A Week of Celebrations: Notable Birthdays from February 22nd to 28th
The tail end of February is a busy period for birthdays in the entertainment world, with a multitude of actors, musicians, and personalities marking their special days. From seasoned veterans celebrating milestone birthdays to rising stars, this week is a testament to the enduring talent across various creative fields.
February 22nd: A Day for Legends and Rising Stars
Kicking off the week on February 22nd, we see a strong lineup of talent. Veteran actor Paul Dooley reaches a remarkable 98 years, a testament to a long and distinguished career. The beloved British actress Julie Walters, known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” films and “Mamma Mia!”, celebrates her 76th birthday. Ellen Greene, who captivated audiences in “Little Shop of Horrors” and on TV’s “Pushing Daisies,” turns 75.
The world of television and film also celebrates Kyle MacLachlan’s 67th birthday, while comedian Rachel Dratch of “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live” fame marks her 60th. Paul Lieberstein, a key figure behind “The Office,” turns 59. Jeri Ryan, recognised for her roles in “Boston Public” and “Star Trek: Voyager,” celebrates her 58th. TV personality Clinton Kelly, a familiar face from “The Chew” and “What Not to Wear,” also turns 57, the same age as actor Thomas Jane, known for “The Sweetest Thing.”
The musical realm is represented by the incredibly talented Lea Salonga, celebrating her 55th birthday, and Scott Phillips, the drummer for Creed and Alter Bridge, who also turns 53. British singer-songwriter James Blunt reaches 52, while the ever-popular Drew Barrymore celebrates her 51st. Tom Higgenson of Plain White T’s marks 47 years, and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm is 44. Younger talents include Zach Roerig from “The Vampire Diaries” at 41, and Daniel E. Smith, who was in “John Q.”, turns 36.
February 23rd: A Day of Iconic Performances
February 23rd brings another impressive roster. Patricia Richardson, a fan favourite from “Home Improvement,” celebrates her 75th. Aerosmith’s guitarist Brad Whitford reaches 74, and singer Howard Jones marks 71. Michael Wilton, guitarist for Queensryche, is 64.
The iconic Kristin Davis, known for her role in “Sex and the City,” turns 61. Actor Marc Price from “Family Ties” is 58, and TV personality Daymond John of “Shark Tank” fame is 57. Niecy Nash, celebrated for her roles in “Claws” and “Reno 911!”, also celebrates her 57th birthday. Sister Hazel’s bassist Jeff Beres is 55, and Lasse Johansson, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cardigans, turns 53.
The creative force behind “Frozen,” songwriter Robert Lopez, celebrates his 51st birthday. Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald, known for “Boardwalk Empire,” is 50. Puerto Rican rapper Residente of Calle 13 marks 48 years. The talented Josh Gad, also known for “Frozen,” turns 45, and Aziz Ansari, star of “Parks and Recreation,” is 43. British actress Emily Blunt, celebrated for her roles in “A Quiet Place” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” also turns 43. The young and talented Dakota Fanning is 32.
February 24th: A Rich Tapestry of Talent
The 24th of February honours a wealth of experience and talent. Dominic Chianese, a fixture in “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire,” reaches a remarkable 95 years. Singer Joanie Sommers is 85, and Jenny O’Hara, known for “Transparent” and “The Mindy Project,” celebrates her 84th. Barry Bostwick, a beloved actor, turns 81.
Singer-producer Rupert Holmes is 79, the same age as actor Edward James Olmos. Music legend George Thorogood is 76. Debra Jo Rupp from “That ’70s Show” celebrates her 75th birthday, alongside actress Helen Shaver, known for “The Color of Money.” News anchor Paula Zahn is 70. Country music star Sammy Kershaw marks 68 years, as does actor Mark Moses of “Desperate Housewives.” Beth Broderick, who played a memorable role in “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch,” is 67. Emilio Rivera from “Mayans M.C.” is 65, and singer Michelle Shocked is 64. Billy Zane, a recognisable actor, turns 60.
Bonnie Somerville, who has appeared in “Code Black” and “NYPD Blue,” is 52. Jazz saxophonist Jimmy Greene celebrates his 51st. Brandon Brown of Mista is 43, as is Matt McGinley, drummer for Gym Class Heroes. Actor Wilson Bethel from “Hart of Dixie” is 42. Alexander Koch, known for “Under the Dome,” turns 38. British actor Daniel Kaluuya, celebrated for his roles in “Black Panther” and “Get Out,” is 37. Rapper and actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. from “Straight Outta Compton” is 35.
February 25th: A Day of Enduring Performers
February 25th is a day that celebrates a diverse group of artists. Ann McCrea, a veteran of “The Donna Reed Show,” reaches 95. Tom Courtenay, known for “Dr. Zhivago,” is 89, the same age as CBS newsman Bob Schieffer. Diane Baker, a respected actress, turns 88. Karen Grassle, who charmed audiences in “Little House on the Prairie,” is 84, as is talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael.
