Singer and actress Amber Riley and actor Zachary Gordon are celebrating their birthdays today.
Amber Riley, 28
Actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Amber Riley turns 28 today. Riley auditioned for the second season of American Idol when she was 17, but was turned down by producers. In 2009, she landed the role of Mercedes Jones on FOX's Glee. She was a permanent cast member for four season, and had recurring guest roles in the shows fifth season. Riley won a SAG award for her role, and was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award as well as a Teen Choice Award.
Riley sang the National Anthem at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. She co-wrote a track for the British group The Saturdays entitled "Leave a Light On." She is currently in the studio working on her solo album. Riley won Season 17 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars with her partner Derek Hough.
Zachary Gordon, 16
Film and television actor Zachary Gordon turns 16 today. Gordon first started acting at the age of eight. He appeared in popular television series' including How I Met Your Mother, All of Us, Desperate Housewives, 24, and Robot Chicken. He has also appeared in numerous films including Because I Said So, Georgia Rule, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.
In 2010, Gordon landed the lead role of Greg Heffley in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, a film adaptation of the book series written by Jeff Kinney. Gordon reprised the role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. He has won three Young Artist Awards for his roles in Georgia Rule, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Diary of a Wimpy kid: Dog Days.