The most famous actor the same age as you

Written by:
May 21, 2018
Updated on March 26, 2019
Christopher Polk // Getty Images

The most famous actor the same age as you

Some celebrity rags will insist that the stars are “just like us”, but let’s be honest—most actors are far more eccentric and vain than the average citizen (not to mention significantly wealthier). That said, humans are all pretty much the same at birth, so in a manner of speaking, the stars are like us in that they were once drooling babies, too. In fact, a good handful of them were born the very same year you were—it’s practically like you’re twins, right?

It can be a surprise to find out you're the same age as someone you remember as a child star—or that you're so much older than some of the biggest celebrities on screen today. Famous people notoriously look younger than their actual ages, and the nature of the entertainment industry is such that its frequenters often seem ageless. Classic movies and television shows transcend time and have the uncanny ability to transport their viewers through a variety of eras, cultural moments, and, of course, styles. But it’s also intriguing when actors are exactly your own age—and grew up with the same popular culture you enjoyed.

While we won’t suggest measuring your own development against that of a Hollywood actor, it might be interesting to know which stars are your age (even if age is the last thing a celebrity wants you to think about). For that, Stacker is on the call. We’re listing out the most famous actor born every year from 1920 to 2005, and even throwing in a few extra names per year for good measure.

After finding the actor's birthdays, we used Wikipedia pageviews from the past year (April 2017 to March 2018). Without further ado, we present the most famous actors according to birth year.

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1920: Mickey Rooney

Date of birth: Sept. 23

Born under the name Joe Yule Jr. in Brooklyn, NY, actor Mickey Rooney first took the stage at the age of just 17 months, appearing in his parents’ vaudeville act. He would debut on screen just five years later, and soon star in “Mickey McGuire,” a series of comedy shorts. It was for this series that Joe Yule Jr. officially changed his name to Mickey Rooney. A prolific career would follow, which didn’t expire until he died in 2014 (unfortunately in the midst of an elder abuse scandal).

Other notable actors: Yul Brynner, Walter Matthau

1921: Charles Bronson

Date of birth: Nov. 3

The 11th of 15 children born to Lithuanian immigrants, Charles Buchinsky was a Pennsylvania coal miner and WWII soldier before trying his luck in Hollywood and changing his name to Charles Bronson. After starring in a number of bit parts, Bronson would soon become Tinseltown’s go-to tough guy for films like “Death Wish,” in which he played a vigilante on a quest for revenge. The film spawned four sequels, including “Death Wish V: The Face of Death”— Bronson’s last starring role.

Other notable actors: Rodney Dangerfield, Chuck Connors

1922: Dilip Kumar

Date of birth: Dec. 11

Just coming off his 95th birthday is actor Dilip Kumar, Bollywood's oldest living star. Born Mohammed Yousuf Khan, Kumar began method acting before the concept even existed. Over the course of five decades, he would appear in no less than 65 films.

Other notable actors: Christopher Lee, Carl Reiner

1923: Charlton Heston

Date of birth: Oct. 4

Famous for playing iconic lead roles in films like “Planet of the Apes”, “The Ten Commandments” and “Ben-Hur,” Charlton Heston was a perennial big-screen hero during the height of his career. The actor was born John Charles Carter in Illinois, later combining his mother's surname (Charlton) with his father's last name (Heston) when launching his career. Toward the end of his life, Heston would become as well known for his role as NRA president and spokesman as he would for any cinematic performance.

Other notable actors: James Arness, Cliff Robertson

1924: Marlon Brando

Date of birth: April 3

Actors don’t get much more legendary than Marlon Brando, who was born in 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Illinois. After getting kicked out of a military academy, Brando moved to New York and studied acting under Stella Adler at Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio. The lessons definitely paid off: Brando is now one of the most highly regarded talents in the history of cinema, especially for his role as Don Corleone in “The Godfather.”

Other notable actors: Raj Kapoor, Don Knotts

1925: Paul Newman

Date of birth: Jan. 26

Lest you forget the name Paul Newman, just hit up the nearest grocery store and you’ll be reminded, where “Newman’s Own” food products (which donate all proceeds to charity) still grace the aisles. Of course, launching a line of popular food products is just one of Newman’s many achievements. In addition to being a philanthropist and movie star, the Ohio-born actor was also a director, producer, entrepreneur, and race car driver. 

