The Class of '62

Forty-four years ago yesterday, astronaut John Glenn became a national hero by orbiting the Earth in his tin can. A day later, Casey Stengel welcomed the first New York Mets to St. Petersburg, Florida. Today, I turn Hank Aaron's number - so humor this old man with a look at my peculiar, over-achieving class of yearmates, celebrity class. Early bloomers from the Class of 1962, you say? Clearly Darryl Strawberry qualifies, along with child star Jodie Foster, whose career lasted longer than Straw's, alas. Jennifer Jason Leigh (who can act) and Demi Moore (who can't) were brat-packers in their day, as was Matthew Broderick, who seems just to be hitting his stride. Tom Cruise, 44 this year, and Jon Bon Jovi (formerly John Bongiovanni from northern Jersey and 44 the week after next) have achieved matinee idol 40s glory. Jim Carrey, Ralph Fiennes, and Wesley Snipes have thriving careers. Porn star Ginger Lynn may have her best years, ah, behind her at this point. As does Paula Abdul, reduced now to judging American Idol. Garth Brooks is semi-retired, Axl Rose is semi-detached from reality, and Tommy Lee is entering reality show land. Doug Flutie drop-kicked an extra point in his final game before retirement, and Roger Clemens will pitch for the U.S.A. before hanging 'em up - or not. They are the two long, Hall of Fame careers for '62 sports stars. Rosie O'Donnell has similar staying power, not unlike frequent commenter Tom K., who shows a Rosie-like, er, tenacity (yeah that's the ticket) with his critiques of these posts (Fitz and Doug are also '62 babies). Still, my pick for male in a starring role from this class goes to Jon Stewart, the funniest man on television - and a mercifully late bloomer. Female category? Another brilliant late bloomer, the singer Sheryl Crow, whose voice carries every decade of our lives and brings it home with a soulful edge. Ah, what a year it was. And now to blow out the candles....

Comments

[Tom K]

*Today, I turn Hank Aaron's number . . ."

Gee, Tom, I knew you were older than me, but I had no idea you were 755. Oh, wait, you meant his other number . . .

I am without words to express my appreciation for your decision to include me in the illustrious company you've laid out, and especially for tying me to Rosie O'Donnell. Personally, I see myself as unworthy of the honor, being more as a Roseanne-Barr type, but I'm not sure whether she qualifies for this particular club.

Stewart is a fine choice for number one; we can agree on that much, at least.

Happy birthday, all the same.

[Kat]

Jon Stewart does deserve to be number one.

If today is your birthday, congrats from the Mojave.

[Lance Mannion]

Even though it's not alliterative, for this year I think I'll refer to you as Hammerin' Tom Watson, in both yours and Hank's honor.

Happy Birthday, HTW!

[steve-o]

You're quickly catching up to me, geezer-boy.

[paul]

Another member of the Class of '62 checking in . . .

Thanks for the great round-up of our peers.