You ever look at a specific date and wonder why so many icons were born on it? Today is January 14, 2026, and if you're a fan of rock music, prestige television, or 90s hip-hop, this is basically your Christmas. We’re talking about a lineup so stacked it feels like a simulation.
Seriously. Dave Grohl. Jason Bateman. LL Cool J. Holland Taylor.
It’s not just a list of names; it’s a collection of people who have shaped the way we watch movies and listen to music for decades. But today is specifically wild because three of the biggest heavyweights—Grohl, Bateman, and LL—are hitting major milestones at the exact same time. Let’s get into who is blowing out candles today and why their careers actually matter in 2026.
Dave Grohl: The Nicest Man in Rock Turns 57
First up, the guy who survived the biggest band of the 90s only to build the biggest band of the 2000s. Dave Grohl is 57 today.
Think about that. In 1994, after the tragic end of Nirvana, most people thought Grohl would be a footnote in music history. Instead, he went into a studio, played every single instrument himself, and birthed the Foo Fighters. Honestly, the level of work ethic there is kind of terrifying.
By 2026, Grohl isn't just a rock star; he’s the unofficial ambassador of the genre. Whether he’s drumming for Queens of the Stone Age, directing documentaries like Sound City, or just being a "cool dad" on stage, he’s managed to stay relevant without ever feeling like he’s trying too hard. Most rockers burn out by 40. Grohl seems to be gaining momentum. He’s 57, and he’s still probably louder than your favorite new indie band.
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Jason Bateman: From Teen Idol to Ozark’s Mastermind
Then you’ve got Jason Bateman, also turning 57 today. It’s wild that he and Grohl share the exact same birth year.
Bateman has had one of the weirdest—and most successful—arcs in Hollywood. He started as a kid in Little House on the Prairie and became a teen heartthrob in the 80s. Usually, that’s a recipe for a "Where Are They Now?" segment on E!. But Bateman pulled off a miracle.
- The Arrested Development Era: He became the king of the "deadpan reaction."
- The Movie Star Pivot: Horrible Bosses, Game Night, you name it.
- The Ozark Transformation: He proved he could do dark, gritty, and intense while directing some of the best television of the last decade.
In 2026, Bateman is more than just an actor; he’s a powerhouse producer and director. If his name is on a project, people watch. He’s basically perfected the art of being the smartest person in the room without having to say it out loud.
LL Cool J: 58 Years of Being the G.O.A.T.
We can't talk about January 14 without mentioning James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, who is 58 today.
LL stands for "Ladies Love," but let’s be real, the industry loves him because he’s a survivor. He was one of the first stars of Def Jam Records back in the 80s. While most of his peers from that era have retired or faded away, LL is still here.
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He’s a two-time Grammy winner and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. But he’s also spent 14 seasons as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles. He bridged the gap between "hardcore rapper" and "mainstream TV star" before that was even a standard career path. At 58, he’s still in better shape than most people half his age, and he’s still a massive influence on the culture.
The Rest of the Star-Studded Jan 14 Roster
The list doesn't stop with the big three. If you’re celebrating a birthday today, you’re in elite company across almost every field of entertainment.
Holland Taylor (83)
The legendary Holland Taylor is 83 today. From The Practice (which won her an Emmy) to her iconic role as Evelyn Harper on Two and a Half Men, she’s been a masterclass in acting for over fifty years. Her relationship with Sarah Paulson is also basically Hollywood royalty at this point.
Steven Soderbergh (63)
The man who directed Ocean's Eleven, Traffic, and Magic Mike is 63. Soderbergh is famous for "retiring" and then immediately coming back to make five more movies. He’s a pioneer of digital filmmaking and is still one of the most prolific directors working today.
Grant Gustin (36)
For the superhero fans, the man who played Barry Allen for nine seasons of The Flash is 36 today. Gustin managed to make a character his own for an entire generation, which is no small feat in the crowded world of DC and Marvel.
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Carl Weathers (In Memoriam)
While we lost the great Carl Weathers in 2024, fans still celebrate his birthday today. The man gave us Apollo Creed in Rocky, Dillon in Predator, and Greef Karga in The Mandalorian. You can’t talk about January 14 without acknowledging the legend of "Gonna fly now."
Why These Birthdays Matter for You
If you're a creator, an artist, or just someone trying to figure out their career, the January 14 cohort is actually a pretty great case study in longevity.
None of these people were "one-hit wonders." Grohl reinvented himself after Nirvana. Bateman reinvented himself after being a child star. LL Cool J moved from music to acting to hosting the Grammys.
The lesson? You don't have to be defined by your first big break.
How to Celebrate Like a January 14 Pro
If you want to honor these legends today, here’s a quick roadmap:
- Watch: An episode of Arrested Development or a classic Soderbergh heist flick.
- Listen: Spin The Colour and the Shape by Foo Fighters or LL’s Radio album.
- Read: Check out Dave Grohl’s book The Storyteller. It’s genuinely one of the best music memoirs ever written.
The real takeaway from today's celebrity birthdays isn't just the age—it's the impact. These folks didn't just show up; they stayed. Whether you’re 36 like Grant Gustin or 83 like Holland Taylor, the goal is to keep making things that people care about.
Actionable Insight for Jan 14: Take a page out of the "Grohl/Bateman Manual." If your current "act" feels like it's winding down, don't be afraid to switch instruments or move behind the camera. The second act is often where the real legacy is built.