Ever feel like specific days on the calendar just hoard all the talent? November 16 is one of those days. Honestly, the roster is a bit ridiculous. You have indie darlings, 90s sitcom icons, a chaotic SNL legend, and even a jazz powerhouse all sharing the same 24-hour window.
It’s weirdly diverse.
If you’re a November 16 baby, you're in some seriously high-achieving company. We aren't just talking about people who are "famous for being famous." These are the folks who changed the vibe of television, movies, and music.
The Big Names of Celebrity Birthdays Nov 16
Let's get into it. Most people immediately think of Maggie Gyllenhaal or Pete Davidson when this date rolls around, and for good reason. They're basically the faces of the day.
Maggie Gyllenhaal, born in 1977, is the kind of actress who makes everything look easy, even when she’s playing deeply complicated, often uncomfortable roles. Most people remember her from The Dark Knight or Secretary, but she’s transitioned into this powerhouse director lately. Did you see The Lost Daughter? It’s intense. She didn’t even know her real legal first name was Margalit until she was in her 30s. That’s a wild bit of trivia for someone who’s been in the public eye since she was a teenager.
Then there’s Pete Davidson. Born in 1993.
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Pete is basically the king of Staten Island—literally, he made the movie. He joined Saturday Night Live when he was only 20, making him one of the youngest cast members ever. His life has been... a lot. Between the very public relationships and his openness about mental health and Crohn’s disease, he’s become a sort of relatable figure for a whole generation. He’s proof that you can be messy and still be incredibly successful.
The 80s and 90s TV Royalty
If you grew up watching The Cosby Show, today is a big deal because of Lisa Bonet. Born in 1967.
She was Denise Huxtable, the cool girl everyone wanted to be. Lisa has always had this mysterious, "I’m too cool for Hollywood" energy. She even legally changed her name to Lilakoi Moon at one point, though she still uses Lisa Bonet professionally. Her influence on fashion and the "boho-chic" aesthetic is still visible everywhere today. Plus, she’s the mother of Zoë Kravitz, so the talent genes are clearly working overtime in that family.
Speaking of TV icons, Marg Helgenberger (born 1958) is another heavy hitter. Before she was Catherine Willows on CSI, she was winning Emmys for China Beach. She’s one of those actors who just anchors a show. You trust her.
And don’t forget Martha Plimpton (1970). If you're a child of the 80s, she’s Stef from The Goonies. If you’re younger, she’s the hilarious Virginia Chance from Raising Hope. She’s got this raspy voice and a sharp wit that makes her stand out in every single scene.
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The Full List (Because it's a Long One)
It’s not just actors. The November 16 birthday club is actually packed with musicians and athletes too.
- Diana Krall (1964): The jazz pianist and singer who has won multiple Grammys and moved millions of albums. She’s married to Elvis Costello, which is basically a musical power couple for the ages.
- Dwight "Doc" Gooden (1964): A legend for the New York Mets. He was a four-time All-Star and won a World Series. His "K" count was the stuff of nightmares for batters in the mid-80s.
- Missi Pyle (1972): You’ve seen her in everything. Dodgeball, Galaxy Quest, Gone Girl. She’s almost six feet tall and has this incredible comedic timing that most actors would kill for.
- Harry Lennix (1964): Known for The Blacklist and his roles in the DC Extended Universe. He has one of those voices that sounds like it should be narrating the history of the world.
- Kimberly J. Brown (1984): The Halloweentown queen! Millennial nostalgia starts and ends with her.
Why This Date Actually Matters
Most people check celebrity birthdays just for fun, but there’s a weird pattern with November 16. These aren't usually "flash in the pan" celebrities. They tend to have careers that span decades.
Look at Miguel Sandoval (1951) or Joanna Pettet (1942). These are workers. They show up, they do the job, and they stay relevant. It’s a Scorpio thing, maybe? Scorpios are known for being intense and resilient. Whether you believe in astrology or not, the people born today certainly fit the "determined" mold.
Even someone like Dean McDermott (1966) has stayed in the headlines for decades, for better or worse.
What You Can Learn from the Nov 16 Crew
If you're looking for a takeaway from this list of high-achievers, it's probably versatility.
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Maggie Gyllenhaal went from acting to directing. Martha Plimpton went from being a teen star to a Broadway heavyweight. Pete Davidson went from stand-up to movies. None of them stayed in one lane. They kept evolving.
If you're feeling stuck in your career, maybe take a page out of the November 16 playbook. Pivot. Try the thing you’re scared of. It worked for them.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Birthdays
If you’re planning to celebrate one of these stars—or if you share the birthday—here’s how to lean into it:
- Marathon the Classics: Tonight is the perfect night to re-watch The Goonies for Martha Plimpton or Secretary for Maggie Gyllenhaal.
- Check the Tour Dates: Since Diana Krall and several rock musicians (like Dave Kushner of Velvet Revolver) share this day, it's a good reminder to see who's on tour.
- Update Your Trivia: Next time someone mentions The Cosby Show, drop the fact that Lisa Bonet married Lenny Kravitz on her 20th birthday. It’s the ultimate "did you know?" moment.
Sharing a birthday with this group means you’re part of a lineage of rebels and powerhouses. Not a bad way to start another trip around the sun.
To make the most of this information, you can set up a Google Alert for your favorite November 16 stars to see what projects they're launching this year. Many of them, like Gyllenhaal and Davidson, have major productions slated for the 2026-2027 season. Keep an eye on the trades for their next big moves.