Hey – we just thought some of you might want to wish the Boss a Happy Birthday. He’s on a shoot today but is sure to log in soon and read your comments and well wishes.
Just don’t remind him that he’s a day older, OK?
We thought we’d share a note from Mike’s mom, Peggy, as, well… kinda perfect for the day really. Without further ado -
We’re Keeping Him
When fans of Dirty Jobs learn that we’re Mike Rowe’s parents, they usually stare for a few seconds, then want to know which one of us Mike takes after.
This question always makes me laugh.
In the second season of Dirty Jobs, Mike jumped into a school of thrashing sharks in the Caribbean — I won’t get into a swimming pool if kids are splashing. In Michigan, Mike climbed eight hundred feet above the water to change a light bulb at the top of a bridge — I need a Dramamine to walk out onto our second floor balcony.
It’s hard to believe Mike has my genes. I’ve even entertained the possibility of some baby mix-up in the hospital nursery all those years ago.
“Mike must take after his father, then,” the people say.
This is funnier, still. Mike’s resume boasts of over 250 jobs since college; John taught in the same classroom for thirty years. Mike, who is famous for his spontaneous, impetuous nature, grew up with a father who is a slave to excruciating detail.
On our road trips, a notebook and a calculator are as essential as air in the tires and gasoline in the fuel tank. Entries are my responsibility. Thanks to John, I write non-stop— departure and arrival times, distance between towns, time and duration at rest stops, and miles-per-gallon calculations at fuel stops. On our visit to San Francisco, Mike took us sightseeing. When he pulled into a gas station, John asked, “Do they have the best price? Where does this gas come from? Does it contain ethanol? Is this where you usually get gas, son?”
Mike shrugged and pointed to the dashboard. “Dad, see that little red needle? When it points to the E, I stop for gas.”
John marveled at our son’s offhanded attitude. I marveled at the simplicity of it all–pulling into the station, filling the tank, and taking the highway. No entries in a notebook, no calculators, and no exclamations over good or bad mileage.
On a recent visit home, Mike commented on the poor quality of the TV in our breakfast room.
“The picture’s shrinking,” he informed me.
“We know,” I said. “Your father has been doing his research.”
After lunch, Mike disappeared and returned an hour later carrying a large, awkward box.
“What do you mean, you just bought it?” John asked, scratching his head. “Nobody just buys a television! Did you do comparison shopping? How do you know this is a good product? Did you check Consumer Guide? Where are your notes? Did you have a coupon?”
Mike smiled and put his arm around his father’s shoulder. “It’s a top brand, Dad. You’ll love it. I’m not taking it back.”
To this day, my husband shakes his head when he looks at that TV, a monument to the baffling, impetuous nature of his oldest son.
From time to time, John still ponders the mix-up-in-the-nursery theory, but I can’t really buy that. Having a 9½ pound baby with a (shall we say) ‘prominent head’ is among my more vivid memories.
Whatever! We’ve decided to keep him.
– Peggy Rowe
421 Comments
Happy birthday
Happy Birthday.. Thank you for this site. I’m glad someone recognizes the need.
Happy Birthday. I tell my kids everytime we watch you on TV that you are my next husband…LMAO
That is a great story and Happy Birthday Mike! At least we know where your sense of humor comes from! P.S. to your mom: Even though I gave birth to my two boys who are three and five right now, when they decide to run head long into a wall of suplex ( a wrestling move) their brother into my good coffee table; I know exactly where it comes from…. my husband
Happy Belated Birthday, Mike! You are a great male role model for my fifteen year old son, who lost his father eight years ago due to cancer. My son and I watch your show all the time. We recently purchased all your episodes on DVD. My son said he learns more from you then he does in school. Thanks for sharing your humour, intelligence, sincerity, and charm, with us. May God bless you, Mike! Your fans from Elmira, Ontario, Canada.
Happy Birthday, Mike! You rock!
My mother-in-law has a March birth date, 93 but we’ve always told her “crazy” people are born in March!!!
Happy Birthday and many more…………I love you!!!
Oh and yes the show too, never miss it!!
Happy Birthday 9 days late!
I was visiting the Warehouse a while back and saw your blurbs about the cast glass and then the ceramic cat. I, also, had wondered who makes that stuff?! I was humbled by the process and talent. Mea culpa dear craftspeople.
