One of the most recognizable and influential superstars on the planet turns 60 today: Singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer Janet Jackson, who was born on May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana.
The tenth and youngest child of the legendary Jackson family, Janet is an icon who has broken social, gender, and racial barriers with her works in the music and entertainment worlds. Fans know her for songs like 1986’s “Nasty,” 1992’s “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” 1995’s “Scream,” and 1997’s “Together Again” (per Discogs).
Janet is both beautiful and multi-talented. That beauty is more than evident in the thousands of photographs taken of her over the years. On the day she becomes a sexagenarian, let’s take a look at some of the most striking examples.
Janet Jackson’s Stage Debut
In the above social media post, there’s an adorable picture of an eight-year-old Janet in 1974. In the image, she is holding a doll during her stage debut alongside her famous family. It happened at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Janet and La Toya Jackson
In the social media post above, a smiling Janet (L) is with her stunning older sister, La Toya Jackson, in 1977. Janet would have been 11 at the time, while La Toya would have been 21.
Janet and Michael Jackson
The above social media post has a picture of Janet (R) with her superstar older brother Michael Jackson. The picture was taken in a shop on La Brea Boulevard in Inglewood, California, in 1981. Janet would have been 15, while Michael was 21.
A Natural Beauty
Janet’s natural beauty shines in the above selection of photos from a social media post. The pictures are from the 1989 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. She was almost 23.
Candid Janet
GettyIn the above candid shot, a 27-year-old Janet looks stunning as she arrives at the 1994 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Beaming Janet
GettyIn the above picture, a beaming Janet attends the Source Hip-Hop Awards in Hollywood, California, in 1999. She was 33 at the time.
Laughing Janet
Getty36-year-old Janet is loving life as she laughs heartily in the above picture. It was taken at the Mercedes-Benz Shows LA fashion week in Los Angeles, California, in 2003.
Serious Janet
GettyThe above picture was taken in 2008 when Janet was 42. A serious-looking Janet is performing on stage at the Janet Jackson and LL Cool J’s “Rock Witchu” Tour in Los Angeles, California.
Radiant Beauty
GettyJanet’s beauty radiates in the above photograph, taken at the Cannes Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, southern France, in 2013. She was 47 at the time.
Side Profile With Plait
GettyThe above picture was taken at the OUT Magazine #OUT100 Event at the the Altman Building, New York City, in 2017. In the picture, taken from the side, a 51-year-old Janet is wearing a striking plait in her hair.
All in Black
GettyJanet is looking magnificent all in black in the above photograph. It was taken when she was 53 at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala in Beverly Hills, California, in 2020.
Janet Jackson Today
Above is a 2026 social media post by Janet with a recent picture of her looking stunning. She is wearing a suit, shirt, and scarf ensemble, ready for the Grammy Hall of Fame Gala.
We’d like to wish the amazing Janet Jackson the happiest of 60th birthdays. There’s no doubt she looks incredible for a woman of her age (and in general, by any standard, quite frankly). We sincerely hope she has the most wonderful day celebrating.
