Born George Michael Dolenz on March 8, 1945, Micky Dolenz–then known as Micky Braddock–became a child star at the age of 11 while starring in the 1950’s television show Circus Boy. In 1966, at age 21, Micky–who now went by his real last name–was chosen to star alongside fellow child actor and singer Davy Jones and musicians Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, in the NBC television comedy series The Monkees.

Since The Monkees, Micky lived in the U.K. for several years in which he created and produced a children’s television show, as well as directing and producing stage and television shows.

In 1986, MTV helped to re-ignite the resurgence of The Monkees when they aired reruns of the television series. It was during this same year that Dolenz and his bandmates Jones and Tork reunited to celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary and went on tour. During On Sept. 7, 1986, Micky, Davy and Peter performed at L.A.’s Greek Theatre when they were joined by absentee bandmate Michael Nesmith, who had left the band in 1970.

Since then, The Monkees (minus Nesmith) have reunited several times over the years to perform in concert together. However, after Jones’s untimely death on Feb, 29, 2012, Nesmith rejoined the band to help celebrate Jones’s memory and time with The Monkees.

Happy 70th Birthday, Micky! 🍰

Backstage with Micky Dolenz after The Monkees concert on July 10, 2011.