Let's make this birthday one to remember.

73 years old (Born on October 28, 1951)

Happy Birthday, Joe R. Lansdale! You've given us countless sleepless nights and laughter-filled days through your gritty Westerns, spine-chilling horror tales, mind-bending sci-fi adventures, and unforgettable mysteries. With Hap and Leonard leading the charge—two characters who redefine friendship goals—you've proven that humor can coexist perfectly with suspense.

Thirty-four novels and twenty-five short story collections later (seriously, do you ever sleep?), you're still crafting stories sharper than a Texas cactus needle. Here's hoping this birthday brings as much excitement as one of your plot twists—and fewer surprises than poor Hap usually endures! Keep writing; we'll keep reading eagerly.