September 26th might seem like just another date on the calendar, but for a remarkable roster of celebrities and historical figures, it’s a day for birthday celebrations and a little reflection. This year, 2025, sees an eclectic mix of icons from sports, music, film, and even history blowing out candles—each with their own stories and fun tidbits that make them stand out. According to cleveland.com and UPI, the day is especially stacked with famous names, and the list reads like a who’s who of pop culture and beyond.
Let’s start with some of the most recognizable faces. Actress Linda Hamilton, forever etched in the public imagination as the tough-as-nails Sarah Connor from the Terminator franchise, turns 69. Not everyone knows she’s a mother of two—a son and a daughter—balancing her fierce on-screen persona with family life. As cleveland.com notes, Hamilton’s career has spanned decades, and her legacy in Hollywood remains strong as ever.
Sharing the birthday spotlight is tennis legend Serena Williams, who celebrates her 44th birthday this year. Williams, whose middle name is Jameka, has dominated the world of tennis with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and a reputation for unyielding determination. She’s not just a sports icon; she’s a cultural force, inspiring millions with her resilience and advocacy for equality. According to UPI, Williams’s influence extends far beyond the court, and her birthday is a moment for fans worldwide to celebrate her achievements.
Also turning 44 is singer and actress Christina Milian. Many remember her catchy hits from the early 2000s, but here’s a fun fact: she played a police detective in the series “Dexter: Original Sin.” That’s a twist not every pop star can claim! As cleveland.com highlights, Milian’s multifaceted career keeps her in the public eye, shifting seamlessly between music, acting, and television.
Another name on the list is Talulah Riley, who turns 40. She’s appeared in a range of roles, but eagle-eyed fans might recall her as a nurse in “Thor: The Dark World.” It’s a small part in a massive franchise, yet it’s a testament to her versatility as an actress. Riley’s career, dotted with both indie and blockbuster credits, continues to evolve, and her milestone birthday is another chapter in a growing legacy.
For those who love a good laugh and a clever quip, Lilly Singh celebrates her 37th birthday. Singh, who hosts the TV game show “Battle of the Generations,” first rose to fame as a YouTube sensation before breaking into mainstream television. Her journey from digital creator to late-night host is nothing short of inspiring, making her one of Canada’s most notable entertainment exports, as cleveland.com points out.
The list doesn’t stop there. Country singer David Frizzell marks his 84th birthday, while actor Kent McCord of “Adam 12” fame turns 83. Anne Robinson, the sharp-tongued host of “The Weakest Link,” celebrates 81 years, and Bryan Ferry, the suave frontman of Roxy Music, turns 80. Actor Mary Beth Hurt, known for her work on stage and screen, is 79, and James Keane, whose credits include “Bulworth” and “The Paper Chase,” is 73. The diversity of this list is striking—spanning musicians, actors, TV personalities, and more.
Other notable birthdays include singer-guitarist Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos (71), country singer Carlene Carter (70), Cindy Herron of En Vogue (64), and Melissa Sue Anderson, beloved for her role on “Little House on the Prairie,” who turns 63. Tracey Thorn of Everything But the Girl also celebrates 63 years, while TV personality Jillian Barberie is 59, Newsboys guitarist Jody Davis is 58, and actors Jim Caviezel (“Sound of Freedom,” “The Passion of the Christ”), Tricia O’Kelley, and Ben Shenkman all turn 57.
Melanie Paxson, known for her work in the “Descendants” franchise, is 53, as is singer Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men. Producer Dr. Luke, whose hits have topped charts for years, and jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton both mark their 52nd birthdays. Zoe Perry, who brings Sheldon Cooper’s mother to life on “Young Sheldon,” turns 42, and singer-songwriter Ant Clemons, whose star continues to rise, is 34.
But September 26 isn’t just about contemporary celebrities. The date also marks the birthdays of some historical giants. According to UPI, frontier nurseryman Johnny Appleseed (born 1774) is among the earliest recorded, followed by scientist Ivan Pavlov (born 1849), whose work on conditioned reflexes changed psychology forever. The literary world remembers T.S. Eliot, born in 1888, whose poetry and criticism reshaped modern literature. Pope Paul VI, born in 1897, led the Catholic Church through pivotal years, and George Gershwin, born in 1898, composed some of America’s most enduring music. South African activist Winnie Mandela, film producer Jerry Weintraub, and musician/actor Olivia Newton-John also share this birthday, further enriching the day’s significance.
Interestingly, those born on September 26 fall under the sign of Libra. Libras are often described as diplomatic, charming, and fair-minded—traits that many of the day’s birthday honorees seem to embody in their work and public lives. Whether it’s Serena Williams’s sportsmanship, Linda Hamilton’s commanding performances, or Lilly Singh’s witty humor, there’s a certain balance and creativity that seems to unite them.
September 26 is also a day for trivia lovers. cleveland.com encourages readers to explore fun facts about other celebrities—think Drew Barrymore, Kaley Cuoco, Margot Robbie, and Tom Cruise. There’s even a rundown of movie and TV trivia, from recast actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to guest stars on “Friends” and “The Office.” It’s a reminder that behind every famous birthday is a treasure trove of stories, quirks, and unexpected connections.
For those keeping score at home, the sheer variety of talent born on September 26 is impressive. From the tennis courts to concert halls, from Hollywood sets to historical milestones, the day is a testament to the diversity and depth of human achievement. As UPI and cleveland.com both emphasize, it’s a date worth noting—not just for the star power, but for the stories and legacies these individuals carry with them.
So, whether you’re a fan of classic literature, blockbuster movies, chart-topping music, or world-changing activism, September 26 offers a little something for everyone. It’s a day to celebrate the past, present, and future of creativity and achievement—one birthday at a time.
