Famous Celebrities December Birthdays

Find out which stars and other notables were born in the month of December.

Woody Allen
December 1

His career in film production began in the 1960s with a movie about a playboy and a psychoanalyst, and he’s working on a new film that stars Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. He’s also an accomplished musician.

Britney Spears
December 2

She burst onto the scene in the late ‘90s as a tempestuous teen with a hit single. With which pop singer did she have a romance?

Ozzy Osbourne
December 3

The “The Grandfather of Heavy Metal” gave fans and others an inside look at his personal life when he starred in a reality show about his family life.

Tyra Banks
December 4

She was the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of this sports magazine’s swimsuit edition. She rose to fame as a model for this lingerie brand, hosted a popular talk show and helmed a model reality show.

Little Richard
December 5

This rock pioneer first achieved success with a boogie woogie hit that climbed to the top of the Billboard charts in 1955. In 1986 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

John Singleton Mosby
December 6

A confederate commander, he was known by this nickname for his ability to elude Union soldiers. In 1863, he reportedly captured a Union general by giving him a rousing slap. His capture of Union soldiers and disruption of supply lines are thought to have staved off a Union victory for a year.

Larry Bird
December 7

This Hall of Fame basketball player first gained national attention when in 1979 he led this school to the NCAA title game against this school, which featured this legendary player. The rivalry between these two stars continued into the NBA.


Kim Basinger
December 8

A model turned actress, she starred in several blockbuster hits in the 1980s, including a movie franchise based on a suave action hero in 1983 and the first full-length film about a comic book superhero in 1989. In 1997, she won an Academy Award for her work in this drama.


Redd Foxx
December 9

This comedian is best known for his starring role in a 1970s sitcom. Though he died in 1991, he inspired many comedians including this actor, whose stage name is a tribute. When Foxx died, he reportedly was in debt to the IRS. How much did he owe?

Emily Dickinson
December 10

Although she’s now recognized as a major American poet, only a handful of her poems were published while she lived. She is referred to as the belle of this Massachusetts town.


John Kerry
December 11

The U.S. senator from this state is also a decorated veteran. He ran for a high office in 2004, but he lost to the incumbent. His wife is known for her former marriage and for being heir to his family’s fortune.


Frank Sinatra
December 12

This iconic singer and actor is known by this nickname – and this one, among others. He won an Academy Award for his role in this 1953 film and was a megastar in the music industry during the 1940s and 1950s, appealing to bobby-soxers.


Taylor Swift
December 13

At 21, she’s established herself as a leading musician, and it’s been only four years since the release of her first single. Her first album went multiplatinum. Her second album earned her six Grammys, including Album of the Year, and her third sold more than a million copies in its first week.


Nostradamus
December 14

The French physician and seer who turns 507 years old on this day is credited by some with predicting many major world events in his book, released in 1555. He reportedly used this art to make his predictions, many of which are still subject to hot debate today.


Don Johnson
December 15

He seemingly defined “cool” in the 1980s as the star of a hot cop series . He starred in another cop drama in the 1990s and he also performed music his first single, in 1986, ended up being his most successful.


William “Refrigerator” Perry
December 16

He played 10 seasons in the NFL, most with this franchise, winning a Super Bowl in 1986. He was a fan favorite and earned his nickname because of his size. Perry capitalized on his fame in a tasty fashion in 2006.

Manny Pacquiao
December 17

This decorated boxer is considered by many to be, pound-for-pound, the best in the sport right now. Pacquiao is also a politician in his homeland, having been elected in 2008.

Christina Aguilera
December 18

A one-time Mouseketeer, she found fame as a singer with this single, released in 1999. In 2010, this men’s magazine ranked her No. 18 on this list. What does she say about her split from her husband?

Alyssa Milano
December 19

As a child, Milano starred on a sitcom as the daughter of this star. In the 1990s, she starred in this television drama, and she spent eight years as one of the main characters on a charming series.

JoJo
December 20

This young pop star was first discovered on this television talent show. At 13, she released her first album, which went gold. Her third studio album is expected to be released in 2011


Joe Paterno
December 21

The legendary coach of this university recently secured this milestone. Known by this nickname, he has won two national titles and is one of three active coaches to receive this honor.


Diane Sawyer
December 22

A former beauty queen from Kentucky, she is one of the most prominent figures in television journalism, having hosted news shows for this network. Sawyer worked in the administration of this embattled former president.


Corey Haim
December 23

The former child star, who died in March, battled drug and alcohol addiction for much of his life. In the 1980s, he starred in this teen horror film next to another Corey. They would go on to star in more movies together; they later reunited in a reality show.

Ricky Martin
December 24

This Latin pop star gained international fame with a 1999 hit. He first gained recognition as a member of this Puerto-Rican boy band from the 1970s and 80s. Recently, Martin told the world this personal news on “Oprah.”

