2011 Famous December Birthdays
Supermodel Tyra Banks proved she was more than just a pretty face with her successful venture in television as the host of her own talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show," for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award. She is currently working on Cycle 17 of the hit show "America's Next Top Model."
Bob Barker spent decades as host of the popular game show “The Price Is Right”. He continued his wife’s passion for animal rights after her death, and regularly signed off of the show with his signature line, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Model Tyson Beckford is widely recognized from his work with Ralph Lauren. He has spent time on the big screen as an actor, the small screen as host of "Make Me a Supermodel" and as a contestant on a reality show.
Former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird was a three-time NBA champion during his 13 years in the league. After he retired in 1992, he became head coach, and is now the president of basketball operations, for a former rival team.
Television producer Steven Bochco began his career as a writer and story editor for several shows such as "Columbo." He is credited for creating and producing many hit shows including "Hill Street Blues" and "NYPD Blue" , both of which were Emmy Award winners.
Best-selling suspense author Mary Higgins Clark has produced 42 books. Several of her books have been made into movies, including her debut suspense book, "Where Are the Children?".
Legendary screen actor Kirk Douglas has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 60 years. His memorable roles such as "Spartacus" and "Lust for Life" helped earn him the Academy Honorary Award and the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award.
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay, a high school dropout, owns several restaurants throughout the country. He shows off his culinary skills on "Iron Chef America" and "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," as well as several other cooking shows.
One-third of the pop-disco group the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb shared his birthday with his twin brother and bandmate, Maurice, who passed away in 2003. Gibb is rumored to be battling an illness. The Bee Gees were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
"High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens had a long-term relationship and breakup with her co-star. A singer as well as an actress, she has released two successful albums.
NBA superstar LeBron James made headlines when he made a controversial move to the Miami Heat for the 2010 season. Though he has has been named to the All-Star team several times, he has yet to win an NBA championship.
Massachusetts senator John Kerry was the democratic presidential candidate in the 2004 election. Following that campaign, he established Keeping America's Promise. He's married to a wealthy ketchup heiress.
Rock 'n' roll legend Little Richard is best known for his high-energy hits and performances of favorites like "Tutti Frutti". The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree continues to perform, most recently at "A Capitol Fourth" in July.
"Daytime's Leading Lady," Susan Lucci, is best known for her role as Erica Kane on the long-running soap opera "All My Children," which was canceled recently. She also finished in sixth place in Season 7 of "Dancing with the Stars".
"New York Times" best-selling author Stephenie Meyer found international fame and a loyal fanbase with her "Twilight" series. The books produced a series of successful movies, with the first part of the final installment, "Breaking Dawn," released this in November. Part 2 will come out next year.
"The Divine Miss M," Bette Midler, conquered the music world and the big screen in her longlasting career. Recently, she turned her attention to Broadway as a producer.
1960s and 1970s sitcom darling Mary Tyler Moore had iconic roles on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and her own show, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." She created her own production company, MTM, which produced her show as well as two popular spin-offs, "Rhoda" and "Phyllis."
Professional boxer Manny Pacquiao is the current WBO Welterweight World Champion and was voted "Fighter of the Decade" for his impressive record. He also serves as a congressman in the Philippine House of Representatives.
Legendary college football coach Joe Paterno spent his entire record-breaking career with the Penn State Nittany Lions, before his controversial and unexpected departure . He holds the record for the most wins by a Football Bowl Subdivision coach, but time will tell what his legacy will be.
Journalist Cokie Roberts has had a long career covering politics for ABC News, most recently as a political commentator. She is also a best-selling author whose books focus on influential women in American history
2010 Super Bowl most valuable player Aaron Rodgers had big shoes to fill as quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, a role once held by a revered, now retired player, and so far his performance with the team has proven his worth. Check him out this season to see if he can repeat his success.
Comedian Ray Romano turned his standup comedy themes into the popular sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." He now stars in "Men of a Certain Age," a show he co-created.
Comedian and author David Sedaris has written eight popular books as well as several essays for "The New Yorker." Catch him live on his speaking tour.
"Mamma Mia" star Amanda Seyfried had a breakout role in a movie that co-starred Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams. She later starred in the HBO series “Big Love,” but left after the fourth season to pursue her film career. Currently, she stars in the sci-fi thriller "In Time," opposite Justin Timberlake.
Though widely recognized for her film career, Maggie Smith is an equally accomplished stage performer. She was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990.
Academy Award-winning actress Sissy Spacek is well known for her role in the cult horror movie "Carrie." She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year.
Award-winning director Steven Spielberg has created some of the most iconic American films including "Jurassic Park," "Jaws," "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" and "The Color Purple." He co-created DreamWorks Pictures in 1994.
"Queen of Disco" Donna Summer gained popularity with hits such as "Hot Stuff" and "Love to Love You Baby". Her acting-singing role in "Thank God It's Friday" earned her a Grammy Award.
Country-pop singer Taylor Swift made her mark on Nashville with her first hit single, "Tim McGraw" . Her real-life lyrics have helped make her one of the best-selling musicians, and won her the Country Music Association's top honor this year.
Television journalist Meredith Viera made news with her departure from the "Today" show in June. She continues to host and produce a popular daytime game show.
Host of the long-running investigative television show "America's Most Wanted," John Walsh became an anti-crime advocate following the murder of his son, Adam. John is actively involved in political activism, and he saw the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act signed into law in 2006.