Other notable actors: Dick Van Dyke, Rock Hudson

1926: Andy Griffith

Date of birth: June 1

For over 50 years, actor Andy Griffith charmed millions of viewers with his laid-back, southern style. His two most iconic roles were as Sheriff Andy Jackson Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” and as lawyer Ben Matlock in “Matlock.” He passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.

Other notable actors: Jerry Lewis, Leslie Nielsen

1927: Roger Moore

Date of birth: Oct. 14

Most famous for his role as James Bond in the highly popular film series, Roger Moore—pardon us, Sir Roger Moore—was as active in international goodwill as he was in TV and film. In fact, the British actor was serving as an ambassador for UNICEF before he passed away in 2017. In other words, Moore wasn’t just a hero on screen.

Other notable actors: Peter Falk, Jerry Stiller

1928: Fred Rogers

Date of birth: March 20

His name was Fred Rogers, but the world knew him as Mr. Rogers, the super friendly TV host who educated and encouraged millions of children by way of his half-hour TV show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”. True to his cause, the multi-talented writer/producer/puppeteer/minister wrote essays on good parenting, and once testified emphatically before Congress on the importance of public television—and that’s just skimming the surface of his legacy. Look for an upcoming documentary about Rogers in June, plus a biographical film starring Tom Hanks in 2019

Other notable actors: Adam West, Martin Landau

1929: Christopher Plummer

Date of birth: Dec. 13

Born in Canada and classically trained as a stage actor, Christopher Plummer made his big screen debut in 1958’s “Stage Struck.” Seven years later, he would play Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” thereby cementing his status as Hollywood royalty. Despite all the fame and success “The Sound of Music” brought him, Plummer wasn’t a fan; he often referred to it as "The Sound of Mucus." Plummer still acts in films to this day, having just famously replaced Kevin Spacey in Ridley Scott's 2017 thriller "All the Money in the World."

Other notable actors: Bob Newhart, Max von Sydow

1930: Sean Connery

Date of birth: Aug. 25

Playing James Bond to perfection is just one of Scotland-born actor Sean Connery’s many claims to fame. Even before he was a film star, Connery was turning heads in the as Mr. Scotland in the Mr. Universe contest. An illustrious career would follow, punctuated by a bevy of classic roles and the occasional scandalous interview. These days, the 6’2” actor mostly keeps to himself.

Other notable actors: Steve McQueen, Robert Wagner

1931: William Shatner

Date of birth: March 22

Boldly born in 1931, Canada's William Shatner cut his teeth on Broadway before famously landing the role of Captain James T. Kirk on TV's “Star Trek.” Shatner would appear in multiple films—as well as release albums and help bring Priceline.com to the masses—throughout the course of his career. However, audiences will remember him best as the original Captain of the USS Enterprise.

Other notable actors: James Dean, James Earl Jones

1932: Richard Dawson

Date of birth: Nov. 20

You wouldn't know it watching old reruns of “Family Feud,” but original host Richard Dawson (who spoke with an American accent) was born in Gosport, England. And before that, he played the role of Corporal Peter Newkirk on “Hogan's Heroes.”

Other notable actors: Peter O'Toole, Anthony Perkins

1933: Michael Caine

Date of birth: March 14

Before appearing in just about every Christopher Nolan film on the planet, actor Michael Caine enjoyed a long and formidable Hollywood career. He got 1956, but went to the next level a decade later when playing the lead role in 1966’s “Alfie.” Caine still acts to this day, with a movie called “The King of Thieves” slated for release in late 2018.

Other notable actors: Gene Wilder, Tim Conway

1934: Alan Arkin

Date of birth: March 26

Brooklyn-born Alan Arkin was not only a semi-successful folk singer in the 1950s and 1960s,  but he also co-wrote the most well-known version of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” a smash hit for Harry Belafonte. By the late 1960s, his career in acting had begun. It would ultimately land him more than 100 roles in TV and film, and earn him an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2007 for “Little Miss Sunshine.”