Anyhoo… That little detour led to You Tube and the QVC videos. Let me set the scene for you: after 10 years of marriage I was traded in for a newer model. I went back to school and finally got my B.F.A. I sat next to a gal who was born the year I started working on the silly thing (1983). So, I am tenacious and don’t just wait for stuff to fall in my lap. I start working in a pretty cool field (aviation) and was doing alright. Then, GASP, I was laid off. That is OK; I’m resourceful and I did what needed to be done. I was given the opportunity to live in an empty hotel for free (see Dallas Morning News- Plaza Hotel) and I took it. Figured I’d save many pennies and start paying some debt off.
So, there I am, basically a “legal squatter” with an amazing view back to working fulltime and then, GASP! it happened again! Laid off. Poop. I needed something to lift my spirits. Low and behold Mike! you gave it to me! I watched the QVC Cat Sack video, ceramic kitty one and others. Tears were streaming down my face. I could barely breathe! I hadn’t laughed like that in a VERY long time. I watched them a couple times and they kept getting better. That night, I went to bed and actually slept well. My mind was at peace for a while.
I thank Mr. and Mrs. Rowe for bringing you into our virtual worlds. The way you kept saying, “t-shirt” when the duck lady would drop a straight one liner was PRICELESS! Anyway, I’m sure this ramble may fall into the old TMI file, but hey, Happy Birthday to the most real, salt of the earth guy. I wish you many more insane years of unusual experiences, poo, laughter and shower scenes
PS I am working with my dad now and it is good. We make stuff. And it is good.
Belated at best but Happy Birthday just remember every little pain we feel is a check mark for getting the job done.
Opps, seems I missed the party!
Regardless Happy Late Birthday Mike May you have as many more as you do jobs!
Happy Belated Bithday I lover watching your shows you are very entertaining….Love ya!
Happy belated birthday Mikey!! Our favorite dirty man!!!
Happy Birthday Mr. Rowe! You’re ability to take any job presented to you, no matter how “dirty” or disgusting, and insert a gram of humour into it has kept us all coming back for more week after week! Every guy that I work with would love to have you make an appearance on one of our “jobs” but with the people we work for, I don’t ever see them allowing it. With the best Birthday Wishes from all of us in the Crain household in Baton Rouge, Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!
Hey Mike, Couldn’t remind you you’re older so guess I just have to say your better. I must be late with the wishes, but they are just as important as if on time, Happy Birthday. May the job be dirty and may the job have an ending. Who’d wanna a dirty job forever?
Happy Bday. Just enjoy the heck out of your shows and all the narrations you do for various shows! YOU ROCK
Gosh darn Mike,
I forgot to tell you Happy Birthday. Hope you had a good one and really a lot more.
Karen Alford
McCall, Idaho
Hi Mike,
I must tell you , your show is one of the most entertaining to watch. I think because it is like your are just “one of us”. You really have that “what it takes” to really make one feel welcome and “come on in”. Keep up the good work, we are just keep trying to figure out how to get you to come to McCall Idaho, where we live. You would think you were in Alaska when you are here. I’ll be in touch some day when we can think of something. In the meantime, keep it up. We’ll be there with you.
PS. I just had to write your mom a note, to thank her for you! Ha!
Karen Alford
McCall, Idaho
Hi Peggy, Well I think you and John did a darn good job with your son. I love watching him. He has such a good attitude for this type of show he does. One of the most entertaining (?) shows on tv..
Thank you for your son. !!
Karen
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Not only have you brought a smile to our faces, and a fresh outlook to ‘narrow’ lives; more importantly you have entertained and bewildered your parents from your first days until now!!!!
A life well lived. Congratulations.
Happy birthday, Mike!!
Just found out…. Happy (belated) Birthday!
Happiest of Birthday Day’s Mike Rowe!
I raise my beer class to celebrate your special day, for we’re glad your here, walking your walk and talking your talk. God bless ya, the DJ crew and MRW’s for keeping the working man on the American radar!
xoxox;}Marjon
Hey Mike! I Hope you have a dirty, but awesome birthday- I have a birthday coming up very soon as well and I know I will be spending at least an hour of it, watching your show.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike. I think we’ll keep you too, and if you’re ever in South Florida. Let this dirty gal buy you a drink.
