April 21, 201610 yr Born Princess Elizabeth on April 21, 1926, she became queen at 25 upon the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952.
April 21, 201610 yr http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/american-birthdays-celebrate-queen-article-1.2609395 God save her, but America needs an alternative to the Queen. Britain’s Elizabeth II turns 90 on Thursday, and shows little sign of slowing down as she continues her longest-running reign atop the country that used to run the world. Despite the events of 1776 and other countries’ subsequent declarations of independence, many members of the English-speaking world are still forced to acknowledge the birthday of their colonial masters’ monarch. Today’s Internet explosion of Her Majesty-related news will likely clog up the social media feeds all over the world with pictures of the queen, her kin and her corgis shoved down our throats like crumpets. However, Lizzie is not the only notable who can be wished “many happy returns” on April 21. The day has a solid crop of Yanks who have achieved greatness (or at least fame) through their deeds rather than their bloodlines. Iggy Pop There may not be a better way to assert some rock n’ roll American pride than honoring the Godfather of Punk. Some may falsely claim that England’s Sex Pistols were the first band in the genre, but Michigan native Iggy and his Stooges deserve more of the credit. Pop, real name James Newell Osterberg Jr., shares his birthday with Elizabeth and is turning 69. The Queen may act as head of state with carefully managed photo-ops, but it’s probably more impressive that this singer-songwriter-actor has survived an experienced-filled life and still rocks when he’s pushing 70. Tony Danza Why celebrate a queen when you can celebrate a boss? Danza turns 65 on Thursday, and it would be hard to think of an actor more immediately endearing than the Brooklyn-born son of a garbageman. He may not project all the faux-gravitas offered by an Eddie Redmayne-type, but he’s received Emmy nominations for “Who’s the Boss?” and “Taxi.” The star, a former professional boxer, has also had multiple roles playing America’s pastime on screen, including an turn in the underrated “Angels in the Outfield.” Patti LuPone If you’re looking to laud someone more refined, American-made options also include a Broadway star. The siren, turning 67, has shouldered some of the stage’s most storied roles, including Eva Peron in “Evita.” Moreover, she even went over across the pond and dominated on British turf, playing Fantine in the original London cast of “Les Miserables.” LuPone also embraces her role as a drama queen, though her kingdom could be said to extend across the whole world of theater rather than just a few commonwealths. Andie MacDowell Despite her involvement with uber-Brit Hugh Grant in “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” MacDowell is an undeniably all-American. The Southern beauty is now 58 and has accumulated a trio of Golden Globe nominations during her reign as one of the leading ladies of the 1990s. Though she makes fewer headlines these days, those upset at losing any amount of hoity-toityness by skipping out on the Queen’s birthday should be comforted by the actress’s Twitter rant at American Airlines earlier this year. She reached out for “help” after she was bumped from first class to “tourist class” because of her dog. Fun fact: MacDowell also shares the birthplace of Gaffney, S.C., with the fictional President Frank Underwood from “House of Cards,” a British television show that the Americans at Netflix perfected. Rob Riggle America may not have a very deep bench in birthday alternatives to Her Majesty and all the surrounding fanfare, but at least we can laugh at ourselves with Rob Riggle. The “Daily Show” comedian is actually a former Marine, and told The Washington Post he served nine years on active duty including time in Afghanistan. He then came back to the U.S. and paid his dues in New York’s improv scene with Upright Citizens Brigade before eventually landing gigs on “Saturday Night Live” and with Jon Stewart. Always a proponent of American silliness rather than the dry British style, celebrating Riggle's 46th offers a suitable stateside option for those tired of the monarchy.
April 21, 201610 yr Her son probably wonders if he will ever be king. My money is on her skipping him and handing the crown to William.
April 21, 201610 yr My money is on her skipping him and handing the crown to William. Can she do that? I thought it had to go down the line "naturally." Would be cool to see young William and his family instead of stuffy old Charles and his hard looking harlot wife.
April 21, 201610 yr My money is on her skipping him and handing the crown to William. There has been some discussion if British law allows her to do that. Does monarchy decree overrule birth right? Those laws are so old, hard to say.
April 21, 201610 yr Author I doubt that Prince Charles even wants to be King. He has a lot of bad baggage and would probably want out of the spotlight. His son is more prepared and has been groomed to be the next ruler.
April 21, 201610 yr At 67, there's no guarantee that Charles even lives long enough to be king. Odds are against it, but Elizabeth may outlive him.
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.