Let's make this birthday one to remember.

53 years old (Born on September 22, 1971)

Happy Birthday, Lawrence Gilliard Jr.! From navigating the gritty streets of Baltimore as D'Angelo Barksdale in "The Wire," you've taught us valuable life lessons—like never playing chess without knowing who's king. Your compelling portrayal made even hardened viewers root for your character's redemption.

Then you swapped drug corners for zombie hordes on AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” giving Bob Stookey a charm and optimism rarely seen during an apocalypse (and reminding everyone that surviving zombies is easier than escaping Avon Barksdale). Here's wishing you another year filled with memorable roles—and fewer undead encounters! Keep making television unforgettable; cheers to many more birthdays ahead!