Other notable actors: Jamie Farr, Bill Bixby

1935: Donald Sutherland

Date of birth: July 17

If you were born in the same year as Donald Sutherland, we certainly wouldn't blame you for not being able to keep up with the talented, Canadian-born actor. To put it another way, the man keeps busy at 82 years old; he currently stars in “Trust” on FX Network and has a film slated for release in 2019. Proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Donald’s son Kiefer is also a well-known Hollywood star.

Other notable actors: Dharmendra, Robert Conrad

1936: Robert Redford

Date of birth: Aug. 18

When not starring in movies, Robert Redford is directing and producing them, and when he's not doing that, he's creating film festivals, donating to charity, and fighting for various environmental causes. Suffice to say, it all amounts to one truly accomplished career, with the awards, honors, and accolades to show for it.

Other notable actors: Burt Reynolds, Alan Alda

1937: Morgan Freeman

Date of birth: June 1

The man with the golden voice, Morgan Freeman, was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1937. After discovering the U.S. Air Force wasn't all it was cracked up to be, Freeman dove headfirst into acting—though it wasn't until the late 1980s that he became a household name. Nowadays, Freeman is a bona fide fixture in Hollywood, thanks in no small part to his performances in iconic films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Se7en.” Is Morgan Freeman more famous than Jack Nicholson, who was also born in 1937? Probably not. Nonetheless, the Wikipedia page views have spoken.

Other notable actors: Jack Nicholson, Bill Cosby

1938: Shashi Kapoor

Date of birth: March 18

More than one of Bollywood's most accomplished actors, Shashi Kapoor was a member of the Kapoor Dynasty, a family of performers, writers, and producers that have been part of India’s film industry since 1929. Known for his good looks and considerable talent, Kapoor appeared in over 150 films before passing away in Dec. 2017.

Other notable actors: Jon Voight, Christopher Lloyd

1939: Ian McKellen

Date of birth: May 25

While British actor Ian McKellen is no stranger to dramatic roles, younger audiences know him best as Magneto from the “X-Men” franchise, or Gandalf from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Still landing parts like it’s nobody’s business, McKellen is also the subject of an upcoming documentary.

Other notable actors: Paul Hogan, John Cleese

1940: Bruce Lee

Date of birth: Nov. 27

Arguably the most famous (and some say the best) martial artist to ever live, Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco before moving to Hong Kong with his parents. There he studied under kung fu grandmaster Yip Man. Already a working child actor at the time, Lee would soon combine both those respective callings to legendary effect. After starring in 1973’s “Enter the Dragon,” Lee died suddenly from brain edema at the young age of 32.

Other notable actors: Al Pacino, Martin Sheen

1941: Nick Nolte

Date of birth: Feb. 8

Given Nick Nolte's proclivity to lie to the media, it’s tough to distinguish reality from fiction when covering his private life. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that the actor was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1941, and that he achieved massive success after starring opposite Eddie Murphy in 1982’s “48 Hrs.” Meanwhile, his 2002 arrest mugshot remains the stuff of internet legend.

Other notable actors: Ryan O'Neal, David Warner

1942: Harrison Ford

Date of birth: July 13

Like a real-life Han Solo or Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford has rescued stranded hikers via helicopter, as well as narrowly avoiding death on more than one occasion. It’s no wonder that the Chicago-born actor has landed so many heroic roles over the years. Never one to rest on his laurels, Ford is currently attached to play Indy for the fifth time before hanging up the whip for good (though not necessarily retiring from acting).

Other notable actors: Billy Connolly, David Bradley

1943: Robert De Niro

Date of birth: Aug. 17

“Are you talking to me?” asked Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle in Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver.” Of course, that’s just one among many famous lines (and roles) from the seasoned star, who’s considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time. A true New Yorker, De Niro was born in the Big Apple in 1943, and still lives there to this day.

Other notable actors: Christopher Walken, Joe Pesci

1944: Sam Elliott

Date of birth: Aug. 9

Born in New Jersey to actor Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas is arguably best known for his role as ruthless businessman Gordon Gekko in 1987’s “Wall Street.” The performance won Douglas his one and only Best Actor Oscar, though he did win a previous Oscar in 1976 for producing “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Douglas shares his birth year with Danny DeVito, and they also have a shared history—the two starred in films like “Romancing the Stone” and “War of the Roses,” and they were also roommates at acting school in New York City.

