Everyone has a theory about why Howard Stern has been so successful. Some say it’s because of his honesty, his willingness to court controversy, to say just about anything. But the bottom line is that Howard knows how to entertain an audience. Whether he is hosting his daily radio show, which currently airs semi-daily on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, or judging up-and-comers on America’s Got Talent, Howard is indeed honest and certainly says what he thinks. But he’s not simply spitting out opinions or platitudes. He’s funny, doesn’t take crap from anyone, and puts on a show like nobody else can. On January 12, Howard Stern turns 61 years old, and if anything, he’s even funnier now than he was on K-Rock or WNBC. Happy birthday, Howard!

Pop culture pop quiz time. What kind of list contains the names Anderson Cooper, Tila Tequila, and Howard Stern? (Cue the Jeopardy theme.) Give up? They have all served as hosts of New Year’s Eve specials at least once during their careers. Although the annual TV appearances of folks like Dick Clark (and heir apparent Ryan Seacrest) are as attached to ringing in the New Year as “Auld Lang Syne,” other talented people have helped us count down, kiss our sweethearts, and make resolutions. (Breaking them starts the next day. It’s okay, we do it too. We’re not judging.) Let’s look at some New Year’s Eve TV hosts, past and present, before they became stars. 10… 9… 8…