8 Milestone Celebrity Birthdays in January

Cheers to Chita Rivera, Pat Benatar and other stars celebrating big ones this month

(Left to right) Chita Rivera and Pat Benatar

Andy Kropa/Invision/AP; Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images

Nicholas DeRenzo,

AARP

En español

Published December 30, 2022

Jump to Celebrity

Jan. 10: Pat Benatar, 70

Jan. 16: Ronnie Milsap, 80

Jan. 19: Desi Arnaz Jr., 70

Jan. 22: Jim Jarmusch, 70

Jan. 23: Chita Rivera, 90

Jan. 26: Lucinda Williams, 70

Jan. 29: Charlie Wilson, 70

Jan. 31: Portia de Rossi, 50

Jan. 10: Pat Benatar, 70

Amy Sussman/WireImage

After being eligible for more than two decades, Benatar and her musical partner and husband, Neil Giraldo, were finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year. The “Love Is a Battlefield” duo are getting into the jukebox musical game with their new show, Invincible, which uses their catalog as the soundtrack for a 21st-century retelling of Romeo & Juliet. The show premiered in November at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, and Benatar has said she hopes it will transfer to Broadway.

Back to List

Jan. 16: Ronnie Milsap, 80

Donn Jones/Invision/AP

A legendary country singer who has been almost completely blind from birth, Milsap has racked up an impressive 35 number 1 country hits during his decades-long career, placing him fourth behind only George Strait, Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard. The six-time Grammy winner is still going strong, having released a new album called A Better Word for Love in 2021, and last spring he debuted a new podcast called Music and Milsap, in which he shares hilarious road stories, chats with other musicians and answers questions from fans.

Back to List

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Jan. 19: Desi Arnaz Jr., 70

Beck Starr/FilmMagic

The son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz has been famous since before he was born: Ball’s pregnancy was written into a groundbreaking storyline on I Love Lucy, and the newborn Jr. appeared on the first-ever cover of TV Guide in 1953. He’s spent much of his career honoring the legacy of his father, playing Desi in 1992’s The Mambo Kings, co-headlining a live tribute show with his sister, Lucie, and being one of the executive producers on Aaron Sorkin’s 2021 biopic Being the Ricardos.

Back to List

Jan. 22: Jim Jarmusch, 70

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

A major voice in American indie cinema since the 1980s, Jarmusch has turned his omnivorous appetites toward everything from vampires (Only Lovers Left Alive) and samurais (Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai) to zombies (The Dead Don’t Die). After helming the 2021 short film French Water for Saint Laurent and the Cat Power music video for “A Pair of Brown Eyes,” Jarmusch made a rare on-screen appearance as himself in the vampire TV comedy What We Do in The Shadows.