Rickey Henderson
December 25

Though he was born on a day where giving emphasized, this Hall of Fame baseball player became known for stealing. Henderson won World Series titles with both the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays. In 1990 he won this award.

Ozzie Smith
December 26

Known by this nickname, he was one of the greatest to play his position in baseball. His career started in San Diego, but he helped the Cardinals win the 1982 World Series. His game-winning home run in 1985 prompted this famous call. Smith was also known for this stunt.

Marlene Dietrich
December 27

This sultry film star from the early 20th century became well-known for her role as this character in this major German film. Her ability to continually re-invent herself allowed her to have a long career  lasting decades.


John Legend
December 28

This Neo-Soul/R & B artist worked as a management consultant before he was discovered by this up-and-coming producer, who introduced him to an up-and-coming rapper. He sang hooks on several of the rapper’s songs from his debut album before releasing his own in 2004.


Ted Danson
December 29

He achieved fame as an actor for his role in this sitcom about a Boston pub. He followed that sitcom up with a leading role in another. He also had a recurring role in this wry HBO comedy.

LeBron James
December 30

This international star recently stirred up a controversy when he made this decision. In just his third NBA season, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers far into the playoffs. Before he was drafted, he signed a lucrative contract with this shoe company.

Anthony Hopkins
December 31

This Welsh actor is well-known for his portrayal of this psychotic cannibal. The irony of that role is found in Hopkins’ personal diet. Hopkins has had a storied career, being nominated for Oscars in three other films.

Top 12 TV's Biggest Turkeys

In an industry propped up by hits, the programming landscape is typically dominated by misses. Roughly 80% of all new shows fail; about a third of this year's freshman crop won't even make it past January. Figures like these have driven many to question network television's costly model, but none to actually alter it. And so it goes, another season of turkeys, as we've affectionately dubbed the shows that have already gotten the ax or are dangerously close to it.

Fox's Lone Star

Status: Done
The heavily marketed show about a big oil conman leading dual lives had the benefit of critical acclaim. Everything from the soapy series' out-of-the-box premise to its breakout leading man, James Wolk, garnered praise from early reviewers. But it wasn't enough to lure viewers. Some blame the show's unforgivable plot lines about cons and adultery; others blame its hard-to-define premise and hardly explanatory title. Whatever the reason, only 4 million or so tuned in, making it the fall season's first casualty.

ABC's My Generation

Status: Done
A documentary-style drama about nine people told in two time periods, the year 2000 and today. As show-runner Noah Hawley described it in his post-cancellation love letter to the show's loyal fan base: "No doctors, no lawyers, no murders to solve. Real life is dramatic enough. That was my feeling. … It was our great experiment, and then it was over." The end came when only 4 million or so tuned in, despite a plum Thursday night slot and a costly--albeit confusing--marketing campaign. Though the series was canceled after just two episodes, Hawley has completed eight episodes for release online.

NBC's Outlaw

Status: Done
Fans may chalk up Outlaw's early demise to the show's Conan O'Brien association. After all, it was the displaced NBC host's company that produced the Jimmy Smits legal series for the network. The reality: The series struggled on multiple fronts. Critics bemoaned its improbable plot lines and poor writing, and viewers lacked interest. The drama averaged some 4 million viewers in its original Friday night slot, and its cancellation was announced after just four episodes. (The four remaining episodes aired in a Saturday night timeslot.)

ABC's Whole Truth

Status: Done
Despite heavyweight Jerry Bruckheimer's involvement, a leading lady in ER darling Maura Tierney and a cushy Wednesday evening timeslot, the legal drama failure to pique the curiosity of viewers. Thus far this season, the Tierney star vehicle has averaged only 4.3 million viewers, reports Nielsen. Co-executive producer Kristie Anne Reed confirmed the show's cancellation in late October: "ABC gave us the word," she tweeted. "We will only make 13 episodes of The Whole Truth."

NBC's Undercovers

Status: Done
For those who think networks are incapable of--or at least uninterested in--canceling a J.J. Abrams show, think again. The latest high-concept drama from the famed producer-director featured a pair of retired, married spies who were lured back to the world of international intrigue. But viewers lacked the latter. According to Nielsen, the show averaged only 6 million or so viewers and will end its run after 13 episodes.

Fox's Running Wilde

Status: Over
Despite heavy hype and an all-star pairing of Mitch Hurwitz and Will Arnett, the duo that brought viewers cult hit Arrested Development has once again failed to snag an adequately sized audience. The difference this time around is a lack of widespread critical support for the ratings-starved comedy, which has averaged about 3.5 million viewers this season. Hardly a vote of confidence: Fox benched the series for the remainder of November sweeps. (Fox pulled Arrested during the similarly important February sweeps six years earlier, and it petered out in the months that followed.) Though no network likes to throw around the term "canceled," Fox has opted against ordering more episodes.

