.

Robert Pattinson went from sparkly vampire heartthrob in Twilight to brooding superhero in The Batman — proving he’s got more range than most of us gave him credit for. He’s done indie films, big-budget blockbusters, and just enough weird roles to keep critics guessing what he’ll do next. Whether he’s smoldering in a love triangle or glowering from behind the Bat-mask, Pattinson has perfected the art of looking like he hasn’t slept in three days… and somehow making it work.

May 13, 1986, in London, England

Trivia

• Robert Pattinson first gained major attention as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
• He learned to play piano and guitar, and even contributed songs to the Twilight soundtrack.
• Pattinson once worked as a model before his acting career took off.
• His performance in Good Time was widely praised and helped redefine his career.
• He became the ninth actor to play Batman in a major live-action film.

Stevie Nicks isn’t just a rock star — she’s a whole mood wrapped in chiffon, twirling under a spotlight with enough mystique to power an entire Fleetwood Mac album. Known as the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” Stevie turned heartbreak into poetry and made shawls a legitimate fashion statement. Her raspy, enchanting voice on songs like Rhiannon, Landslide, and Edge of Seventeen turned entire arenas into spellbound singalongs. She’s the rare artist who can be fierce and vulnerable in the same verse, making you feel like you’ve just been personally cursed and blessed at once. If birthdays are about celebrating individuality, Stevie’s should come with candles, incense, and at least one dramatic spin before the cake is cut.

May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona

Trivia

• The Moon and Stevie: Nicks has a deep connection to the moon, often referencing it in her songs and considering it a source of inspiration.
• "Rhiannon": One of her most famous songs, "Rhiannon," was inspired by a novel about a Welsh witch. Nicks later discovered the song coincided with the mythological Welsh goddess Rhiannon.
• A Unique Diet: During the height of her addiction, Nicks reportedly maintained a diet that included large amounts of Gatorade and Pop-Tarts.

Warm up those vocal cords — it’s Idina Menzel’s birthday! The powerhouse voice behind Wicked’s Elphaba and Frozen’s Elsa has been defying gravity and belting anthems that get stuck in our heads for decades, proving that when Idina sings, the whole world listens (and probably sings along).

May 30, 1971, in New York, New York

Trivia

• Idina Menzel's real name is Idina Kim Mentzel. She dropped the "t" in her last name early in her career to make it easier to pronounce.
• She is the first person to have both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting. "Let It Go" reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• Menzel has a son named Walker Nathaniel Diggs, from her marriage to actor Taye Diggs. The two met while co-starring in "Rent" and were married for ten years before amicably divorcing in 2014.
• In addition to her acting and singing career, Menzel is also a successful recording artist. She has released several solo albums, including "Still I Can't Be Still" (1998), "Here" (2004), and "Holiday Wishes" (2014).

Ray Stevenson was one of those actors who made every role bigger just by walking into the frame — a true scene-stealer with a commanding presence. Whether he was swinging a sword as Titus Pullo in Rome, wielding a hammer in Thor, or playing the Punisher with a glare that could stop traffic, Stevenson brought a rare mix of grit and charm to the screen. He had that old-school tough-guy energy, the kind that made you believe he could lead a legion into battle or drink you under the table — possibly both on the same day. His passing in 2023 was a real loss for fans of powerhouse performances, but his work lives on, larger than life, just like he was.

May 25, 1964, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland

May 21, 2023, in Ischia, Italy

Trivia

• Ray Stevenson initially pursued a career in interior design before deciding to become an actor in his late twenties.
• He was a graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, one of the most prestigious drama schools in the UK.
• Stevenson voiced the character of Gar Saxon in the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels."
• He was known for his distinctive deep voice, which added gravitas to his performances.
• Stevenson was an advocate for animal rights and often supported related charities and initiatives.

Tony Goldwyn has spent his career playing characters who are as charming as they are complicated — which is probably why he made such a convincing president on Scandal. Whether he’s breaking hearts as the man who ruined pottery wheels forever in Ghost or leading high-stakes dramas on TV, Goldwyn brings a mix of intensity and warmth that keeps audiences glued to the screen. He’s also a director and producer, proving he can run things just as well behind the camera as in front of it. His birthday deserves a toast worthy of a White House gala — just keep an eye on the guest list, because things tend to get dramatic when Tony’s around.

May 20, 1960, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Tony Goldwyn comes from a prominent Hollywood family; his grandfather was film producer Samuel Goldwyn, and his father was actor and producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr.
• He graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and later studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
• Goldwyn voiced the titular character in Disney's animated film "Tarzan" (1999).
• He is a co-founder of the production company Goldwyn Films, which focuses on socially relevant, thought-provoking content.
• Goldwyn has been married to production designer Jane Musky since 1987, and they have two daughters.

