celebrities

Let's face it -- as much as we identify with celebrities, we don't really know them. That's why public meltdowns, where they show their peevish, arrogant and sometimes crazy sides, are so darned fascinating. When this happens, our perception of celebs can change forever. Think about it -- will you ever be able to watch 'Braveheart' again without recalling Mel Gibson's racist rants? We think not. R

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Samuel L. Jackson Age: 64 Occupation: Actor Known For: Appearing in more than 100 movies, most notably 'Pulp Fiction,' the 'Star Wars' prequel trilogy and 'Snakes on a Plane,' being an avid golfer, and his hilariously and famously foul mouth

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Jonah Hill Age: 29 Occupation: Actor, Screenwriter and Comedian Known For: Roles in films like 'Superbad,' 'Knocked Up,' 'Funny People,' 'Get Him to the Greek' and 'Moneyball', and creating the short-lived cartoon 'Allen Gregory'

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:   Jake Gyllenhaal Age: 32 Occupation: Actor Known For: Roles in films like 'Donnie Darko,' 'The Day After Tomorrow' and 'Jarhead,' earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor as Jack Twist in the film 'Brokeback Mountain,' being the little brother of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, and previous relationships with Kirsten

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Milla Jovovich Age: 37 Occupation: Actress and Model Known For: Appearing in 'Dazed and Confused,' 'The Fifth Element,' and 'The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc,' starring in the film adaptation of the video game 'Resident Evil,' and founding the production company Creature Entertainment

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Bobby Flay Age: 48 Occupation: Chef, Restauranteur and Television Personality Known For: Being the owner and executive chef of 12 restaurants from coast to coast, hosting seven Food Network television programs, being an Iron Chef on the same network, and being featured on the 'Great Chefs' television series

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Tom Waits Age: 63 Occupation: Singer, Songwriter and Composer Known For: His distinctive gravelly voice, composing the music for movies like 'One From the Heart,' cover versions of his songs by artists like Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles and Rod Stewart, and his legions of devoted fans

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Little Richard Age: 80 Occupation: Singer, Songwriter and Musician Known For: Helping define the dynamic sound of rock and roll in the 1950s with his frenetic piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on classics like 'Tutti Frutti,' 'Long Tall Sally' and 'Good Golly, Miss Molly,' and creating a flamboyant style without which Prince mig

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Jeff Bridges Age: 63 Occupation: Actor and Musician Known For: Winning an Oscar for his work in 'Crazy Heart,' and starring in other films like 'Starman,' 'The Fabulous Baker Boys,' 'True Grit' and 'The Big Lebowski'

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Ozzy Osbourne Age: 64 Occupation: Singer Known For: Selling over 100 million albums worldwide both as a solo artist and a member of Black Sabbath, songs like 'Paranoid,' 'Iron Man' and 'Crazy Train,' an indecipherable and much-mocked mumble, and starring with his family in the reality show 'The Osbournes'

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:   Kaley Cuoco Age: 27 Occupation: Actress Known For: Playing blonde beauty Penny on 'The Big Bang Theory,' and roles on other shows such as '8 Simple Rules' and in films like 'Lucky 13'

Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today: Anna Faris Age: 36 Occupation: Actress Known For: Roles in films such as the 'Scary Movie' franchise, 'The Hot Chick,' 'Lost in Translation,' 'The House Bunny' and 'What's Your Number?'