2012 Famous April birthdays
Famous April birthdays of 2012, No fooling that April is the month for celebrating the birthdays in 2012 of a Kardashian sister, a tennis star, and a child star on the rise. Check out these and other celebrities who blow out their birthday candles in April 2012.
Influential author Maya Angelou is best known for the first book in her autobiographical series, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” . Her poetry volume “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie” was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Teenage actress. Abigail Breslin got her start at age 5 in the sci-fi movie “Signs.” Her Academy Award nomination put her in an elite group of young actresses to be nominated.
Actor and martial artist Jackie Chan is best known for his comedic style and intricate stunts in movies. He voiced the character of Monkey in “Kung Fu Panda” and its sequel.
Author Tom Clancy is best known for his Cold War era novels, many featuring the characters Jack Ryan or John Clark. Four of his books have been made into movies, beginning with "The Hunt for Red October."
As the first winner of "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson shot to the top of the pop charts and has maintained an impressive career for the past decade. She released her fifth album in October 2011.
Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola is best known for “The Godfather” trilogy. In addition to his success in films, he founded a winery and has been producing wine since 1977 .
Well known for his character, Duckie, from the cult classic "Pretty in Pink," Jon Cryer parlayed his geeky charm into a successful Hollywood career. He currently stars in the hit comedy "Two and a Half Men."
Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason was drafted in 1984 by the same team where he eventually ended his career in 1997. He transitioned from his football career into broadcasting, currently serving as a radio commentator for "Monday Night Football" and as an analyst for "The NFL Today.
"Alias" star Jennifer Garner moved from television success to box office hits such as "Juno" and "Valentine's Day." She and husband Ben Affleck recently welcomed their third child, Samuel.
Chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall spent 45 years studying the societal and familial behaviors of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. A leader in animal welfare and conservation, she started the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977.
Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper was elected to his office in 2006. The musically talented leader accompanied Yo-Yo Ma on vocals and piano at a National Arts Center gala in 2009.
Magazine publisher Hugh Hefner founded Playboy magazine in 1953. Viewers got a glimpse into life at the Playboy Mansion in the reality show “The Girls Next Door,” which followed the lives of three of his girlfriends.
Reality television star Kourtney Kardashian (see pictures) rose to fame with her family in the hit show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." She’s expecting baby No. 2 with boyfriend Scott Disick.
Radio-show host Casey Kasem was host of the popular nationally syndicated show "American Top 40," among others. He was also the voice of Shaggy from the “Scooby Doo” cartoon.
Comedian and talk-show host Jay Leno replaced the legendary Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show," which Leno has hosted since 1992, with a brief hiatus in 2009. A car aficionado, he is reported to own 100 vehicles.
Late-night talk-show host David Letterman has doled out humor on his show "Late Night with David Letterman" since 1982. His production company, Worldwide Pants, produces his own show as well as many other hit shows, such as "Everybody Loves Raymond."
Singer and actress Mandy Moore started her career as a teen pop star and branched into a successful film star. She found a way to blend her two talents when she voiced the lead role in the animated film "Tangled."
Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy first showed his talent on "Saturday Night Live" and proved his Hollywood staying power with iconic hit movies such as "Beverly Hills Cop" and "48 Hrs."
Country music legend Willie Nelson has written and recorded numerous hits, several with the outlaw group The Highwaymen. Well known for his braids and bandanna, he helped start Farm Aid in 1985 to aid America’s farmers.
Though best known for his dark roles, versatile actor Jack Nicholson has shown his range as a performer in varied movies such as "The Shining" and "As Good as It Gets." A legendary fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, he can be seen at many of their home games.
Comedian Conan O’Brien began his talk-show career on "Late Night with Conan O’Brien." His short-lived stint as host of "The Tonight Show" earned him fans of "Team Coco" and led to his current show, "Conan."
Professional wrestler Randy Orton competes with World Wrestling Entertainment. He is a three-time World Wrestling Champion and has won the WWE championship multiple times.
Pope Benedict XVI was elected to the highest position in the Catholic Church in 2005. A fan of classical music and an accomplished pianist, his favorite composer is Mozart.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell retired from the United States Army as a four-star general. He chronicled his life in the military and in politics in his autobiography, "My American Journey".
Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has won three Grand Slam titles, but lost the 2012 Australian Open title in the final round. She will get another chance at a major title at the French Open in May.
"Twilight" star Kristen Stewart captured the interest of her fans with her on-screen and off-screen romance with fellow actor Robert Pattinson. She will next be seen as Snow White in "Snow White and the Huntsman," to be released this summer.
Emma Watson grew up in front of the camera while starring in the "Harry Potter" series. She has pursued education intermittently throughout filming and film promotion.
"Jerry Maguire" star Renee Zellweger has earned two Oscar nominations and one win for Best Supporting Actress. A third movie in the "Bridget Jones' Diary" series is in the works.