Back to List

Shopping & Groceries

Walmart+

$20 off a Walmart+ annual membership

View Details

See All

See more Shopping & Groceries offers >

{"hideCategory":false,"useAlternateLanguage":false,"headlineIconAltText":"","listItems":[{"categoryTitle":"Shopping \u0026 Groceries","categoryUrl":"/membership/benefits/shopping/","categoryDeeplinkParam":"shoppingandgroceries","isLimitedTimeOffer":false,"offerJson":{"dbr_offer_id":"7f4447adb7555c2ffaafcb74153bb941","source_name":"Walmart+","offer_title":"$20 Off a Walmart+ Annual Membership","offer_description":"\u003cp\u003eMembers save $20 off every year of their Walmart+ annual membership. Walmart+ members receive free delivery from store, free shipping with no order minimum, video streaming with Paramount+, gas savings and so much more.\u003c/p\u003e","offer_short_description":"$20 off a Walmart+ annual membership","category_list":"shoppingandgroceries,homeandfamily","subcategory_list":"","tags":[{"tagID":"dbr:shoppingandgroceries","title":"Shopping \u0026 Groceries","name":"shoppingandgroceries","deeplink_url":"/membership/benefits/shopping/","deeplink_param_value":"shoppingandgroceries","get_offers_url":"/etc/aarp/dbr/ws.api/offers/shoppingandgroceries.json","sub_tags":[]},{"tagID":"dbr:homeandfamily","title":"Home \u0026 Real Estate","name":"homeandfamily","deeplink_url":"/membership/benefits/home-life/","deeplink_param_value":"homeandfamily","get_offers_url":"/etc/aarp/dbr/ws.api/offers/homeandfamily.json","sub_tags":[]}],"vertical_image_url":"/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/walmart/walmartplus/258x334-full-walmart-yellow-white-grocery-bag-on-kitchen-island.jpg","image_url":"/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/walmart/walmartplus/1140x641-full-walmart-yellow-white-grocery-bag-on-kitchen-island.jpg","advertisement_flag":"","advertisement_sort_order":"","merchant_phone":"1-800-924-9206","merchant_phone_label":" or, call Walmart at","howto_redeem":"Learn More","howto_redeem_url":"https://aarp.info/aarpwalmartbnft","howto_redeem_expired":"Renew to Learn More","howto_redeem_expired_link":"https://secure.aarp.org/applications/user/vendor/acctConfirm?request_locale\u003den\u0026vn\u003dwalmart","howto_redeem_non_member":"Join to Learn More","howto_redeem_non_member_link":"https://secure.aarp.org/applications/user/vendor/acctConfirm?request_locale\u003den\u0026vn\u003dwalmart","howto_redeem_anonymous":"Join to Learn More","howto_redeem_anonymous_link":"https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid\u003dUMBC194\u0026offer\u003dwlm\u0026vn\u003dwalmart\u0026referrer\u003dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fplus%2Fpartnerenroll%3FprogramName%3Daarp%26programId%3Daarp%26mid%3DpromoCode","howto_redeem_desc":"Once on the Walmart+ page, click ‘Get Started’ to sign into an existing Walmart+ account or create a new account.","member_exclusive_flag":"yes","offer_type":"EverGreen","hideLeavingAARP":"","interstitial_desc":"You\u0027ll leave AARP.org and go to the website of a trusted provider. The provider\u0027s terms, conditions, and policies apply.","dbr_offer_type":"discount","restrictions":"\u003cp\u003eAARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFree delivery from store\u003c/b\u003e: $35 order min. Restrictions apply. \u003cb\u003eFree shipping\u003c/b\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Excludes most Marketplace items, freight \u0026amp; certain location surcharges. \u003cb\u003eParamount+\u003c/b\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.\u0026nbsp;Fuel discount varies by location and station.\u0026nbsp;Subject to change.\u0026nbsp; Subject to confirmation of your AARP membership on an annual basis. This offer is not available to the following W+ members: paused, W+ Assist, W+ Student and W+ members participating in a third-party offer with an indefinite end date. By redeeming this offer, you agree that upon annual confirmation of your AARP membership, your W+ plan will auto-renew with Walmart for $78/year plus applicable taxes to your selected payment method (or any other payment method on file if the selected payment method is not available) until you cancel. Otherwise, your W+ plan will auto-renew for $98/year plus applicable taxes. Current W+ trial members, your discounted W+ membership starts when you redeem this promotion. Current W+ paid members and W+ members in a complimentary term, your discounted W+ membership starts when your current billing cycle/current complimentary term ends. Contact Walmart Customer Care or visit your W+ Account to cancel. See Walmart+ Terms of Use for full terms.\u003c/p\u003e","lto_daysleft_start_control":30,"is_redeemable_in_person":"false","is_redeemable_only_in_person":false,"state_blacklist":[],"offer_timing":"anytime","line_of_business":"ASI discounts","asi_category":"ASI Shopping","analytics_brand":"Walmart+","analytics_offerid":"walmartplus","howto_redeem_already_registered_anon":"Already a Member? Log In","howto_redeem_already_registered_anon_link":"https://secure.aarp.org/applications/user/vendor/acctConfirm?request_locale\u003den\u0026vn\u003dwalmart","howto_redeem_already_registered_nonmember":"Link Your Membership","howto_redeem_already_registered_nonmember_link":"https://secure.aarp.org/applications/membershipChallenge/showChallengeForm.action?referrer\u003dhttps%3A%2F%2Fsecure.aarp.org%2Fapplications%2Fuser%2Fvendor%2FacctConfirm%3Frequest_locale%3Den%26vn%3Dwalmart","offer_keywords":["online shopping savings","retail shopping deals","home entertainment discounts","aarp discounts","aarp benefits"],"offer_keywords_spanish":["ahorros en compras en línea","ofertas en compras al por menor","descuentos en entretenimiento para el hogar","Descuentos de AARP","Beneficios de AARP"],"provider_logo":"/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/walmart/walmartplus/walmartplus-logo.png","provider_logo_alt_text":"Walmart+","provider_logo_cdn_uri":"https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/walmart/walmartplus/walmartplus-logo.imgcache.rev99942ab8913437358b588246d11bff56.png","provider_logo_width":"640","provider_logo_height":"228","enable_utm_parameters":"","append_aid_paramter":"","lto_model_heading":"Limited Time Member Offers","lto_advertisement":"Member Exclusive Advertisement","ty_socialMissionFlag":"true","deeplink_param_value":"walmartplus","howto_redeem_2":"Learn More","howto_redeem_already_registered_nonmember_label":"Already a member?","howto_redeem_already_registered_anon_label":"Already a member?","image_alt_text":"kitchen scene with an island where a full of groceries yellow and white with Walmart+ logo bag is sitting","image_title":"Walmart+","image_cdn_uri":"https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/walmart/walmartplus/1140x641-full-walmart-yellow-white-grocery-bag-on-kitchen-island.imgcache.reve6fb60333dd6e10bc3f3e6f0e094413e.jpg","tab_label_offer_details":"Details","tab_label_restrictions":"Disclosures","geoloc_tab_label":"Locations","disclaimer_label":"","geoloc_provider_legal_info":"","geoloc_miles_label_text":"Miles","geoloc_show_results_within_label_text":"Show results within","geoloc_see_more_button_text":"See More","geoloc_find_location_label":"Find a Location","geoloc_total_results_label":"Result(s)","geoloc_no_results_view_message":"There are no locations within a 100 mile radius. Please try another location","geoloc_tab_hint_text":"Enter an address, city, or ZIP","geoloc_mobile_list_cta":"LIST VIEW","geoloc_mobile_list_cta_url":"","geoloc_mobile_map_cta":"MAP VIEW","geoloc_mobile_map_cta_url":"","geoloc_provider_link_cta_url":"","geoloc_experience_type":"","ty_ctaText":"Continue","geoloc_hide_tab":"true","ty_interstitialText":"Thanks for visiting aarp.org! Come back again to check out all of the AARP Member Benefits and unlock the full power of membership.","howto_redeem_label":"How to Access","ty_interstitialDesc":"Come back again to check out all of the AARP Member Benefits and unlock the full power of membership.","ty_cancelText":"Cancel","ty_interstitialTitle":"Thanks for visiting aarp.org!","lto_daysleft":"Days Left","provider_logo_title":"Walmart+","geoloc_hide_see_more_button":"false","geoloc_provider_link_cta":"","offer_page_path":"","redemption_content":"","show_phone_number_above_cta":"","restrictions_label":"Disclosures","show_state_availability":"","state_availability_text":"SEE AVAILABILITY IN YOUR STATE","hideRestrictionsTab":"","ltos":[]},"parentOfferJson":{}}]}

