Celebrity Birthdays - May

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."

There are musicians who have hits… and then there’s Christopher Cross, who came out of the gate in 1979 and basically said, “I’ll take all the awards, thanks,” before anyone else had time to tune their guitars. Smooth, polished, and just a little bit cooler than the rest of us, his music didn’t just play on the radio—it practically floated out of it. If you’ve ever found yourself driving at night with the windows down, pretending your life has a soundtrack, chances are Christopher Cross was somewhere in the mix.

May 3, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas

Trivia

• Debut album produced multiple hit singles
• Known for the classic song “Sailing”
• Wrote and performed “Arthur’s Theme,” an Oscar-winning song
• Influenced by The Beatles and classic rock artists
• From San Antonio, Texas
• Continued touring and recording long after peak chart success
• Known for blending soft rock with jazz influences
• Faced serious health challenges following COVID-19
• Maintains a loyal global fan base

Megan Fox has been turning heads since she burst onto the scene, bringing equal parts glam and grit to the big screen. She became a blockbuster icon with Transformers, proving she could hold her own next to giant robots, explosions, and Shia LaBeouf’s fast-talking antics. Over the years, Megan has mixed action roles with edgy comedies and cult favorites like Jennifer’s Body, which went from misunderstood to full-on fan favorite. With her sharp wit, unapologetic confidence, and style that turns every red carpet into a runway, Megan is as fascinating off-screen as she is on it. Her birthday should be celebrated with fireworks, fast cars, and maybe a wink toward those

May 16, 1986, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Trivia

• Megan Fox has several tattoos, each with personal significance. One of her most famous tattoos is a quote from Shakespeare's "King Lear": "We will all laugh at gilded butterflies."
• She made her film debut in the 2001 movie "Holiday in the Sun," starring opposite the Olsen twins.
• Megan is a dedicated mother to her three sons with actor Brian Austin Green, and she often emphasizes the importance of family in her life.
• She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing her struggles with self-esteem and the pressures of Hollywood.

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.

Bill Paxton was one of those rare actors who felt like a friend every time he showed up on screen. Whether he was battling aliens in Aliens, chasing twisters in Twister, or panicking in Titanic, Paxton brought humor, heart, and a touch of everyman charm to every role. He could make even the wildest situations feel believable — and fun — which is why fans loved him so much. His passing in 2017 was a huge loss to Hollywood, but his legacy lives on through an incredible filmography that still entertains and inspires. His birthday should be celebrated with popcorn, a double feature, and maybe a loud “Game over, man!” in his honor.

May 17, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas

February 25, 2017, in Los Angeles, California

Trivia

• Bill Paxton appeared in the music video for "Fish Heads" by Barnes & Barnes, which he also directed.
• He was one of the few actors to be killed by an alien, a predator, and a terminator in the films "Aliens," "Predator 2," and "The Terminator," respectively.
• Paxton was a close friend of fellow actor and director James Cameron, with whom he collaborated on several projects, including "Aliens," "Titanic," and "True Lies."
• He received an Emmy nomination for his role in the mini-series "Hatfields & McCoys," which also starred Kevin Costner.

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.

Better the devil you know — it’s Kylie Minogue’s birthday! The Australian pop queen has been turning dance floors into glitter-covered happiness factories since the ’80s, delivering hits that refuse to leave your head (looking at you, Can’t Get You Out of My Head). Whether she’s reinventing herself for a new era or proving that disco never dies, Kylie remains the ultimate pop chameleon — and today, she’s the life of the party.

May 28, 1968, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Trivia

• Kylie holds the record for the most consecutive decades with top five albums in the UK, a testament to her enduring popularity and adaptability in the music industry.
• Despite her petite stature, standing at just 5 feet tall, Kylie’s stage presence is nothing short of gigantic. She has a remarkable ability to command attention and captivate audiences with her performances.
• Kylie is fluent in French, a skill she often showcases during her European tours and interviews.

If rock bands were built like machines, Mick Mars would be the engine that somehow keeps running long after common sense says it shouldn’t. Quiet, intense, and permanently surrounded by an aura of “don’t mess with that guy,” Mars didn’t chase the spotlight—he just plugged in, turned it up, and let the guitar do the talking. And when it talked, it didn’t whisper… it snarled.

May 4, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana

Trivia

• Joined Mötley Crüe through a newspaper ad
• Known for his blues-influenced heavy guitar style
• Lived with ankylosing spondylitis for most of his career
• Helped shape the band’s signature sound
• Often considered the quietest member of Mötley Crüe
• Played on all of the band’s classic albums
• Stepped back from touring in 2022 due to health issues
• His guitar tone is considered one of the most distinctive in 1980s rock

Drew Carey has been keeping audiences laughing for decades, first with The Drew Carey Show, then with the ultimate improv playground, Whose Line Is It Anyway? These days, he’s the cheerful face of The Price Is Right, where he’s turned guessing the cost of a blender into a national pastime. Drew’s everyman charm and sly sense of humor have made him one of TV’s most likable hosts — the kind of guy you’d actually want to hang out with after the taping. His birthday should be celebrated with confetti, a giant wheel spin, and a chorus of people yelling, “Come on down!”

