If you grew up in the 80s, chances are you are a fan of some of the classic teen movies of that era like National Lampoon’s Vacation, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Weird Science.  These films starred a young actor named Anthony Michael Hall, who celebrates his birthday today, April 14.

Anthony Michael Hall played the nerdy character in some of his movies.  Even before being a geek or nerd was considered cool like it is today, Hall had an endearing quality that made his characters likable and cool in a nerd-like way.  Fans wanted Anthony Michael Hall to win, get the girl, whatever.  We just liked Anthony Michael Hall.  He represented a lot of the young males of that time, those coming of age who were uncertain about themselves.

He also appeared in films like Out of Bounds, Johnny Be Good, Edward Scissorhands and Six Degrees of Separation.  Anthony Michel Hall played Bill Gates in the television film, Pirates of Silicon Valley.

In addition to his film career, Anthony Michael Hall also appeared as a cast member on Saturday Night Live during the 1985-86 season. He has numerous television credits in such shows as NYPD Blue, Murder She Wrote, Touched By An Angel, Diagnosis Murder, Entourage, Community, CSI Miami, Awkward, Psyche. 

In 2002-2007, Anthony Michael Hall played Johnny Smith in The Dead Zone.  Hall also has a spot in an AT&T commercial.

Thank you Anthony Michael Hall for helping to define a generation with your film roles.

Comments?  Sound off below. Or tweet @thenerdygirlexp and @stacyamiller85 .