Monday, May 12, 2025

1980’s

Bob Seger turns 80 today

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Seger enjoyed a string of commercial successes, propelled by hit songs like “Night Moves,” “Against the Wind,” and “Old Time Rock and Roll”

Read More

Comedian and television host Jay Leno celebrates 75

In 1992, Leno’s dream became a reality when he was chosen to succeed Carson as the host of “The Tonight Show.” Over the next two decades, Leno’s affable demeanor, quick wit, and impeccable comedic timing endeared him to millions of viewers across the country and the world

Read More

Erasure’s singer Andy Bell turns 61 today

Andy Bell formed Erasure together with former Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke in 1985, and since then, the group has gained cult status among fans of Pop and Electronic Pop music due to hits such as “Sometimes,” “Give A Little Respect” or “Stop!” He was born on this day in 1964

Read More

The legendary producer Tony Visconti celebrates 81 today

Visconti first made a name for himself working with British artists like Tyrannosaurus Rex, producing their early albums and helping to shape their transition into glam rock icons and in 1969, he began a partnership with David Bowie that would span more than four decades, producing landmark albums such as “The Man Who Sold the World,” “Young Americans,” “Heroes,” and later “Blackstar,” Bowie’s final album

Read More

Roy Thomas Baker 1946-2025

Baker co-produced several of Queen’s early albums, including Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera, and Jazz. His work on “Bohemian Rhapsody” is particularly renowned, showcasing his innovative production techniques. Baker’s production credits also included albums for The Cars, Journey, Foreigner, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, and The Smashing Pumpkins, among others

Read More

The filmmaker Michael Moore celebrates 71 today

Moore’s breakthrough came in 1989 with the television series “TV Nation,” a satirical news magazine that blended humor and investigative journalism. He cemented his reputation in 1989’s “Roger & Me,” a cinéma vérité portrait of Flint’s factory closures that heralded a new style of activist documentary

Read More

Peter Frampton celebrates 75 today

His career reached stratospheric heights in 1976 with the double‑live album “Frampton Comes Alive!,” which captured the Grammy‑nominated hits “Show Me the Way,” “Baby, I Love Your Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do,” and made him one of the world’s best‑selling artists of the decade

Read More

Jack Nicholson celebrates 88 today

After a string of small, often uncredited parts in the early 1960s, Nicholson’s big break came in 1969 with his memorable turn as a laid‑back biker in “Easy Rider.” He followed that with a stunning lead in “Five Easy Pieces” (1970), earning his first Oscar nomination

Read More

John Waters celebrates 79 today

Known as the “Pope of Trash,” Waters found his creative voice in the 1970s with a unique troupe of misfit actors known as the Dreamlanders, most notably the iconic drag queen Divine who delivered the memorable performance in the now cult movie “Pink Flamingos,” and reached mainstream audiences during the 1980s and 1990s with movies such as “Hairspray” and “Cry Baby”

Read More

Remembering Aaron Spelling

Spelling’s first big success came in the 1960s with series like “Naked City” and “The Mod Squad,” but it was in the 1970s and ’80s—first through his partnership with Leonard Goldberg and later under his own banner, Spelling Television—that he truly reshaped prime‑time TV

Read More

The actress Andie MacDowell celebrates 67 today

Her film breakthrough came in 1989 when director Steven Soderbergh cast her in “Sex, Lies, and Videotape.” Her nuanced performance as a quietly introspective woman won critical acclaim and helped usher in the independent‑film movement of the 1990s

Read More

The Cure’s Robert Smith turns 66 today

The Cure scored several hit songs throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s with their unique blend of Post Punk, Goth Rock and Pop music. They are still as relevant and popular today as they were back then. Robert Smith, co-founder and lead singer turns 66 today

Read More

George Takei celebrates 88 today

Takei earned a full scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied theater arts and soon moved to New York to pursue acting, winning early roles on Broadway and in television guest spots before landing what would become his signature part: helmsman Hikaru Sulu aboard the USS Enterprise in “Star Trek.” His warm portrayal made Sulu one of the first prominent Asian‑American characters on American television

Read More

Remembering Ryan O’Neal

In 1964 he landed his first major role as Rodney Harrington on the hit ABC soap opera “Peyton Place,” becoming a teenage heartthrob and household name. He made a seamless transition to the big screen at the end of the decade, earning an Academy Award nomination for his turn as the romantic lead in “Love Story” (1970)

Read More

Remembering Luther Vandross

In 1981 Vandross burst onto the scene as a solo artist with his timeless debut single “Never Too Much,” launching an illustrious run of soulful ballads and smooth grooves that would earn him four Grammy Awards and become the soundtrack of a generation

Read More

Jessica Lange celebrates 76 today

Her screen debut came in 1976’s blockbuster “King Kong,” in which her portrayal of Ann Darrow—equal parts vulnerable and resilient—announced her as a star overnight. Over the next decade she delivered a string of powerhouse performances: as the troubled actress Frances Farmer in “Frances” (1982), a role that earned her first Academy Award nomination

Read More

The actor Tim Curry celebrates 79 today

His international breakthrough came in 1973 when he originated the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter in the stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show”; two years later he reprised the part in Jim Sharman’s film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” becoming a cult icon

Read More

Remembering Dudley Moore

His most celebrated role came in the 1981 movie “Arthur,” where his portrayal of the lovable, hard‑drinking millionaire earned him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor

Read More

The actor Rick Moranis turns 72 today

Moranis’s film career took off in 1984 with a supporting turn as the endearingly awkward Louis Tully in “Ghostbusters,” followed by his scene‑stealing appearances in “Spaceballs” as the teenage loner Dark Helmet and “Little Shop of Horrors” in 1986

Read More

James Woods celebrates 78 today

Wood’s film debut came in the mid‑1970s, but he broke through with a magnetic performance as a tortured photojournalist in Oliver Stone’s “Salvador,” earning his first Academy Award nomination and later delivered a chilling portrayal of real‑life Klansman Byron De La Beckwith in the 1996 “Ghosts of Mississippi,” which brought him a second Oscar nod

Read More

The actor Eric Roberts celebrates 69 today

Roberts made his feature‑film debut in 1977’s “King of the Gypsies,” earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and in the 1990s and 2000s Roberts became known both for leading roles in indie and genre films and for his steady work on television

Read More

Conan O´Brien celebrates 62

His big break came in 1988 when he was hired as a writer for “Saturday Night Live,” where he helped craft classic sketches and soon became known for his sharp wit and as host of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” he developed his own off‑beat style, combining surreal comedy bits, self‑deprecating humor and a penchant for intricate musical stunts

Read More

Remembering the actor Paul Sorvino

In 1990, Sorvino delivered one of his most memorable performances as mobster Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas and he also portrayed NYPD Sergeant Phil Cerreta on the television series Law & Order from 1991 to 1992

Read More

Remembering the actor Jonathan Brandis

In the early 1990s, Brandis became a prominent teen actor when he starred as Bastian Bux in “The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter” and portrayed Bill Denbrough in the original television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It”

Read More

Remembering Shannen Doherty

​Doherty rose to prominence in the 1990s with her portrayal of Brenda Walsh in the popular teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210” and later with her role as Prue Halliwell in the supernatural series “Charmed”

Read More

The actor Andy Garcia turns 69 today

Garcia’s film debut came in 1983 with “Blue Skies Again,” but his breakthrough role was as Agent George Stone in Brian De Palma’s 1987 blockbuster “The Untouchables” and in 1990 gained further acclaim for his performance as Vincent Mancini in “The Godfather Part III,” earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor

Read More

David Letterman celebrates 78 today

In 1982, Letterman launched “Late Night with David Letterman” on NBC, introducing audiences to his unique brand of humor and after a network transition in 1993, he began hosting “The Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS, where he remained until his retirement in 2015

Read More

Julian Lennon celebrates 62 today

As a child, he inspired the Beatles’ songs “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Hey Jude,” the latter written by Paul McCartney to comfort him during his parents’ divorce, and released his debut album, Valotte, in 1984, which earned critical praise and commercial success, scoring a global hit with the track “Too Late for Goodbyes”

Read More

Clem Burke 1954-1975

In 1975, Burke joined the band Blondie, shortly after its formation by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. His energetic and versatile drumming became a defining element of the band’s sound, playing on all the Blondie albums and contributing to hits like “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “One Way or Another.” He passed away at age 70.

Read More

Remembering the British actor Gorden Kaye

Kaye’s acting career took off in the 1970s with appearances in British television series such as Coronation Street, but it was his portrayal of René, the reluctant French café owner caught up in wartime absurdities, that brought him international fame

Read More

Remembering the Led Zeppelin manager and mastermind Peter Grant

In 1968, Grant became the manager of Led Zeppelin, guiding the band from its inception until its disbandment in 1980. His hands-on approach and formidable negotiating skills secured unprecedented deals for the band, significantly improving financial and contractual terms for musicians in their dealings with concert promoters and record labels

Read More

Remembering the Hollywood icon Doris Day

She began her career as a vocalist in the late 1930s, achieving her first major success with the song “Sentimental Journey” in 1945 and made her film debut in 1948 with “Romance on the High Seas” leading to a series of successful musicals and comedies throughout the 1950s and 1960s

Read More

The actor Alec Baldwin celebrates 67 today

Baldwin’s acting career began in television, with a notable role on the soap opera “The Doctors” from 1980 to 1982. Transitioning to film, Baldwin appeared in the 1988 Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” and achieved leading man status with “The Hunt for Red October” in 1989

Read More

Val Kilmer 1959-2025

One of the most talented actors of his generation, Val Kilmer came to prominence during the 1980’s in movies such as “Top Gun” and solidified his career when he played the role of The Doors singer Jim Morrison in 1991. Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, in Los Angeles. His daughter Mercedes Kilmer stated the cause of death as pneumonia. He was 65.

Read More

Remembering Richard Chamberlain on his birthday

Chamberlain’s acting career began with guest roles on television, but he gained widespread recognition in 1961 as the titular character in the medical drama “Dr. Kildare” and in the 1970s and 1980s, Chamberlain became known as the “King of the Miniseries” for his leading roles in acclaimed productions such as “Shōgun” and “The Thorn Birds”

Read More

The legendary Herb Alpert celebrates 90

In 1962, Alpert co-founded A&M Records with Jerry Moss, which became one of the most successful independent record labels. That same year, he formed Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, achieving widespread acclaim with their unique blend of jazz, Latin, and pop influences

Read More

Remembering Robbie Coltrane

In 2001, though, Coltrane’s celebrity status went global when he was cast as Hagrid, the half-giant gamekeeper of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry in the first film adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, reportedly at Rowling’s insistence

Read More

Celine Dion celebrates 57

Dion gained international recognition after winning the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, representing Switzerland with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi,” but it wasn’t up until the 1990s that Dion ascended to global superstardom. Her albums “Falling into You” and “Let’s Talk About Love” each sold over 30 million copies worldwide, and with the 1997 “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme song for the film “Titanic,” she earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song

Read More

Folk singer and artist Tracy Chapman turns 61 today

Tracy Chapman’s beautifully crafted modern folk songs marked the difference back in the 1980’s. She put Folk and simple songs back in the charts just like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez had made it back in the 60’s. We look back at her career today that she turns 61

Read More

Richard Chamberlain 1934-2025

Chamberlain’s acting career began with guest roles on television, but he gained widespread recognition in 1961 as the titular character in the medical drama “Dr. Kildare” and in the 1970s and 1980s, Chamberlain became known as the “King of the Miniseries” for his leading roles in acclaimed productions such as “Shōgun” and “The Thorn Birds”

Read More

The best 20 Elton John songs

Controversial, talented and a world class entertainer, Elton John turns 78 years old, to celebrate it, look back at 20 of his very best songs, from his 70’s classics to the shift into 80’s modern pop beats and throughout his return during the 1990’s and 21st century to the classic formula that first made him famous

Read More

The actor Robert Carradine celebrates 71

Carradine made his film debut in 1972, appearing alongside John Wayne in “The Cowboys.” In 1984, Carradine gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in the comedy “Revenge of the Nerds.” The film’s success led to several sequels, with Carradine reprising his role in each installment

Read More

Remembering Joseph Barbera

In 1937, Barbera joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a sketch artist, where he met William Hanna. Together, they created the iconic “Tom and Jerry” series, producing over 100 episodes between 1940 and 1957, and winning seven Academy Awards

Read More

German singer Nena turns 65 today

As the lead singer for the German new wave band Nena, she had a string of hits during the 1980’s, even topping the US Hot 100 to No.2 with the smash hit “99 Red Balloons.” We look back at her life her career on the day she turns 65

Read More

Remembering the comedian and actor John Pinette

Pinette’s comedic style often revolved around self-deprecating humor, particularly focusing on his experiences with weight and food. Beyond stand-up, Pinette appeared in various films and television shows. Notably, he played the carjacking victim in the final episode of the sitcom “Seinfeld” in 1998.

Read More

Remembering the film legend Akira Kurosawa

Kurosawa’s international breakthrough occurred with the release of “Rashomon” in 1950. This success was followed by a series of masterpieces, including “Ikiru,” “Seven Samurai,” and “Throne of Blood,” each reflecting his distinctive storytelling and visual style. He was born on this day in 1910.

Read More

The actor Richard Grieco celebrates 60

He gained widespread recognition in 1988 when he joined the cast of the television series “21 Jump Street” as Detective Dennis Booker, a role that led to the spin-off series “Booker,” which aired from 1989 to 1990

Read More

Chaka Khan celebrates 72

In the early 1970s, Chaka Khan joined the funk band Rufus as their lead vocalist, delivering several successful albums and singles, including “Sweet Thing” and “Ain’t Nobody” and later launching her own successful solo career

Read More

The British actor Timothy Dalton celebrates 79

Dalton’s film debut came in 1968 with his portrayal of Philip II of France in “The Lion in Winter” and in 1980 he appeared as Prince Barin in the cult classic “Flash Gordon.” In 1987 he gained international prominence as the fourth actor to portray James Bond in the Eon Productions film series. He starred in “The Living Daylights” and “License to Kill,” bringing a darker and more serious tone to the iconic character

Read More

Remembering the Soul legend Solomon Burke

In 1960, Burke signed with Atlantic Records, marking the beginning of a prolific recording career. His unique blend of gospel, rhythm and blues, and country influences produced a series of hits, including “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms),” “Cry to Me,” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”

Read More

Actress and comedian Rosie O´Donell celebrates 63

Her big break came in 1984 when she appeared on the television talent show “Star Search,” gaining national recognition and led to various television and film roles, including appearances on the sitcom “Gimme a Break!” and parts in movies such as “A League of Their Own,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “The Flintstones”

Read More

The former Supertramp co-frontman Roger Hogson celebrates 75

In 1969, he co-founded Supertramp with Rick Davies, serving as the band’s co-frontman until his departure in 1983. During his tenure with Supertramp, Hodgson composed and sang many of the band’s most successful songs, including “Dreamer,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Take the Long Way Home,” “The Logical Song,” “It’s Raining Again,” and “Breakfast in America”

Read More

The British actor Gary Oldman celebrates 67

Oldman’s professional acting career began in the theater, and he gained prominence in the big screen with his portrayal of punk rocker Sid Vicious in the 1986 biopic “Sid and Nancy” and later as Lee Harvey Oswald in “JFK” and Count Dracula in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”

Read More

The film director Spike Lee celebrates 68

His 1989 movie “Do the Right Thing,” which delves into racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and he continued to explore complex social and political issues in films such as “Malcolm X” in 1992

Read More

The actress Holly Hunter celebrates 67

Her breakthrough came in 1987 with two significant roles: Edwina “Ed” McDunnough in the Coen Brothers’ comedy “Raising Arizona,” and Jane Craig in “Broadcast News,” the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and in 1993 with her portrayal of Ada McGrath, a mute pianist, in Jane Campion’s “The Piano,” her performance garnered widespread acclaim, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as BAFTA and Golden Globe awards

Read More

Queen Latifah celebrates 55

In 1993, she achieved global success with the release of the album “Black Reign,” which included the Grammy Award-winning track “U.N.I.T.Y.,” addressing issues of sexism and violence against women, while at the same time also launching her successful acting career

Read More

The British actress and former model Lesley-Anne Down celebrates 71

Down’s acting career commenced with roles in British films such as “The Smashing Bird I Used to Know” in 1969. Transitioning to Hollywood, Down appeared in notable films including “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” and “The First Great Train Robbery” alongside Sean Connery. During the 1980s, Down gained further prominence for her portrayal of Madeline Fabray LaMotte in the American miniseries “North and South”

Read More

Remembering the influential Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci

Bertolucci’s cinematic career began under the mentorship of Pier Paolo Pasolini, serving as an assistant director on the 1961 film “Accattone.” In 1987, his magnum opus, “The Last Emperor,” that chronicled the life of China’s final monarch, Puyi, achieved critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture

Read More

Heart singer and guitarist Nancy Wilson turns 71 today

Together with her sister Ann, they became the first women to front a Hard Rock band. With Heart, Nancy Wilson scored several hits that are now regarded as Rock classics such as “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” “Alone,” “These Dreams” and “What About Love” among others. She turns 71 today

Read More

The singer Rockwell celebrates 61

The son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Rockwell’s 1984 debut single, “Somebody’s Watching Me,” featuring guest vocals by Michael Jackson remains one of the most memorable 1980s hits

Read More

Terence Trent D’Arby turns 63 today

Terence Trent D’Arby had a string of hit singles during the late 1980’s including “Sign Your Name” with his acclaimed debut album “Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby,” today, the singer that has changed his name to Sananda Francesco Maitreya, turns 63

Read More

Remembering Quincy Jones

Record producer, actor, conductor, arranger, composer, musician, television producer, film producer, instrumentalist, magazine founder, entertainment company executive, and humanitarian, Quincy Jones was one of the most powerful and acclaimed figures of music and showbiz. 

Read More

David Gilmour celebrates 79 today

In 1967, David Gilmour joined Pink Floyd, initially to support Syd Barrett, but took on a more prominent role as the band’s guitarist and co-lead vocalist and his smooth yet emotive guitar work became a defining element of Pink Floyd’s sound

Read More

Eddy Grant turns 77 today

The Guyanese British vocalist and musician Eddy Grant delivered smash hits throughout his career including “Baby Come Back” (with the Equals) and “Electric Avenue”

Read More

Remembering Andy Gibb

Andy Gibb was the youngest brother of the famed Bee Gees and during the late 1970s quickly became a teen sensation, known for his smooth voice, youthful charm, and disco-influenced pop sound

Read More

Jennifer Warnes celebrates 78 today

Despite her memorable songs, hits and collaborations since the 1970s, it was her collaboration with Bill Medley on the hit song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” from the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, that catapulted her into global fame

Read More

David Johansen 1950-2025

The frontman of the influential proto-punk and glam rock band New York Dolls, passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 75. He was the last surviving member of the band’s original line-up.

Read More

Gene Hackman 1930-2025

Throughout his career, Hackman made film history by playing some of the most memorable roles ever in movies such as “French Connection,” “Superman: The Movie” or “Mississippi Burning”

Read More

Michael Bolton celebrates 72 today

In the mid-1970s Bolton cut his teeth as the frontman for hard-rockers Black Oak Arkansas before embarking on a solo career that saw him evolve into one of adult contemporary’s defining voice, scoring hits such as the power-ballad “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”

Read More

Roberta Flack 1937-2025

Roberta Flack was the first and the only solo artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year on two consecutive years. She will be remembered by her #1 singles “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” among many others.

Read More

Drew Barrymore turns 50

Barrymore gained international fame at seven years old with her role as Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” however, her early rise to stardom was accompanied by struggles with substance abuse during her youth

Read More

David Geffen celebrates 82

He founded and co-founded some of the entertainment industries most significant music labels and film production companies including Asylum Records, Geffen and Dreamworks

Read More

Kurt Cobain 58th Anniversary Special

A talented artist, songwriter, musician and a passionate advocate for women’s and gay rights, Kurt Cobain left the earthly plan by his own hand on April 8, 1994, at age 27, but today we celebrate his life with a special feature that includes 6 articles to remember Kurt Cobain

Read More

Original Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor turns 64 today

With Duran Duran, Andy Taylor reached the pinnacle of his success during the 1980’s, but the guitarist has had also a successful solo career collaborating with many other artists and with Power Station back in the 1980’s. Look back at Taylor’s life and career on the day he turns 64

Read More

Roxette’s Per Gessle turns 66 today

Roxette had an impressive string of hit songs during the late 80’s and early 90’s, the Swedish duo consisting of Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson, ruled the airwaves around the globe during that period, today, Per turns 66

Read More

The actor Joe Pesci celebrates 82 today

Pesci’s acting breakthrough came with his role in Martin Scorsese’s 1980 “Raging Bull,” where he portrayed Joey LaMotta, earning him an Academy Award nomination and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor with his acclaimed performances in the 1990 movie “Goodfellas”

Read More

Nick Nolte celebrates 83 today

Nolte first garnered national attention with his role in the 1976 television miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man,” and during the 1980’s became known for his lead roles in films such as the 1982 action classic “48 Hrs.”

Read More

Sooner or Later: The great lost power pop song of The Innocents

“Sooner or Later” is one of the great, lost power pop 45s. Issued, according to various discographies, in June 1980, just as the Australian winter set in, it had everything a great 45 should have: a catchy hook, strong lead voice delivering simple, engaging lyrics, counterpoint vocals, polished harmonies, a tidy guitar riff and an endearing sense of joie de vivre that every band wants to emulate but which very few can manage.

Read More

Rick Astley turns 61 today

The British singer became popular during the late 1980’s with songs such as “Never Gonna Give You Up” produced by the famous team Stock Aitken Waterman, despite that in recent years he’s more famous for the “rickrolling,” his career has been much more than that

Read More

The actress Sherilyn Fenn turns 60

Sherilyn Fenn’s most memorable role remains the reckless Audrey Horne in the David Lynch’s cult TV series “Twin Peaks” but despite that famous role and her talent, she never made it into stardom

Read More

So long, Marianne: Marianne Faithfull 1946-2025

The singer and actress Marianne Faithfull was one of the biggest and most enduring 1960’s icons. She first came to prominence in 1964 with the Jagger/Richards penned “As Tears Go By” and shortly after became Mick Jagger’s steady girlfriend for over three years and the Rolling Stones muse, until drug addiction stroke her life costing her voice, but her career remained intact as she found her unique way to successfully adapt her “new” vocals to new music after that incident, resulting in a celebrated and influential career that lasted 6 decades. Marianne Faithfull passed away at age 78 in London, England on January 30th

Read More

Christian Bale turns 51 today

Christian Bale made his big screen debut at age 13 in Spielberg’s “Empire of the Sun” and aside of his talent, is also known as taking acting methods to the extreme by exposing his body to transformations that he regards as necessary to embody the characters

Read More

Phil Collins turns 74 today

Phil Collins first came to prominence during the 1970’s as the drummer, and later the lead singer, for Prog-Rock band Genesis, achieving a notorious and successful solo career in the 1980’s with a string of hit songs

Read More

Faith No More’s amazing frontman Mike Patton turns 57

Mike Patton is one of the most versatile and diverse musicians, throughout his career he has sung and played several musical styles, and since he joined Faith No More in 1989 also became one of the most influential Rock singers multiplying himself through several side projects. Celebrate his 57th anniversary by watching two amazing Faith No More concerts

Read More

Richard Dean Anderson turns 75 today

Thanks to the role of Angus MacGyver, Richard Dean Anderson became one of the world’s most famous actors, and turning 75 today, the actor also discretely has been throughout the years an avid supporter of several charity and environmental causes

Read More

Steve Perry celebrates 76 today

Perry joined the rock band Journey in 1977, and his unique tenor voice became the defining sound of their greatest hits including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways” turned Journey into a worldwide phenomenon

Read More

The Punk Rock mastermind Malcolm McLaren was born 79 years ago

His Portuguese grandmother used to tell him “To be bad is good… to be good is simply boring.” and Malcolm McLaren followed those words throughout his life. He was responsible to bring Punk to England and help to spread it around the world. The creator and mastermind behind the Sex Pistols was born on this day in 1946.

Read More

Remembering David Lynch on his birthday

David Lynch was known for his surreal and enigmatic storytelling in several memorable movies that gained almost instant cult status upon their initial release such as “Eraserhead,” “Dune,” “Blue Velvet,” “Wild at Heart” and “Lost Highway” among others. He also created the iconic TV series “Twin Peaks” He was born on this day in 1946

Read More

The KISS Starchild Paul Stanley turns 73 today

Much has been written about Paul Stanley, he’s the Starchild, one of the most iconic alter-egos and characters in Rock music. With KISS, Paul Stanley has led a career that has earned him millions of followers around the globe. The pinnacle of his success was back in the 1970’s but today, Stanley remains one of the biggest Rock Stars in the world

Read More

Remembering Robert Palmer

During the 1980’s Robert Palmer embraced the new MTV trend and went on to make some of the 1980’s most iconic music videos which earned him a new exposure to a younger audience including the famous one for the song “Addicted to Love”

Read More

David Lynch 1946-2025

David Lynch was known for his surreal and enigmatic storytelling in several memorable movies that gained almost instant cult status upon their initial release such as “Eraserhead,” “Dune,” “Blue Velvet,” “Wild at Heart” and “Lost Highway” among others. He also created the iconic TV series “Twin Peaks” He passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 78, due to complications from emphysema.

Read More

Remembering James Earl Jones

One of the most iconic and respected actors in history and with a career spanning over seven decades, Jones was a pioneer for Black actors in Hollywood and the theater world, breaking barriers throughout his career and his contributions to the arts, from his powerful Shakespearean performances to his unforgettable voice work in Star Wars and The Lion King

Read More

The Hollywood icon Faye Dunaway celebrates 84

Known for her captivating performances and screen presence, Dunaway has built a successful career spanning over six decades, since her breakthrough role in 1967 with “Bonnie and Clyde,” where her portrayal of Bonnie Parker earned her an Academy Award nomination

Read More

The actor Patrick Dempsey celebrates 59

Best known for his role as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dempsey skyrocketed to fame during the 1980’s by appearing in iconic romantic comedies such as “Can’t Buy Me Love”

Read More

Pat Benatar celebrates 72 today

The four-time Grammy Award winner, known for her powerhouse vocals and empowering rock anthems, became one of the most influential artists of the 1980s scoring worldwide hits such as “Love Is a Battlefield” and “We Belong”

Read More

David Bowie Birthday Special

A visionary since the very beginning of his career, David Bowie was the legit Pop and Rock chameleon, he was Ziggy Stardust, Halloween Jack, The Thin White Duke and so many others, his influence can be heard, seen and felt in every artistic expression. To celebrate his 78th anniversary we’ve put out a special feature

Read More

Kenny Loggins celebrates 77 today

Loggins has had a prolific career spanning soft rock hits and iconic movie soundtracks, earning the title “King of Movie Soundtracks” with unforgettable and iconic hits like “Footloose” from the film of the same name and “Danger Zone” from Top Gun

Read More

The influential and unique Michael Stipe turns 65 today

Michael Stipe was pivotal in the development of the Alternative Rock music and remains to this day a huge influence singers, songwriters and artists in general. He formed R.E.M. with guitar player Peter Buck in 1979 and the band was one of the first to successfully cross the boundaries of Indie music to the mainstream. Today Michael Stipe turns 65

Read More

The Midnight Cowboy Jon Voight turns 86

The actor, who’s also the father of Angelina Jolie, played several memorable roles throughout his career but his signature role and the best remembered may be that one of Joe Buck in the 1969 classic “Midnight Cowboy”

Read More

The actor Ted Danson celebrates 77 today

Danson rose to prominence in the 1980s as Sam Malone, the suave bartender on the hit sitcom “Cheers” and has enjoyed ever since a successful career, now spanning decades, becoming a household name through his work in television and film

Read More

Remembering the TV legend Steve Allen

Born on this day in 1921, Allen’s big break came in 1954 when he became the first host of “The Tonight Show” on NBC. Allen’s innovative blend of interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances revolutionized late-night television and set the standard for generations of hosts to follow

Read More

The Last Christmas of George Michael

One of the biggest music stars and icons of the last four decades, George Michael left us on Christmas day eight years ago. We look back at his life and career and remember his strong legacy as an artist and human being.

Read More

Fairyale Of New York

There are some songs that hit you like a bullet the first time you hear them, sweeping you away into their world and eating into your emotional core, only to be washed away with time as over-exposure, over-praise and over-familiarity dull their brilliance to the point where you could happily never hear them again.

Read More

Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland turns 58

The son of the acclaimed actor Donald Sutherland built a career with a name of his own over the past 40 years both on TV and the big screen, starring in popular films and shows such as “The Lost Boys,” “Stand by Me,” “Flatliners” and 24 among many others

Read More

Jane Fonda Turns 87

Actress, TV celebrity, Sex Symbol and activist, Jane Fonda has been in the spotlight over the last six decades as one of the most famous women in the planet. We look back at her life and career on the day she turns 87

Read More

The Legendary Frank Zappa was born on this day in 1940

Frank Zappa is one of the most influential musicians of all time with one of the most diverse and vast bodies of work, with a career that spanned for over 30 years, he was one of the 1960’s most revolutionary artists. He lived a life dedicated to music, arts and performing. Today would have been his 84th anniversary, we recap his life and career

Read More

Influential Alternative Rock Bassist Mike Watt Turns 67 today

Mike Watt started his career as a founder and member of the Punk fusion band Minutemen, since the tragic end of the band in 1985 due to the death of singer and guitarist D.Boon, that he has led a very successful career, influencing several bands and artists from Alternative to Grunge and collaborating with names such as Sonic Youth, Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Frank Black among many others; he also toured as a member of the Stooges in 2003 . We look back at his career

Read More

1980’s Pop music icon Limahl turns 66 today

Limahl is mostly remembered for being part of the band Kajagoogoo and for his hit “The Neverending Story” in 1984. With a unique look that even inspired a Marvel superhero, Limahl it’s still one of the most recognizable 80’s Pop music icons. We look back at his life and career to celebrate his 66th anniversary.

Read More

Brad Pitt was born on this day in 1963

Brad Pitt is one of the most famous and talented contemporary actors, he has starred in several hit movies in a career that started back in the 1980’s. To celebrate his 61st birthday we picked the Top 5 Brad Pitt movies

Read More

Don Johnson Turns 75 today

Don Johnson came to prominence during the 1980’s when he starred on the hit TV series “Miami Vice,” he had a very mediatic marriage with actress Melanie Griffith and tried a career as a Pop singer during the 1980’s

Read More

Top 10 Best Rock and Pop Christmas Songs

The 1970’s and 1980’s were a strong and fertile ground for Pop and Rock artists to do Christmas songs and turning it into memorable No.1 hits, while not all of the songs on this list are from those decades and not all made it to No.1, they all are memorable and have resisted the test of time for decades

Read More

Kenneth Branagh celebrates 64 today

Branagh made a name for himself in cinema with his directorial debut, “Henry V” in 1989, which he also starred in. The film earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Actor and Best Director

Read More

10 of the best John Malkovich movies

John Malkovich celebrates 71 today, an actor of a unique talent, that for decades has gifted us with his acting diversity, playing villains on blockbusters or historical character or even grabbing roles in obscure European films

Read More

The actor C. Thomas Howell celebrates 58 today

Howell’s acting career took off with his role as Tyler in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” in 1982, and he gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ponyboy Curtis in the 1983 Francis Ford Coppola’s movie “The Outsiders”

Read More

Tom Waits celebrates 75 today

With an immense and respected body of work often blends elements of blues, jazz, and vaudeville, he created a unique sound that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base

Read More

Roy Orbison passed away 36 years ago today

The influential singer and songwriter Roy Orbison left a more than thirty years legacy of absolute music classics such as “Crying,” “In Dreams,” “Oh Pretty Woman” and “You Got It.” On December 6th, 1988, Orbison passed away suddenly at the age of 52. We recap his life and career

Read More

Remembering Tony Todd

Born on this day in 1954, the horror icon Tony Todd’s breakthrough came in 1990 when he starred as the iconic and terrifying Candyman in the film of the same name. 

Read More

The drummer Matt Sorum celebrates 64 today

Sorum’s career took off in the mid-1980s when he joined The Cult, contributing to their albums Sonic Temple and joined Guns N’ Roses joined during the recording of the band’s Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II albums

Read More

I am a photograph: The many lives of Amanda Lear in images

She rose to prominence as a fashion icon in the 1960s and served as muse to some of modern history’s most iconic figures, including Salvador Dali, David Bowie, and the Rolling Stones, but her origins remain one of Pop Culture’s most fascinating enigmas. Explore her fascinating life through over 100 photographs

Read More

In 1985 Wham! “Make It Big” twice

In 1985 Wham! were one of the biggest pop bands (or duos) in the world and after a discreet debut with their first album “Fantastic” released in 1982, they went on to release their best selling and worldwide success “Make It Big” that included some of the 1980’s most memorable Pop music

Read More

Remembering Hollywood legend Rock Hudson

He’s still considered to this day one of Hollywood’s biggest sex symbols ever, and one of its first heartthrobs, Rock Hudson, the legendary actor whose career accidentally became a shining example of Hollywood’s classical “star system”-style career promotion and ended in tragedy

Read More

The Electronic music pioneer Wendy Carlos celebrates 85 today

Carlos gained international fame in 1968 with the release of “Switched-On Bach”, an album of Johann Sebastian Bach compositions performed entirely on the Moog synthesizer. The record was groundbreaking, popularizing the synthesizer in mainstream music and winning three Grammy Awards. She also composed the iconic scores for Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” in 1971 and “The Shining” in 1980

Read More

Whoopi Goldberg turns 69 today

The popular and much awarded actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg rose to worldwide stardom in the 1985 drama “The Color Purple” and has since became one of the most popular faces in both the big screen and TV

Read More

Tony Todd 1954-2024

The horror icon Tony Todd’s breakthrough came in 1990 when he starred as the iconic and terrifying Candyman in the film of the same name. He passed away at age 69

Read More

Remembering Alain Delon on his birthday

The iconic French actor was throughout his career often regarded as one of the most beautiful men in the world. He rose to fame during the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s and 1970s starred in numerous and timeless classics of European cinema that made him a revered figure in the film industry, with a career that spanned over six decades and more than 80 films

Read More

The actress Sally Field celebrates 78 today

With a career spanning over six decades that started in the 1960s TV series Gidget, Sally Field’s film career skyrocketed in the 1980s with performance in the movie “Norma Rae” earning her first Academy Award for Best Actress in her career, followed by a second one for her role in “Places in the Heart”

Read More

Remembering the Hollywood legend Burt Lancaster

Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, Lancaster solidified his place in Hollywood with a series of iconic roles including the one in the 1953 classic “From Here to Eternity” where his passionate beachside scene with Deborah Kerr became one of the most memorable moments in film history

Read More

Paul Di´Anno 1958-2024

The original vocalist of Iron Maiden passed away at age 66. His raw vocal delivery and rebellious punk attitude and energy injected a sense of urgency and authenticity into the band’s early recordings, including their self-titled debut album

Read More

Remembering the iconic Divine

In the mid-1960s, Gleen Milstead formed a transformative friendship with filmmaker John Waters, who dubbed him “Divine” and cast him in a series of provocative films that pushed the boundaries of taste and convention including the now cult movie “Pink Flamingos” in 1972 and later during the 1980’s in the memorable movies “Polyester” and “Hairspray”

Read More

1980’s Pop sensation Sinitta turns 61

During the mid 1980’s Sinitta scored several hit songs, and became a Pop sensation mainly in Europe, produced by the famous hit and pop star makers Stock, Aitken and Waterman. We look back at her life and career

Read More

The British singer Cliff Richard turns 84

With more than 250 million records sold worldwide since the beginning of his career in the 1950’s, the singer was never able to successfully break into the American music market, despite dominating the British music scene pre-Beatles

Read More

Remembering the actor Chris Penn

The younger brother of actor Sean Penn, he was known for playing tough, often morally complex characters such as the volatile criminal “Nice Guy Eddie” in Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 crime classic Reservoir Dogs

Read More

Eric Stoltz celebrates 63 today

Stoltz first caught the attention of critics and audiences with his performance in the 1982 teen classic “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” where he played a stoner alongside Sean Penn, but his major breakthrough came in 1985 with his lead role in “Mask”

Read More

Kris Kristofferson 1936-2024

The legendary singer-songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson passed away at age 88. Among countless successful songs, Kristofferson penned the classic “Me and Bobby McGee”, which became his most well-known hit, but for a while, music wasn’t the direction he was following during his early years. We look back at Kristofferson’s life and career.

Read More

Remembering the Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni

Throughout his career, Mastroianni appeared in over 150 films and became closely associated with director Federico Fellini, appearing in several of his most iconic films. In 1960, he gained international fame with his performance in Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita”

Read More

The short life of Punk Icon Darby Crash

Darby Crash still may not be as famous as Sid Vicious, but both Punk Rockers were connected by a dysfunctional and controversial life that was cut too short. We remember the Los Angeles Punk Rock icon born 66 years ago today and look back at his life and career

Read More

Remembering the actor and entertainer Mickey Rooney

One of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, Mickey Rooney made his stage debut at just 17 months old, performing alongside his parents who were vaudeville performers, and his big break came in the 1930s with the role of Andy Hardy in the hugely popular Andy Hardy film series

Read More

In 1984 “Relax” the controversial debut single by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, became the longest running chart hit since 1967

One of the most controversial and most commercially successful records of the decade “Relax” sold a reported 2 million copies in the UK alone, making it the seventh best-selling single in the UK Singles Chart’s history and would be the first song to emphasize the then, shock impact of Frankie members Holly Johnson’s and Paul Rutherford’s open homosexuality

Read More

The Culture Club drummer Jon Moss turns 67

Jon Moss became worldwide famous as the drummer for Culture Club, but the drummer of songs such as “Karma Chameleon” and former Boy George romantic partner actually came from a strong Punk Rock background prior joining the Culture Club that included many famous Punk bands

Read More

James Earl Jones 1931-2024

One of the most iconic and respected actors in history and with a career spanning over seven decades, James Earl Jones passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93

Read More

“The Demon” Gene Simmons turns 75

With his signature face paint, flamboyant stage presence, and keen business acumen, Simmons has become one of the most recognizable figures in rock music and popular culture. As a founder and member of KISS, Gene Simmons has composed, played bass and done lead vocals in some of the band’s best-known hits including “Deuce” and “Rock and Roll All Nite”

Read More

The Metal God Rob Halford turns 73

The charismatic lead singer of Judas Priest owns one of the most powerful wide-ranging voices of all time which he has been using very well since the 1970’s in defining Heavy Metal and he has also contributed immensely to the LGBT community and cause after coming out in 1998

Read More

Director Tim Burton turns 66 today

Tim Burton was born in Burbank, California, on August 25, 1958, Burton is known for his dark, gothic, and eccentric horror and fantasy films. To celebrate his birthday, we went back through his entire filmography and ranked his top 10 films.

Read More

Remembering Kenny Rogers

Born on this day in 1938, for more than 6 decades Kenny Rogers charted the impressive number of more than 120 hit singles of various music genres across the world with songs such as “The Gambler” and “Islands in the Stream”

Read More

The Top 10 Clash Songs

Joe Strummer, one of the leading figures of the Punk Rock movement, was born on 21 August 1952. He formed and fronted The Clash between 1976 and 1986, leaving a valuable legacy in Rock music that remains fresh and continues to influence new generations

Read More

The beautiful Kim Catrall turns 68

Kim Catrall is still best known for her role as Samantha Jones on the HBO comedy series “Sex and the City” and for the 1987 blockbuster “Mannequin”, but she owns a career that started back in the 1970’s and starred in several popular TV series and movies

Read More

Remembering Dimebag Darrell

Dimebag Darrell co-founded Pantera in 1981 with his brother Vinnie Paul on drums, one of the biggest and most successful Metal bands from the 1980’s and specially the 1990’s

Read More

1980’s TV heartthrob John Stamos turns 61

One of the 1980’s TV heartthrobs and with a career spanning several decades, Stamos has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. The “General Hospital” actor has successfully revived his popularity over the last two decades by appearing in new series and movies and also as an outspoken supporter for the LGBT community

Read More

Top 10 John Deacon Queen songs

The quiet and talented John Deacon was never too much fond of the spotlight, not even when Queen was performing for tens of thousands of people, the bassist and composer was born 74 years ago today in 1951

Read More

Deep Purple’s eternal lead singer Ian Gillian turns 79

It’s a fact, that Ian Gillian will always be regarded as Deep Purple’s eternal lead singer, despite not being a founding member of the band and being replaced twice. But that, doesn’t change that Deep Purple’s most successful and memorable period, was during the years Gillian fronted the band. Between 1970 until his first departure from Deep Purple in 1973, the band reached the pinnacle of their success with a string of four hit albums that remain absolute Hard Rock classics

Read More

Europe’s lead singer Joey Tempest turns 61

The Swedish band Europe frontman Joey Tempest composed and sung one of the most popular songs of all time: “The Final Countdown,” a pastiche of Heavy Metal and Synth Pop with a catchy riff, became one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1980s and topped the sales chart in 26 countries

Read More

Alain Delon 1935-2024

The iconic French actor was throughout his career often regarded as one of the most beautiful men in the world. He rose to fame during the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s and 1970s starred in numerous and timeless classics of European cinema that made him a revered figure in the film industry, with a career that spanned over six decades and more than 80 films

Read More

The actor Sean Penn turns 63 today

Sean Penn owns two academy awards and one of the 1980’s most infamous marriages, when in 1985 he and Madonna started a controversial relationship that even led him to jail. Today he turns 64 and we look back at his life and career

Read More

The 10 Greatest Madonna Videos of All Time

A key part of Madonna’s wide-ranging career has been her eye-catching, conversation-sparking music videos, which have been as impactful and memorable as the hit songs themselves. A master of reinvention, these videos serve as a reminder of her famous array of looks, always referencing the latest trends while staying true to central themes of sex, religion and female empowerment

Read More

Madonna: The Reinvention Queen – The 1980’s

Madonna has been dictating the fashion industry since the early 1980’s when she first became popular with her unique “Madonna Look” which included crucifixes, lots of bracelets and street wear. We’ve selected some of her best images between 1983 and 1989 on this gallery, get inspired by the absolute Queen of Pop

Read More

Madonna: The Absolute Queen of Pop 66th Birthday

Madonna Louise Ciccone doesn’t need introductions, the living legend who was born on August 16, 1958, turns an amazing 66th birthday today. We pay tribute to the absolute Queen of Pop with several special features on Pop Expresso including photo galleries, lists of her most defining songs, insights on some of her big hits and also Quizzes

Read More

The singer-songwriter Tanita Tikaram turns 55

In 1988 at age 19 Tanita Tikaram scored two major hit singles with “Twist in My Sobriety” and “Good Tradition” from her debut album “Ancient Heart”. She’d never repeat the same success again but remains an active musician and singer

Read More

Remembering the singer-songwriter Eric Carmen

Eric Carmen’s solo career took off with the release of his self-titled debut album in 1975. The album featured the hit single “All by Myself,” a power ballad that Carmen composed based on a theme from Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The song became a massive hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100

Read More

The actress Gillian Anderson celebrates 56 today

Anderson’s breakthrough came in 1993 when she was cast as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the science fiction television series “The X-Files.” Her portrayal of Scully, a medical doctor and skeptical investigator, earned her critical acclaim and several awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series

Read More

Melanie Griffith turns 67 today

Throughout her career, Melanie Griffith landed some iconic movie roles that remain memorable. The daughter of actress Tippi Hedren, Griffith made a name for herself, and built a career mixed with many relationships and marriages in the eye of the public. Today she turns 67

Read More

The legendary Whitney Houston was born 61 years ago

Whitney Houston was the most awarded female act of all time with 200 million records sold worldwide, one of music’s greatest voices, she passed away aged only 48. We remember her exceptional life and career, and her voice and music through the concert Live in Japan, 1990, today that marks her 61st birthday

Read More

U2’s The Edge turns 63

The Edge’s guitar playing has become one of the most important parts of U2’s distinctive and influential sound which still inspires new generations of musicians today

Read More

Actor Wayne Knight turns 69

Wayne Knight’s signature role remains that of Newman in “Seinfeld”, but he also has starred in several Hollywood blockbusters throughout his career and given voice to animated characters

Read More

The Life and Art of Andy Warhol

Born 96 years ago today, Andy Warhol, the artist and creator of Pop Culture, is unquestionably one of the biggest and most influential artists of all times, He remains as contemporary as when he rose to prominence during the 1960’s with his unique Pop Art style that would endure for decades to come.

Read More

Pat Smear turns 65: Hardcore Punk pioneer, Grammy winner, co-founder of The Germs, former Nirvana and an original Foo Fighter

He’s one of the most iconic and legendary musicians of the Californian Hardcore Punk scene of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and a member of some of the most influential bands ever, Smear has done it all and gone through it all, from receiving racial and homophobic abuse from a (drunken) famous Rock Superstar to appearing as an extra in a Prince and The Revolution music video to witnessing the legendary frontmen from two of his bands committing suicide in their twenties and composing a song with Paul McCartney

Read More

Follow and Like us on Facebook!