Jonathan Van Ness
A charismatic force who transformed grooming advice into a platform for radical empathy, queer joy, and unapologetic self-expression.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American hairstylist and TV personality·Birthday: March 28·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan Van Ness didn't just enter the cultural conversation; they pirouetted into it, pom-poms in hand. From a small-town Illinois childhood marked by bullying, they found early refuge and expression in figure skating and hairstyling. A move to Los Angeles led to a successful salon career, but it was the wildly inventive web series 'Gay of Thrones'—a sharp, hilarious recap from a hairdresser's chair—that caught the internet's eye. That viral success paved the way for their defining role as the grooming expert on Netflix's 'Queer Eye' reboot. On screen, Van Ness blended skincare routines with profound emotional support, their effervescent warmth making conversations about self-care and identity accessible to millions. Off screen, they've been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, HIV awareness, and mental health, authoring a bestselling memoir and hosting a curious, interview-driven podcast.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jonathan was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Stars as the grooming expert on Netflix's globally successful 'Queer Eye' reboot, launched in 2018.
- Created and starred in the Emmy-nominated web series 'Gay of Thrones' for Funny Or Die.
- Authored the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir 'Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love'.
- Hosts the long-running interview podcast 'Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness'.
- Was the first non-athlete to be featured on the cover of ESPN's Body Issue in 2019.
Did You Know?
They are a licensed cosmetologist and worked at a high-end salon in Beverly Hills.
Van Ness was a competitive figure skater in their youth and still incorporates skating into their fitness routine.
They publicly came out as non-binary and use they/them pronouns.
They have a deep love for cats and often feature their pets on social media.
Before fame, they worked as a hairstylist for the 'Saturday Night Live' cast.
“You can't hate yourself happy. You can't criticize yourself thin. You can't shame yourself worthy.”