May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio

Trivia

• Drew Carey served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for six years, an experience that significantly shaped his disciplined approach to life and work.
• He is an enthusiastic supporter of libraries and literacy programs, often participating in events to promote reading.
• Carey competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2014, showcasing his determination to step out of his comfort zone and try new things.
• He once won $500,000 for the Ohio Library Foundation on the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"
• Carey has appeared in numerous game shows as a contestant, demonstrating his love for the genre and his competitive spirit.

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.

Some performers pick a lane and stay in it. Amber Tamblyn looked at all the lanes—acting, writing, directing, poetry—and decided to take all of them at once, preferably at full speed. She’s the kind of talent who can break your heart in a dramatic scene, make you laugh in the next, and then casually publish a book of poetry just to keep things interesting.

May 14, 1983, in Santa Monica, California

Trivia

• She starred in General Hospital early in her career.
• She gained wider fame with The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
• She received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Joan of Arcadia.
• She appeared in films like The Ring and 127 Hours.
• She is a published poet and author with multiple books.
• She made her directorial debut with Paint It Black (2016).

There are action stars, there are wrestling legends, and then there’s Dwayne Johnson—a man who somehow managed to become all of the above while smiling like he knows something the rest of us don’t. Whether he’s saving the world, lifting something absurdly heavy, or raising one eyebrow with surgical precision, he’s built a career on charisma, hard work, and the undeniable fact that he’s probably the most likable guy in any room he walks into.

May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California

Trivia

• He played college football at the University of Miami.
• He became famous in WWE as “The Rock.”
• He is one of the most popular wrestlers of all time.
• He successfully transitioned into a major Hollywood actor.
• He starred in the Fast & Furious and Jumanji film series.
• He is known for his intense fitness routines and work ethic.
• He comes from a multi-generational wrestling family.

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.

Emily VanCamp has built a career that feels a bit like a slow-cooked meal—no rushing, no shortcuts, just steady, reliable excellence that somehow sneaks up on you. One minute she’s the nice girl next door, the next she’s orchestrating elaborate revenge plots or navigating hospital drama like she’s been doing it her whole life. And the wild part? She makes it all look effortless. No fireworks, no over-the-top theatrics—just quiet confidence and the kind of consistency that makes you realize, somewhere along the way, she didn’t just join the cast… she became the reason you kept watching.

May 12, 1986, in Port Perry, Canada

Trivia

• Originally trained as a ballet dancer
• Broke out as Amy Abbott on Everwood
• Starred in Brothers & Sisters alongside Sally Field
• Led the series Revenge as Emily Thorne
• Played Sharon Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
• Appeared in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War
• Starred in medical drama The Resident
• Married her Revenge co-star Josh Bowman
• Known for her understated and emotionally grounded acting style

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 ease into fame. Mary Mouser? She walked in, tied her belt, and got to work—occasionally ducking flying kicks along the way. Between teenage drama, dojo rivalries, and the kind of emotional rollercoasters that would make most people call it a day, she’s managed to keep her footing and make it all look natural. Not everyone can say they grew up on screen while surviving both high school and a full-blown karate war—but Mary Mouser makes it look like just another item on the to-do list.

May 9, 1996, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Trivia

• Best known for playing Samantha LaRusso in Cobra Kai
• Started acting as a child with voice roles in animated series
• Played Lacey Fleming on Body of Proof
• Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2009
• Appeared in guest roles on shows like NCIS, Scrubs, and CSI
• Became engaged to co-star Tanner Buchanan in 2025

Some songs fade with time. Others hang around like that one guest who said they’d leave an hour ago but is still dancing in the living room. Thelma Houston’s biggest hit didn’t just stick—it moved in, rearranged the furniture, and turned into a full-blown anthem. And honestly, nobody’s asking it to leave.

May 7, 1946, in Leland, Mississippi

Trivia

• Won a Grammy for “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (1976)
• Her version of the song became a disco-era anthem
• Began her career in gospel music
• Released her debut album Sunshower in 1969
• Worked with songwriter Jimmy Webb early in her career
• Known for her powerful and expressive vocal style
• Performed in musical theater and live stage productions

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

Cayden Boyd grew up right on camera, which means plenty of us remember him as the kid with the wild imagination in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl — a movie that made every millennial wonder why their dreams didn’t look nearly that cool. Since then, Cayden has stepped into more grown-up roles, proving he’s not just a childhood nostalgia trip but a legit actor with range. Whether he’s popping up in TV dramas or independent films, he’s managed to dodge the Hollywood “child star curse” and carve out a career on his own terms. If birthdays are about celebrating glow-ups, Cayden deserves confetti — and maybe a cake shaped like a dream journal.

May 24, 1994, in Bedford, Texas

Trivia

• Cayden Boyd is the younger brother of actress Jenna Boyd, and the siblings have supported each other's careers from a young age.
• He has a keen interest in filmmaking and has expressed a desire to explore directing and producing in the future.
• Cayden is known for his charitable efforts, supporting various causes, including children's hospitals and educational programs.
• Despite his busy career, Cayden values education and personal growth, which led him to complete his degree while pursuing acting.

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

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