I just found out (a little late) that we share our birthdays. Hope yours was a good one and keep up the good work.
May a delightfully dirty birthday be yours’ to share! Please take me home to meet your parents. You had me at “Hello” but then you lost me Mike! Please come to Ilinois, the dirt is clean here. XO*! ‘Mb’
HAPPY BIRTHDAY N HAVE A GOOD DAY
Hey and Happy Belated Birthday! Hope it was a good one, wait till you get over the 50 hump like me…everything is downhill from then…EVERYTHING!! Great show, fun and informative, you crack me up! Keep up the good work!
that was a great story mommy Rowe!! LOL Happy Birthday Mike
Just started exploring this site. Happy Birthday! My husband, our 2 boys, & me love Dirty Jobs. Recently read about your Scout background, how your Eagle project was an influence towards voice work ( – it was on wikiwhata – so it must be true). Good on ya! My boys are scouts and learning so much too. I hope it will take them far – you look like you are doing great – even at 48.
Keep up the dirty work.
Happy Birthday Mike Rowe. I really enjoy watching you. You make me real scared when you get in those tiny little holes you get into sometimes. Please be careful, I would like to keep watching you.
Happy Birthday Mike! Sorry I missed the actual Bday… I was WORKING!!!!
Let me know how 48 feels… I’ll be there in a couple of months. IF it feels anything like 47, it should be fan-fricken-tastic!
Nancy
Belated greetings for your Birthday…I am quite sure there was no mix up at the nursery….you look just like your dad.
However, I will say there is a curiosity about the tendancy to research everything to death…Nelson and David both do it, and now I find your dad does it too…odd. All the best, “Aunt Robin” in Fort Worth
Hi Mike,
Sorry I missed your birthday. I hope you had a great day. I, like many other Dirty Job/Mike Rowe fans are looking forward to your return.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you so very much well, for being you. I wish you a belated Happy Birthday.
Peace and Many Blessings,
Wendy from FL.
Happy Birthday Mike! Whenever you come on TV, my husband and 7 year old little boy yell out to me……”you’re boyfriend’s on!” I have the biggest crush on you!
I hope you enjoyed your birthday! Mine’s coming up in a few days as well.
A Happy Belated Birthday! to you Mr. Rowe. I use Mr out of respect due to the fact anybody that puts themself out here to emulate and show the respect of the average working stiff will allways be a good person in my book.May you have a great month and year ahead Peace. ..
Andrew
Your show makes me shiver,quiver & gag.Love it!(but we dont watch it during dinner anymore)Best wishes to you! from a little dirty girl
Hey Mike! Happy belated birthday! What are you now? Like 48? Well you look 40 so I hope that helps! Still looking mighty fine I may add. Happy birthday!
xoxo
Cat
happy b-day mike. even though your now 48 my best memory of you, Scott and Philip are in a picture i have of you all in a little plastic pool. it’s from 1966 and I was headed for Viet Nam. it just said ” high uncle Dave ” you sure were a cute little boy and now just an old, old man who can’t land anything but a dirty, steady job. happy birthday from the Texas Rowes, Dave, Robin, Robert, Thomas
better late than delayed.
happy birthday, mike!
keep diggin’ your show!! dirty the jobs featured are in your show but the purest heart you possess!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE..AND MANY MANY MORE..YOU ARE AGELESS !! ANDDDDD
Just wanted to say that my entire family are avid watchers of Mike and the crew and we can’t say how much we love them all.
My oldest son and I was talking the other night about when he was a baby, and I made the statement “ahhh yes, deja poo”…lol
there’s an expression Mike could use what with all the “poo” situations he seems to find…lol Feel free.
Keep up the great work..maybe do a show about working as a tech in a vet’s office…
Thanks for listening..look forward to the return of the show.
Evelynn and group in KY
Absolutely,
Happy belated. I absolutely adore the show since season 1 and have every episode thus far.. Happy 48th to one of the best nature person i have ever had the pleasure of watching on tv.
Favorite episodes: Vexcon now Bill Bretherton’s a TV star and I love the slime eels! but a close third is the dairy cow midwife.
Happy Birthday Mike!! Hope you enjoyed it.