Pam Grier is the undisputed queen of ‘70s cool — the original action heroine who could take down a room full of bad guys without spilling her drink or messing up her afro. Long before Marvel decided women could be superheroes, Pam was already saving the day in movies like Coffy and Foxy Brown, delivering roundhouse kicks and one-liners with equal precision. She practically invented the idea that a woman could be both glamorous and absolutely terrifying — and honestly, the world still hasn’t caught up. Even Quentin Tarantino knew what was up when he made her the centerpiece of Jackie Brown, giving us a reminder that Pam Grier could outclass, outshoot, and outsmart everyone in the room — and look flawless doing it. If Hollywood had any sense, they’d make her the president in every action movie. World peace would be achieved in under 90 minutes, with a killer soundtrack to boot.

May 26, 1949, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Trivia

• Early Start: Grier began her career working as a receptionist at American International Pictures, where she was discovered by director Jack Hill.
• Martial Arts Enthusiast: To prepare for her action roles, Grier trained in martial arts, which added authenticity to her performances.
• Animal Advocate: Grier is passionate about animal rights and often supports organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

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.

Hollywood is full of overnight successes that somehow take ten years to happen—and Halston Sage is a perfect example of doing it the right way. No loud entrance, no table-flipping moments, just a steady climb built on showing up, doing the work, and occasionally stealing a scene while everyone else is busy trying too hard. She’s the kind of actress who makes it look easy, which is usually a sign that it absolutely isn’t. And before you know it, you’re halfway through a movie thinking, “Oh, she’s in this too? Of course she is… she’s in everything.”

May 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Appeared in Grown Ups 2 alongside major comedy stars.
• Played Brooke Shy in Neighbors and its sequel.
• Starred in Paper Towns, based on a novel by John Green.
• Played Alara Kitan on The Orville.
• Appeared in the thriller series Prodigal Son.
• Known for working across multiple genres—comedy, drama, and sci-fi.
• Grew up in Los Angeles, close to the entertainment industry.
• Has built a steady, drama-free Hollywood career.

Before social media told us what to think and reality TV showed us far too much, Melissa Gilbert was out there proving that a well-timed tear, a determined stare, and a stubborn streak could carry an entire episode. She didn’t just play Laura Ingalls—she made you feel like you’d just tracked mud across the cabin floor and were about to learn a life lesson whether you liked it or not. And somehow, between chores, schoolbooks, and frontier drama, she made growing up look both tougher… and a whole lot more meaningful.

May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Best known for playing Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie.
• Began acting in commercials as a child.
• Worked closely with Michael Landon, who mentored her career.
• Starred in numerous television movies in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005.
• Was married to actor Bruce Boxleitner.
• Has authored memoirs about her life and career.
• Competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2012.
• Later embraced a quieter lifestyle focused on writing and advocacy.

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 try very hard to be charming. John Corbett just shows up and accidentally wins the room. He’s the kind of guy who could walk into a complicated situation, lean against a wall, say something simple, and somehow fix everything without raising his voice. On screen, he’s often the sensible choice—the one viewers are quietly rooting for while wondering why the main character is making things harder than they need to be. If life had a “pick the right guy” button, it would probably look a lot like John Corbett… and yet, somehow, people still hesitate.

Born May 9, 1961, in Wheeling, West Virginia

Trivia

• Originally worked as a steelworker before becoming an actor
• Broke out as Chris Stevens on Northern Exposure
• Played Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City
• Starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding
• Has released country music albums
• Married Bo Derek in 2020
• Known for his relaxed, approachable acting style

Crank up the amp and get ready to sing along — it’s Melissa Etheridge’s birthday! The raspy-voiced rocker who gave us anthems like Come to My Window and I’m the Only One has been pouring heart, soul, and just the right amount of grit into her music for decades. Whether she’s winning Grammys, lighting up the stage with her guitar solos, or turning life’s ups and downs into lyrics we all belt in the car, Etheridge reminds us that rock ’n’ roll is personal — and today, the spotlight’s all hers.

May 29, 1961, in Leavenworth, Kansas

Trivia

• Melissa Etheridge was one of the first artists to embrace digital music distribution, releasing a song directly to her fans via the internet in 1999.
• She performed bald at the 2005 Grammy Awards while undergoing chemotherapy, delivering a powerful rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.”
• Etheridge has four children and has been an advocate for non-traditional families, openly discussing her experiences with surrogacy and co-parenting.

Henry Cavill is the rare combination of action hero and unapologetic nerd—equally comfortable saving the world on screen or assembling a high-end gaming PC at home. Somewhere out there, Clark Kent is quietly impressed.

May 5, 1983, on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands

Trivia

• He is a longtime fan of The Witcher books and games.
• He nearly lost several major roles early in his career.
• He appeared in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
• He is passionate about video games and PC building.
• He enjoys Warhammer and tabletop gaming.

Some comedians make you laugh. Michael Palin makes you laugh, think, and then wonder how you ended up learning geography along the way. From absurd sketches to crossing entire continents, he’s the rare entertainer who can deliver a joke and a passport stamp in the same breath.

Born May 5, 1943, in Sheffield, England

Trivia

• He studied history at Oxford University.
• He co-founded Monty Python with Terry Jones and others.
• He starred in Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
• He appeared in all major Monty Python films.
• He became a successful travel documentary presenter.
• His series Around the World in 80 Days was a major hit.
• He has written numerous books, including travel and diary works.