Famous Birthdays on December 20: Peter Criss Turns 80, Chris Robinson Marks 59

December 20 brings a new round of celebrity milestones, with notable figures in music, film, science and politics marking birthdays. The date belongs to Sagittarians, known for creativity, curiosity and ambition. From Kiss drummer Peter Criss turning 80 to Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson celebrating 59, this year’s honorees reflect decades of influence across entertainment and public life.

Music legends headline the day

Peter Criss, co-founder and original drummer of Kiss, celebrates his 80th birthday. Criss—known for his “Catman” stage persona—helped define the band’s theatrical rock identity. His vocals on the ballad “Beth” remain among the band’s most recognizable contributions to rock radio.

Also marking a milestone is Chris Robinson, born in 1966. The Black Crowes singer, known for hits such as “She Talks to Angels” and “Hard to Handle,” turns 59. Robinson, long recognized for his blues-inflected vocals, continues touring and releasing new work.

British audio engineer and musician Alan Parsons, famous for his work on Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon and his project The Alan Parsons Project, turns 77. Mike Watt, bassist for Porno for Pyros and former Minutemen member, celebrates 68.

Hollywood and global politics represented

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Todd Phillips turns 55. Phillips directed hits including Joker, The Hangover trilogy, and War Dogs. His upcoming projects continue drawing industry interest following the success of Joker: Folie à Deux. Actor Jonah Hill marks his 42nd birthday. Hill remains a versatile figure in Hollywood, balancing directing, writing and acting.

British actor Jenny Agutter, known for The Railway Children and roles across film and television, turns 73. Romanian President Nicușor Dan celebrates his 56th birthday, joining fellow public figures born on this date, including magician Uri Geller, 79, and TV producer Richard Wolf, 79.

Classic film and science milestones

December 20 also marks birthdays of late Hollywood star Irene Dunne (born 1898) and filmmaker George Roy Hill (born 1921), who directed The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Names in science include Robert Van de Graaff, born in 1901, credited with inventing the Van de Graaff generator, used in physics research.

Continuing list of modern entertainers

Other birthdays include:

• Actor Brian O’Halloran (56)

• Musician David Cook (43)

• Singer JoJo (35)

• Actor Jillian Rose Reed (34)

• Actor Colin Woodell (34)

This wide-ranging group reflects contributions across decades of film, television, music and innovation.

Sagittarius season celebration

Astrologers associate Sagittarius with exploration and creative ambition, traits visible across many of the names tied to this date. As December closes, fans flood social platforms with tributes to entertainers whose work helped shape pop culture.

The year’s celebrants continue influencing their fields—whether through current performances, ongoing leadership or iconic work that remains widely celebrated.