Dear Mr. Rowe,
1st off, Happy belated Birthday from my sons Zac (11), Luca(9) and me (47 – why lie, you’re older). We LOVE your TV show Dirty Jobs and I am this close to buying a Ford if only you would deliver it (unfortunately I can’t afford it right now so please do not book your flight to NY yet…). My son Luca’s favorite thing to say is “Get ready to get dirty”.
My sons loved your shark Dirty Job shows and hope to see more of them (Of course at no risk to you with respect to your poor Mom). My son Zac was so inspired that for his 12th birthday he is going to dive with 10 sand tiger sharks (thanks so much, guess who has to go with him!!!!!). The boys wanted to tell you about an idea for your Dirty Job show – they would like you to dive with Goblin Sharks – for them, that is a great idea, for you I am not so sure. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you and hearing you on TV. Please let us know if you ever do a personal appearance in the NYC/Long Island area. We’ll be there!
Take care,
Lydia
Happy bithday Mike~~~ I am big fan of you from KOREA.
I love you~!!
You’re a masterpiece that all creation quietly applauds and you’re covered with the fingerprints of God-Steven Curtis Chapman
Happy Birthday to a masterful narrator and very dirty employee
happy b day mike
HEY MIKE! Sorry it’s a bit late but I hope your birthday was a BLAST! After your 4 hour long shower after the shoot you did, of course ^_^ WE LOVE YOU!
Hi Mike,
The first time I saw you I liked you. Now I know why… We share the same birthday. So Happy Birthday to you and me. I love your show, and watch it religiously. You have a great personality even through the muck and grime that you put yourself through doing “Dirty Jobs.” Keep it up, it’s wonderful.
Cloning never thought of it for you Mike – but I say no there is only one of you – not replaceable even with cloning. I know you Mom would agree.
Enjoyed the DJ marathon they had for you on TV 3/20
I do have one question(hope you do answer me) would have rather heard your voice on the 11 yes 11 episodes of Life but OW,did they consider you?can’ imagine they chose her instead of your yes, I am going to say it (although I know you are tired of hearing it) your sexy voice.
Although, I am sure she cost them more money, not that you are cheap, and dirty. Take care hurry back to TV.
Sorry about the typing got this new lap top and my hands are everywhere. Miss Aggie
You are everything in man girls look for. Let me know when the cloning starts cause I want to get my order in quick!! Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday!! I understand the mix up in the nursery. I dont get how my sons do what they do either. Thank God for little boys!!
Happy Birthday mr. mike,
i hope you have a great day.
may your days be filled with laughter, sincere love and true happiness.
A belated happy birthday to you. Mine was in January.
Watching you on Dirty Jobs sometimes make me wish I had job that’s dirty. Then again, I wonder that anyone would risk their operation by allowing you to operate equipment. Honestly I love watching the show.
Wishing you all the best in everything you do. If you ever get to upstate NY and want to film a dirty renovation, get in touch. That’s my dirty life. Stay dirty.
Watched your show about Earth Worms and now Bone Black. Saw on facebook it is your birthday. Hope you have had a good one. Down and dirty of course. LOL. So are you really 48 years old?
Happy birthday, Mike! (By the way, you’re another day older)
Hah hah hah
Happy birthday! Hope your day is full of much happiness!
Well, say what you want but from reading your mom’s email, you diffently got your since of humor from your her. Even if you were switched at birth
only goes to show we do turn into our mothers, or was that book I read just for girls.
Mike love your show and you are watched everywhere, I was at a little league baseball game today and women were asking do you girls watch dirty jobs? Doesn’t he have a great sense of humor——————–(I said yea, that’s why I watch him and he ain’t bad to look at either.
Take care Mike, hope you had a great bday can’t wait till your return… PS just in case you really want a dirty job come and ump a little league baseball game. They can get pretty down and dirty especially, during championship games.
Love ya,
Hope your birthday was grand. Love listening to you. Would love to sing with you. I’m collecting pictures of you to make my work day a bit brighter. Happy Spring!!
Happy Birthday Mike! Hope you find something dirty in Atlanta soon!
Happy Belated Birthday Mike! Hope you got everything you wished for. Watching you on Dirty Jobs right now and love how genuine you are. Best Wishes Always!