Jan. 23: Chita Rivera, 90

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Best known for her roles in the original versions of West Side Story (Anita) and Chicago (Velma Kelly), Rivera is tied with Julie Harris as the most-nominated performer in Tony Awards history, with 10 nods each; Rivera took home the trophy three times, plus an additional lifetime achievement award in 2018. The first Latina recipient of the Kennedy Center Honor, she made a heartwarming cameo in the 2021 Lin-Manuel Miranda–directed musical Tick, Tick… Boom! Her memoir is due out this spring.

Back to List

Jan. 26: Lucinda Williams, 70

Jason Davis/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Since releasing her debut album in 1979, the three-time Grammy winner has mastered a unique blend of country, folk, blues and rock that’s made her a critical darling and a fan favorite; to wit, rock critic Robert Christgau once called her records “gorgeous, flawless, brilliant.” Beginning in 2021, Williams began recording a series of live themed performances called Lu’s Jukebox, which saw her covering everything from Bob Dylan and Tom Petty tracks to ’60s country classics. And last fall, she received the coveted BMI Troubadour Award, celebrating her songwriting career.

Back to List

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Jan. 29: Charlie Wilson, 70

Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images

As the lead vocalist of the Gap Band, the Tulsa, Oklahoma-born funk singer recorded such classic tracks as “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” and “Early in the Morning.” In recent years, Uncle Charlie — a nickname he received from Snoop Dogg — has become a go-to collaborator for younger artists like Bruno Mars and Fantasia. He recorded the single “No Stoppin’ Us” with Babyface, K-Ci Hailey and Johnny Gill; the song’s popularity made Wilson the male artist with the most number 1 hits in the history of the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.

Back to List

Jan. 31: Portia de Rossi, 50

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Known for her roles on Ally McBeal, Arrested Development and Scandal, the Aussie actress announced in 2018 that she was retiring from acting. That year, as a gift to her wife, Ellen DeGeneres, on her 60th birthday, de Rossi founded the Ellen Fund, which is dedicated to protecting endangered species. This year, the couple officially opened the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda to the public, and de Rossi told People, “I just want people to care. I guess that is all we want, for people to care and realize what it means for humanity to have these magnificent creatures alive and well.”

Back to List

%{postComment}%

Nicholas DeRenzo is a contributing writer who covers entertainment and travel. Previously he was executive editor of United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine and his work has appeared in the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, Sunset and New York magazine.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member? Login