Writer Jack Handey, a staple of “Saturday Night Live,” is 77. Comedian Carrot Top and actress and model Veronica Webb both celebrate their 61st birthdays. Alexis Denisof, known for “Angel” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” turns 60, as does actress Tea Leoni. Lesley Boone, who appeared in “Agent Carter” and “Ed,” is 58. Actor Sean Astin celebrates his 55th birthday, the same age as singer Daniel Powter. Justin Jeffre of 98 Degrees turns 53, and Anson Mount, star of “Hell on Wheels” and “Star Trek: Discovery,” is also 53. Comedian Chelsea Handler is 51, and Rashida Jones, who has graced “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” is 50. Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square is 48.
The younger generation of talent includes Justin Berfield from “Malcolm in the Middle,” who turns 40, and Jameela Jamil, star of “The Good Place,” also celebrating her 40th. The identical twins James and Oliver Phelps, famous for their roles in the “Harry Potter” films, mark their 40th birthday together. Erik Haager of Carolina Liar is 39.
February 26th: A Mix of Music and Screen
The 26th of February honours a blend of musical talent and screen performers. Actor-director Bill Duke is 83. Marta Kristen, known for “Lost in Space,” turns 81, as does singer Mitch Ryder. Jonathan Cain, keyboardist for Journey, is 76. Michael Bolton, the renowned singer, celebrates his 73rd birthday. Greg Germann, a familiar face from “Ally McBeal,” turns 68. Mark Dacascos, known for “Hawaii Five-0,” is 62. Jennifer Grant is 60.
The rock world is represented by Tim Commerford, bassist for Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine, who turns 58. Erykah Badu, a queen of neo-soul, celebrates her 55th birthday. Maz Jobrani, from “Superior Donuts,” is 54, the same age as Rico Wade of Society of Soul. Kyle Norman of Jagged Edge turns 51. Greg Rikaart, known for “The Young and the Restless,” is 49. Chris Culos, drummer for O.A.R., marks 47 years, as does singer Corinne Bailey Rae. Nate Ruess of the band fun. is 44. Latin Grammy winner Natalia Lafourcade is 42. Younger talents include Alex Heartman from “Power Rangers Samurai” at 36, and Taylor Dooley, who starred in “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl,” turns 33.
February 27th: A Day of Acclaimed Performers and Musicians
February 27th is a day that celebrates a variety of iconic figures. Legendary actress Joanne Woodward reaches 96 years. Barbara Babcock is 89, and Debra Monk, a respected stage and screen actress, turns 77. Neal Schon, guitarist for Journey, is 72. Adrian Smith, guitarist for Iron Maiden, marks 69 years, the same age as actor Timothy Spall, known for his work in “Sweeney Todd” and “Enchanted.”
Paul Humphreys, keyboardist for Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, is 66, as is singer Johnny Van Zant of Van Zant and Lynyrd Skynyrd fame. Leon Mobley, percussionist for Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, turns 65. Adam Baldwin, known for TV’s “Chuck,” is 64, the same age as Grant Show, who starred in “Devious Maids” and “Melrose Place.” Noah Emmerich is 61, and Donal Logue turns 60.
Chilli from the iconic R&B group TLC celebrates her 55th birthday. Jeremy Dean, keyboardist for Nine Days, is 54. Roderick Clark of Hi-Five turns 53. The younger generation includes Brandon Beemer from “The Bold and the Beautiful” at 46, Cyrus Bolooki, drummer for New Found Glory, also 46, and singer Bobby V of Mista, also 46. Josh Groban, the acclaimed singer, turns 45. Noam Pikelny, banjoist for Punch Brothers, is 45. Jared Champion, drummer for Cage the Elephant, is 43, as is actress Kate Mara of “American Horror Story” fame. Reality television star JWoww (Jenni Farley) from “Jersey Shore” is 40. Lindsey Morgan from “The 100” is 36.
February 28th: A Grand Finale of Talent
The final day of February, the 28th, concludes the week with a stellar lineup. Singer Sam the Sham reaches 89 years. The multi-talented Tommy Tune, actor, director, and dancer, celebrates his 87th birthday. Kelly Bishop, beloved for her role in “Gilmore Girls,” turns 82. Stephanie Beacham, known for “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “SeaQuest DSV,” is 79. Writer-director Mike Figgis, of “Leaving Las Vegas” fame, is 78, the same age as Bernadette Peters and Mercedes Ruehl, both celebrated actresses. Ilene Graff from “Mr. Belvedere” turns 77.
Veteran actor John Turturro is 69, as is Cindy Wilson of The B-52’s. Rae Dawn Chong, who starred in “The Color Purple,” is 65. Maxine Bahns from “The Brothers McMullen” is 57, the same age as Robert Sean Leonard, known for “House, M.D.,” and Pat Monahan, lead singer of Train. Author Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler) turns 56. Tasha Smith from “Empire” is 55. Rory Cochrane, known for “24” and “CSI: Miami,” is 54. Ali Larter celebrates her 50th birthday. Country music star Jason Aldean is 49. Geoffrey Arend from “Madam Secretary” is 48. Melanie Chandra of “Code Black” is 42. Michelle Horn from “Family Law” is 39. Younger talents include True O’Brien from “Days of Our Lives” at 32, Madisen Beaty from “The Fosters” and Quinn Shephard from “Hostages” both turning 31, and Bobb’e J. Thompson from “The Tracy Morgan Show” at 30.
