Week of July 26-August 1 Brings Birthday Celebrations for 95-Year-Old Robert Colbert, Mick Jagger, Helen Mirren and More
July 26 opened the celebrations. 95‑year‑old actor Robert Colbert, best known for his role as Dr. Doug Phillips and as the third Maverick brother, turned 95. Colbert’s long‑running role on The Time Tunnel helped popularize science‑fiction television in the 1960s, while his work on Maverick cemented him as a recognizable figure in Westerns. That same day, 85‑year‑old R&B legend Darlene Love, whose 1960s hits and session work made her a sought‑after vocalist, marked her 85th birthday. Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of the Rolling Stones, celebrated his 83rd year, while Dame Helen Mirren, winner of an Academy Award for The Queen, turned 81. Queen’s drummer Roger Taylor, who has appeared on every album since 1970, marked 77, and the list continued with 76‑year‑old Susan George, 69‑year‑old Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actress Nana Visitor, 67‑year‑old Kevin Spacey, and 65‑year‑old singer Gary Cherone.
July 27 added a mix of seasoned performers and rising talents. 84‑year‑old actor John Pleshette, known for Knots Landing, turned 84, while actress‑director Betty Thomas, famed for Hill Street Blues, celebrated her 79th year. Betty Thomas, who directed The Goonies and produced The Secret Life of the American Teenager, brought a distinct blend of humor and heart to her projects. 77‑year‑old pop icon Maureen McGovern, a 1960s star, marked 77. The day also highlighted actors Roxanne Hart (72), Julian McMahon (58), Nikolaj Coster‑Waldau (56), comedian Maya Rudolph (54), and others.
The week’s mid‑section spotlighted contemporary stars. Sandra Bullock, the Oscar‑winning actress, turned 62 on July 26, while actor‑comedian Danny Woodburn, known for Seinfeld, also celebrated his 62nd birthday. Bullock’s recent performances in The Upside and The Accidental Woman demonstrate her continued versatility, while Kevin Spacey’s career has been marred by controversy. Taylor Momsen, the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, celebrated her 33rd birthday on July 31, and Elizabeth Gillies, best known for Victorious, turned 33 as well.
Later in the week, younger performers turned 38 to 36. Francia Raisa, known for The Secret Life of the American Teenager, celebrated her 38th birthday on July 30. Drummer Jamie Sharpe of Rush of Fools marked 37, and actor Bianca Santos, who appeared in The Fosters, turned 36. The list also featured television actors active in series such as Chicago Fire (Monica Raymund), Broadchurch (Eve Myles), and American Gothic (Juliet Rylance). Monica Raymund portrays the courageous firefighter Claire Kincaid on Chicago Fire, a role that has earned her critical acclaim.
August 1 brought a final wave of milestones. Singer‑songwriter Adam Duritz of Counting Crows turned 62, and director Sam Mendes, known for Skyfall and American Beauty, celebrated his 61st birthday. Duritz’s Counting Crows achieved platinum status with hits like ‘Mr. Jones,’ and his songwriting continues to influence alternative rock. Rock guitarist Suzi Gardner of L7 turned 66, and rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy celebrated his 66th year. Actor‑star Jason Momoa, famed for Aquaman and Game of Thrones, turned 47. The day also marked the birthdays of Taylor Fry (Kirk), Elijah Kelley (Hairspray), and James Francis Kelly (Rocky Balboa).
Overall, the week showcased the entertainment industry’s generational breadth, reminding fans and insiders alike that the impact of performers like Colbert, Love, Jagger, Mirren, Bullock, Spacey, and Momsen transcends time. While no major industry events were announced, the collective celebrations underscored the enduring relevance of these artists amid a rapidly evolving media landscape. The timing of these celebrations aligns with the release of several upcoming titles, positioning the industry to capitalize on both nostalgia and new storytelling.