NBC's Chase

Status: Limping Along
Though the Jerry Bruckheimer series received a full 22-episode order, it has fallen short of CSI status. While not outright nasty, early reviews were far from winning--critics called the formulaic show "mindless" and "unimaginative." Still worse, only some 5 million viewers have regularly tuned in for episodes of the action series the network had hoped to make a tent-pole.

NBC's The Event

Status: Shedding Viewers
At this rate, viewers may not get to find out what "the event" is, much less care. In spite of its heavy hype from marketers and critics alike, the network's high-concept, serialized drama billed by some as Lost meets 24 came out of the gate strong, only to fizzle in the weeks that followed. Recent episodes have averaged fewer than 6 million viewers, down from 11 million-plus on premiere night, reports Nielsen. Earlier this month, the network announced plans to yank the series for three months beginning in December.

CBS's Medium

Status: Over
After seven seasons, two network homes, several awards, even more cancellation threats and a $58 million write down, the show's star Patricia Arquette announced the CBS drama would end its run. It will feel like déjà vu for long-time viewers, since former chief Ben Silverman once canceled it on NBC, where it had run until 2005. Given the strength of CBS' schedule, the 6 or 7 million viewers who regularly watch Medium aren't as appealing--and for that matter, necessary-- as they'd likely be at a lesser-watched rival.

CW's Life Unexpected

Status: Over
Despite early critical praise, the CW series failed to generate either the pop cultural attention of Gossip Girl or the ratings success of The Vampire Diaries. Instead, the Portland-based drama about a foster child who has reconnected with her birth parents has averaged about 1.5 million viewers an episode in its second season. Though an official announcement won't come until May, Lux's season has been cut to just 13 episodes and its future is far from bright.

NBC's Apprentice

Status: Limping Along
The network's decision to bring back the civilian version of Apprentice has proved a questionable one. The Donald Trump star vehicle, which once made a catch phrase out of "You're Fired," is lacking in buzz and viewership. In recent weeks, the show's audience hovered around 4 million. The 10 p.m. hour it currently occupies on Thursday evenings will be filled by a third hour of comedy come January. The good news for The Donald and his host network: The more popular celebrity iteration will return this spring.

NBC's Parenthood

Status: Limping along
Despite an all-star cast in front of the camera (Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard) and behind (Friday Night Lights' Jason Katims), the series based on the late 1980s flick of the same name has struggled to find an audience. Its lackluster ratings followed a particularly rocky start care of a cancer-stricken cast member and an unrelated death on set. NBC will attempt to give the series another push with a new timeslot early next year.

Top 15 Biggest Pop Culture Turkeys

When most people think turkey, they think of the North American gallinaceous bird we chow down on for Thanksgiving. But here at Wonderwall, turkey reminds us of people like Christina Aguilera and Ben Affleck. Why? 'Cause their major career flops are unforgettable. So in celebration of the upcoming holiday, we're counting down the biggest pop culture turkeys. Gobble gobble!

15. Christina Aguilera, "Bionic"

After 2006's Grammy-winning "Back to Basics," expectations were high for Christina's sixth studio album. And it's not like "Bionic" was bad, per se. But between

her postponing her tour for unknown reasons and allegations from Lady Gaga fans that Christina was copying Gaga's style, the album was doomed. Worldwide, it only sold 600,000 copies; compare that with the 4.5 million copies "Back to Basics" has sold.

14. Lindsay Price

We're sure she's a really nice lady, but Lindsay Price is TV Teflon. Sure, the pilots she's on get picked up, but how long do the series last? Take her latest show, "Eastwick," for example: Not only was it never picked up for a full season, but all 13 episodes of the 2009 NBC

show never even made it to air. Want more proof of Lindsay's TV turkeydom? "Lipstick Jungle," "Pepper Dennis," "Coupling."

13. Madonna as an actress

From "Shanghai Surprise" to "The Next Best Thing" to "Swept Away," there's no lack of examples of Madonna's suckiness as an actress. Yes, she's one of the great performers of all time, but give her lines and blocking instead of lyrics and choreography and she's a total train

wreck. Thankfully, she got the point after "Swept Away" (could it have been winning yet another Worst Actress Razzie that really drove the message home?). Now we get to look forward to her direction on "W.E." (yay?).

12. "Cutthroat Island"

A box office bomb’s costs exceeds its revenue. By that definition, "Cutthroat Island" wasn't just a bomb; it was a nuclear warhead. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest box office loss of all time, the 1995 Geena Davis and Matthew Modine pirate thriller

cost $100 million to make and promote, but made just $11 million total at the box office. Not only that, but it pushed Carloco Pictures into bankruptcy.

11. JC Chasez's solo career

It's hard to live in Justin Timberlake's shadow. But after seeing his solo career explode, JC thought he could do the same. (He was the second-most-popular member of *NSYNC, after all.) But it just didn't work out that way. First of all, calling your album "Schizophrenic" and

wearing a straight jacket on the cover is bound to bring some anger from mental health groups. Also, let's not forget JC is just not JT. Besides, anyone with this facial hair is a turkey by definition.

10. "Coupling"

"Coupling" was about a group of six good-looking thirtysomethings who are either dating, have dated or want to date one another. The UK version was a smash hit, so in 2003 they tried to adapt it for a U.S. audience. It failed miserably (only four episodes aired), but we won't

blame this one all on Lindsay Price, who (surprise!) played Jane Honda.

9. Garth Brooks as Chris Gaines

In 1999 Garth Brooks had begun to develop a movie with Paramount called "The Lamb," in which he'd star as Chris Gaines, an emotionally conflicted rock star. To create buzz for the project, "Chris" recorded "Garth Brooks in … The Life of Chris Gaines," filmed a "Behind

the Music" for Chris and performed on "SNL" when Garth hosted. It all left the public confused, and as a result the album was a bust and the movie went on an indefinite hiatus. No wonder Rolling Stone called the whole project "the most monumentally disastrous marketing idea that mainstream pop had seen in years."

8. "Glitter"

If you've seen "Precious," you know Mariah Carey can act. But back in 2001 when "Glitter" came out, critics were singing a different tune. Reviews for the movie couldn't have been worse, and "Glitter" bombed at the box office. (It grossed just over $5 million worldwide, less

than a quarter of its $22 million budget.) Even the film's soundtrack was a dismal failure: It was Mariah's worst showing on the Billboard charts, and Mariah was dropped from her label as a result.

7. The Spice Girls, "Forever"

By 2000 Geri had peaced out of the Spice Girls, but Victoria, Mel B, Emma and Mel C had enough girl power left in them -- or so they thought. Unfortunately, their edgier R&B sound on "Forever" didn't resonate with audiences, and in early 2001, they officially announced

that they were breaking up. (Forever? Try for never -- or until 2007, when they did their reunion tour.)

6. Lindsay Lohan at Ungaro

Say what you want about Lindsay Lohan's personal life, but the girl has style. So in September 2009, when it was announced that Emanuel Ungaro hired her as its artistic adviser, it actually seemed like a good pairing. But when the collection, designed by Estrella Archs, was

presented that October in Paris, it was met with about as much praise as "I Know Who Killed Me." Women's Wear Daily called the collection "an embarrassment." What? They don't like heart-shaped sequined pasties? By March, Lindsay and Ungaro had parted ways.

5. Prince changing his name to the Love Symbol

Prince was actually born Prince Rogers Nelson, so he actually lucked out in the celebrity name game. So why he would want to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol is absolutely insane. But that's what he did in 1993. Since you can't pronounce the

symbol, people would just call him "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince." On May 16, 2000, after his contract with Warner/Chappell expired, Prince stopped using the Love Symbol moniker, explaining that since he was now freed from undesirable relationships associated with the name Prince, he would use his name again. And all was right with the world.

4. Jessica Simpson's country career

Jessica Simpson's a Texas girl who was raised on country music, so making country music would be a logical step in her career, right? So very, very wrong. While "Do You Know" became Jess's first #1 album of her career, it all went south from there. Less than a year

after the record's release, she and her country label, Sony Nashville, parted ways. Never a good sign.

3. "The Jay Leno Show"

Here are the dismal effects of the 10 p.m. "The Jay Leno Show" and NBC's subsequent flip-flopping: five wasted hours of primetime TV weekly; destroyed ratings for local NBC newscasts; made Jay Leno look like a selfish jerk; made NBC look like bumbling fools; NBC lost Conan

O'Brien. Sure, there's more, but we think that's enough to suffice for turkeydom.

2. "Gigli"

This Jennifer Lopez-Ben Affleck stinker doesn't just make the list because it was so awful that it was yanked from theaters three weeks after release. It's not just on here because it's the only movie ever to win the Razzie gram slam: Worst Picture, Worst Actor, Worst Actress, Worst

Director, Worst Screenplay and Worst Screen Couple. Nope, "Gigli" is mostly on here because it also contributed to the beginning of the end of Jen and Ben's relationship. RIP Bennifer 1.0.

1. Britney Spears's 2007 VMA "comeback"

Where were you when the bomb hit? The bomb that was Britney's 2007 MTV Video Music Awards performance. It was supposed to be her finest hour, her big comeback. Instead, it was an absolute bust. Who could forget that dazed look in her eyes as she basically just stood there,

unable to even lip-sync right while her backup dancers moved around her? But we'd say she made up for it since then, don't cha think?