Hey Mike you share a Birthday with one of our friends!! She has a farm near Easterly Texas. We always enjoy going to her place and just hanging out. We love watching you with our husbands too. Hope you have a wonderful day. And we love Fords too! Kathy
Happy Birthday Mike…love your show~ Debbie
there’s nothing like spending a beautiful saturday afternoon watching a dirty jobs marathon! it’s your birthday but i got the gift! hope all your wishes come true, mike!
Mike, you are astoundingly (it’s a word) handsome! Happy Birthday to you!
I’m a Montana girl, so I understand dirty jobs.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Hope you had a wonderful day.
We absolutely love Dirty Jobs and your wonderful dry wit and sense of irony. Thanks for making us happy and teaching us about so many jobs.
hey mike happy B-day hope you have a wonderful one keep up the good work
You are everything I admire and I am just happy to watch your many talents shine through and at the same time make us all smile! Happy birthday to you and everyday all the best!
Happy Birthday Mike Rowe.
I hope your birthday is great!
happy birthday!!
Happy B-day!!! Try not to get dirty.
9 1/2 pounds? You owe your mom big time. Happy belated birthday.
I love the stories hearing from your Mom, Mike.
You must of been a handful when you were growing up with two hard working parents.
Mrs. Rowe, keep telling more stories of our working class hero.
Happy Birthday Michael and don’t think 48 is old, just think 48 is wiser.
Happy Birthday, hope you have a dirty day
….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m44z-223UYE
Happy birthday Mike all the way from ( Australia )
Happy Birthday Dirty Job Mike! We hope you get to spend your birthday with the folks you love! Thank you for entertaining us everyday! You are the best. One day we would consider it a privilege to meet you and listen to the story tellings we’re sure you have to tell about your adventures. We’ll buy the beer!
Best birthday wishes to you and be safe!
Happy belated bday! Remember what I said about your Dirty Jobs shots (antibody titer) from your doctor…kelly
Happy belated Birthday to my favorite dirty boy! I have two boys and a husband so I KNOW what boys get into! Just don’t tell them that you are my favorite, they each think they are and it would just kill them if they knew the truth!!
srry i saw this a lil late.!! but HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE<333!!!…read u were out on a shoot…but hope u still had time to celebrate ur bday….i luv u!!!<3!!!
Many great men were born in March birthdays including Alexander Graham Bell, Dr. Seuss, my firstborn son, my lovely husband and YOU. Hope you took a nice hot shower, hugged a loved one, and ate a great meal. Happy (belated) Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! I had mine 2 weeks ago too! Don’t get down about it! Take care and keep up the great and entertaining work!!!
Beautiful story Mrs.Rowe. I think Mike learned values and attitudes from his family All that the good things that he became, well you and Mr. Rowe have to take some credit . I love reading your writing and I see you in Mike’s writing. He is a great example of giving your children roots and wings.
Happy Birthday…all year…till the next one!
Happy Birthday, Mike. from Joan, Grace, Bern, and Mel and many more.
Happy Birthday Mike! To bad you aren’t a little older!
Just wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to one “dirty” guy!
Your Mom is so sweet Mike; I’d love to meet her. Actually both of your parents seem wonderful. You’re lucky to have as they are you.
Happy belated birthday, Mike.
Love,
Jennifer in VA
Wishing you a happy birthday Mike. It was fun watching you do a shoot the last couple of days!! Sorry we didn’t know it was your birthday!!
Happy Birthday Mike! Hope you have a great day with lots of cake and lots of love.
Anna
Hope Mike had a happy birthday. Great story Mrs. Rowe!
Happy Birthday Mike. Do something nice for yourself. Hope you had a good one.
-kelby
Hi Mike,
I hope you had a great birthday and didn’t work too hard!!
Have a great weekend!
Sending you many happy wishes on your birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday Mike! I love your show! I especially love watching it w/ my 12 year old son and 13 year old daughter (who love it as well) and when there isn’t anything good on tv we look for more dirty jobs shows and I wish I had a dirty job for you out here, but you’ve done all I can think of and more!! Thank you!!!
A day late, but the happiest of birthdays, Mike! (And 364 more happy days to go with it.)
Happy Birthday Mike! May your day be filled with Dirty Jobs and Clean Cake!
Happy Birthday Mike! Hope you have a WONDERFUL day!!
Is that really CAKE or something more gross like poo?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST!