Finding out you share a birthday with a massive star is always a trip. But if you were born on February 22, you’re honestly in some elite company. We're talking about a mix of Hollywood royalty, chart-topping musicians, and literal founding fathers. It’s a day that seems to produce people with a certain... intensity.
Whether it's the "Crocodile Hunter" himself or the girl who stole our hearts in E.T., the list is stacked. Let’s get into who actually celebrates on this late-winter date and some of the weirder facts you probably missed about their lives.
The Heavy Hitters: Drew Barrymore and Steve Irwin
When most people think of celebrity birthdays February 22, Drew Barrymore is usually the first name that pops up. She turned 50 in 2025, which is kind of wild considering she’s been in the public eye since she was basically a toddler. Most of us remember her as Gertie in E.T., but her life hasn’t exactly been a fairy tale.
She was the youngest person to ever host Saturday Night Live at just seven years old. Imagine that. Seven. While most of us were trying to learn long division, she was doing monologue prep in 30 Rock. Her godparents? Oh, just Steven Spielberg and Sophia Loren. No big deal.
Then there’s the late, great Steve Irwin. Born in 1962, Steve actually shared a birthday with his mother, Lyn. Talk about a coincidence. He didn’t just like animals; he was born into it. His parents gave him a 12-foot scrub python for his sixth birthday. Most kids get a bike or a LEGO set; Steve got a literal apex predator. By age nine, he was already wrestling small crocodiles.
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Even though he's no longer with us, his legacy on February 22 remains massive. He used his fame to buy up huge tracts of land in Australia just to keep the wildlife safe. He called himself a "Wildlife Warrior," and honestly, the name fit.
The Musical Geniuses and Stage Legends
You’ve definitely heard James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" roughly ten thousand times, but his backstory is way more "action movie" than "sensitive balladeer." Before he was a pop star, he was a Captain in the British Army.
During the Kosovo War, he was actually part of the lead troop that entered Pristina. He’s famously credited with helping prevent a potential military clash with Russian forces because he refused an order to engage them. Pretty heavy stuff for a guy who later recorded a hit song in Carrie Fisher’s bathroom. Yeah, you read that right—he stayed with the Star Wars actress while recording his debut album, Back to Bedlam.
Speaking of legends, Lea Salonga also celebrates today. If you grew up in the 90s, she was the singing voice for Princess Jasmine and Mulan. She was the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award (for Miss Saigon). She basically paved the way for international musical theater stars.
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Other Notable Names Born on Feb 22:
- Kyle MacLachlan (1959): The face of Twin Peaks. He’s a David Lynch favorite and a huge fan of Italian cooking and golf.
- Rajon Rondo (1986): A two-time NBA champion. His mom actually pushed him toward basketball because she thought football would be too hard on his skinny frame. Good call, Mom.
- Julius Erving (1950): Dr. J. The man who basically invented the modern style of play in the NBA.
- Thomas Jane (1969): Known for The Punisher and The Expanse.
The History Glitch: George Washington's "Real" Birthday
Okay, this one is kinda weird. If you look at a history book, it says George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. But if you actually asked George himself, he would have told you his birthday was February 11, 1731.
Wait, what?
Basically, Great Britain switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1752. When they did that, they had to "skip" eleven days to get in sync with the rest of Europe. They also moved the start of the New Year from March to January. So, poor George ended up with a new birth date and a new birth year according to the official records.
Even though we celebrate "Presidents' Day" on a Monday now, the official federal holiday is still legally called "Washington's Birthday." And because of how the law is written, the holiday can never actually fall on his real birthday, the 22nd.
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Why This Date Actually Matters
There is something about February 22 that attracts "firsts."
- The first US President.
- The first Asian woman to win a Tony.
- The youngest person to win a French Open (Michael Chang, born Feb 22, 1972).
- The youngest SNL host.
It’s a day for people who break molds. Whether it’s Rajon Rondo racking up triple-doubles or Andy Warhol (who died on this day in 1987, weirdly enough) changing what we consider art, the energy is just different.
Actionable Insights for Feb 22 Birthdays
If you’re lucky enough to celebrate on this day, or you're planning a party for someone who does, here is how to lean into the "February 22" vibe:
- Embrace the "Wildlife Warrior" Spirit: In honor of Steve Irwin, consider a small donation to a conservation group like Wildlife Warriors or even just visiting a local sanctuary.
- Channel Your Inner Drew: If you’ve had a rough start or a "troubled youth" like Barrymore, remember she reinvented herself as a mogul and talk show host in her 40s and 50s. It is never too late to pivot.
- The Calendar Trick: Use the George Washington trivia as a party icebreaker. Most people have no clue about the 11-day calendar skip.
- Music Playlist: Build a playlist featuring James Blunt’s Twitter-famous wit and Lea Salonga’s Disney classics. It’s a chaotic mix, but it works.
February 22 isn't just another day on the calendar. It's a powerhouse of talent that spans from the 1700s to the modern NBA. From child stars who survived the meat grinder of fame to soldiers who became singers, the people born on this day usually have a hell of a story to tell.