About Jack Horner (paleontologist)
John Robert Horner (born June 15, 1946) is an American paleontologist best known for his research on dinosaurs. Horner has made a career as a researcher and teacher, having worked at various scientific institutions regardless of an initial lack of a university-level degree. In 1979, Horner and fellow paleontologist Bob Makela described for the first time the duck-billed dinosaur Maiasaura. Their research on Maiasaura provided the first clear evidence that some non-avian dinosaurs cared for their young. Horner has gained popularity among the public as a figure of authority within the field of paleontology, he has published over 100 professional papers, has authored 12 books, numerous articles, and featured in numerous documentaries. He has raised controversy too, leading him, twice in his life, to depart prestigious scientific institutions. In particular, in 2016, he quit the Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies after having married in 2012, when he was 65, a 19-year old undergraduate student, 46 years his junior, and in 2026 he quit his employment at Chapman University when early that same year it was publicly unveiled that he was mentioned in the Epstein files. Horner served as the technical advisor for the first five Jurassic Park films, which greatly contributed to increase his popularity among the public. He served as a partial inspiration for one of the lead characters of the Jurassic Park franchise (Dr. Alan Grant), and he even had a cameo appearance in one of the franchise's films, Jurassic World, in 2015. The University of Montana awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Science in 1986. Also in 1986, he was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship. In addition to his paleontological discoveries, Horner served as the technical advisor for the first five Jurassic Park films, had a cameo appearance in Jurassic World, and served as a partial inspiration for one of the lead characters of the franchise, Dr. Alan Grant.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.