What is it about May 16? Seriously. Some dates on the calendar just seem to hoard all the charisma. If you were born on this day, you’re sharing a slice of cake with a lineup that looks less like a birthday list and more like a Hollywood Hall of Fame. We’re talking about the 007 of our childhoods, the woman who redefined the 2000s "it-girl" aesthetic, and the youngest member of a musical dynasty who actually outpaced her brothers in sheer cultural longevity.
Honestly, it's a weirdly diverse group. You have gritty character actors who spent years in prison before hitting the big screen, and literal supermodels who were discovered while buying groceries in South Africa.
The Icon Trio: Jackson, Brosnan, and Fox
If you grew up in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s, at least one of these three was probably on a poster in your room.
Janet Jackson is arguably the heavyweight champion of May 16. Born in 1966, she wasn't just "Michael’s little sister." She was the architect of the Rhythm Nation. Most people forget she started as a child actor on Good Times. She didn't just stumble into pop royalty; she fought for "Control" (pun intended) over her image and sound when the industry wanted her to stay a safe, bubblegum act. By 2026, her influence on artists like Tinashe and Normani is more obvious than ever.
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Then there’s Pierce Brosnan. Born in 1953 in Ireland, he’s the man who made the tuxedo look like a second skin. Before he was James Bond in GoldenEye, he was the charming Remington Steele. What’s cool about Brosnan is his staying power. He didn't just fade away after 007; he leaned into musicals with Mamma Mia! and gritty indies. Fun fact: He’s actually a quite talented painter, a hobby he picked up long before the fame.
And of course, Megan Fox. Born in 1986, she became the face of a generation after Transformers. The media was pretty brutal to her for a decade, pigeonholing her as just a "sex symbol," but the recent "Megan Fox Renaissance" is real. People are finally looking back at Jennifer’s Body and realizing she was actually a great actress with a sharp sense of humor all along. Recently, she even published a book of poetry, Pretty Boys Are Poisonous, proving she’s always had more going on than what the tabloids suggested.
The Wildest Redemption Story: Danny Trejo
If we’re talking about May 16 legends, we have to talk about Danny Trejo. He was born in 1944, and his life story is basically a movie itself. Before he was Machete, he was an inmate at San Quentin.
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He spent years cycling through the California prison system.
It’s almost hard to believe, but he actually met Charles Manson in jail back in 1961. Trejo turned his life around through boxing and a 12-step program while still behind bars. He got his start in movies totally by accident—he was on a set to help a young actor stay sober and got noticed for his "tough guy" look. Now, he’s one of the most beloved figures in L.A., known as much for his taco empire as his 400+ acting credits.
Actors Who Stayed Young (Literally and Figuratively)
May 16 also belongs to Thomas Brodie-Sangster. You probably know him as the kid from Love Actually who ran through the airport. He was born in 1990, but he’s famously got one of those faces that just doesn’t age. He successfully navigated the "child star" curse, landing massive roles in Game of Thrones as Jojen Reed and as the flamboyant chess master Benny Watts in The Queen’s Gambit. He’s a working actor’s actor—no drama, just consistently good performances.
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Then you have Tori Spelling. Born in 1973, she was the face of Beverly Hills, 90210 for an entire decade. Being the daughter of TV mogul Aaron Spelling meant she grew up in the most famous mansion in the world, but she’s been incredibly open about her financial ups and downs and the reality of life after the "Donna Martin" fame. She’s transitioned into a reality TV staple and a successful author, keeping her name in the headlines for over 30 years.
The Supermodel and the History Books
- Behati Prinsloo (1988): This Namibian supermodel and Victoria's Secret Angel wasn't looking for fame. She was discovered in a grocery store in Cape Town while on vacation with her grandparents. Her grandfather reportedly thought the scout was "shady," but it led to a career that define the 2010s runway.
- David Boreanaz (1969): Whether you know him as Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Booth from Bones, the guy has been a lead on a hit TV show for almost 25 years straight. That kind of consistency is almost unheard of in Hollywood.
- Henry Fonda (1905–1982): We can’t forget the legends. The patriarch of the Fonda acting dynasty was a May 16 baby. He won an Oscar for On Golden Pond and gave us one of the greatest performances in cinematic history in 12 Angry Men.
Why May 16 Birthdays Matter
This date produces people who are survivors. Look at the list again: Trejo survived prison, Janet survived the "King of Pop" shadow, and Megan Fox survived the 2000s paparazzi meat grinder. There is a "toughness" associated with this day.
If you share this birthday, you’re in the company of people who don’t just show up—they dominate their lane. They tend to have long careers rather than being "one-hit wonders." They reinvent themselves. Brosnan went from action hero to singer; Prinsloo went from the grocery store to the global stage.
Your May 16 Action Plan:
- Check the legacy: If you're a fan of these stars, look for their less-famous works. Watch The Last Rifleman for a different side of Pierce Brosnan, or read Danny Trejo’s autobiography, My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood.
- Embrace the "May 16 Energy": This group is defined by resilience. Whether you're starting a new career or just trying to get through a tough week, channel that "Machete" or "Control-era Janet" energy.
- Plan the ultimate May 16 viewing party: Line up Transformers, GoldenEye, and Rhythm Nation 1814. It’s a wild ride, but it perfectly sums up the eclectic, high-octane talent of this specific day.