Other notable actors: Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito

1945: Tom Selleck

Date of birth: Jan. 29

While it’s hard to picture actor Tom Selleck without his iconic mustache, one has to assume he came into this world ‘stache-free in 1945. 35 years later, he landed the role of a private detective in “Magnum, P.I.,” which ran for eight seasons. These days, you can catch Selleck in the hit CBS police drama “Blue Bloods.”

Other notable actors: John Heard, John Lithgow

1946: Sylvester Stallone

Date of birth: July 6

New York City-born Sylvester Stallone cleaned lion cages at the Central Park Zoo and even appeared in an adult film before writing and starring in 1976’s “Rocky”—the tale of a small-time Philadelphia boxer who’s spontaneously given a shot at the heavyweight title. The film was nominated for a whopping nine Academy Awards, winning three of them—including Best Picture. Like his own character, Stallone became an overnight sensation, starring in a string of “Rocky” sequels as well as other films like “First Blood,” “Demolition Man,” and “The Expendables.” Rumor has it that he might star in an upcoming fifth “Rambo” film, which is quite impressive for a 71-year-old man.

Other notable actors: Tim Curry, Alan Rickman

1947: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Date of birth: July 30

Born in Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a world-class bodybuilder before hitting it big as a Hollywood actor. As if appearing in films like “The Terminator” and “Predator” wasn’t enough, he hit the pause button on his acting career to become California's 38th governor. Still cutting a muscular figure at the age of 70, Schwarzenegger will reprise his most iconic role in an upcoming “Terminator” movie.

Other notable actors: Ted Danson, James Woods

1948: Samuel L. Jackson

Date of birth: Dec. 21

One of the hardest working men in show business, Samuel L. Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., and raised by his grandmother in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He currently has over 100 completed acting credits to his name, not to mention a slew of movies in various stages of production or development. He’s also the highest-grossing actor of all time, with his movies earning a combined total of more than $7.2 billion at the box office.

Other notable actors: John Ritter, Jeremy Irons

1949: Richard Gere

Date of birth: Aug. 31

Is Richard Gere the most famous actor born in 1949? Or is Jeff Bridges more worthy of the title? It’s a tough call, but Gere—who was a perennial leading man from 1982 to 2002—might take a slight edge, if only for his lead role in 1990’s “Pretty Woman.” On the other hand, there are entire festivals built around 1998’s “The Big Lebowski”, which starred Jeff Bridges as “The Dude.” Ultimately, both actors are famous, and if they’re both the same age as you, take from that information what you will.

Other notable actors: Jeff Bridges, John Belushi

1950: Bill Murray

Date of birth: Sept. 21

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bill Murray seemed destined for a life of mischief (and was even arrested at the age of 20) before he found his calling on stage in Chicago’s Second City improv group. After fine-tuning his persona on “Saturday Night Live,” Murray became one of the foremost names in big-screen comedy, starring in movies like “Ghostbusters,” “Caddyshack,” and “Groundhog Day.” Murray still takes the occasional movie role, but only when producers and casting agents are able to find him.

Other notable actors: David Cassidy, John Candy

1951: Robin Williams

Date of birth: July 21

Known for his ceaseless energy, laser-sharp wit, and legitimate acting chops, Chicago-born Robin Williams was one of Hollywood’s most consummate entertainers. His first major role came in the form of an alien named Mork—who appeared on “Happy Days” before getting a show of his own, “Mork & Mindy”. Soon after, Williams became a massive star on the big screen, while turning in the occasional stand-up performance. Sadly, Williams died of suicide in 2014. 

Other notable actors: Kurt Russell, Mark Hamill

1952: Liam Neeson

Date of birth: Aug. 18

Seasoned actor Liam Neeson originally hails from Ballymena, the eighth largest town in Northern Ireland. It was to Ballymena that Neeson would return after leaving university, working as a forklift operator and truck driver before giving theatre a serious go. After landing a role in John Boorman’s “Excalibur,” Neeson moved to London and began appearing in numerous TV shows and films. Nowadays, he’s best known as a formidable action star, thanks primarily to his lead role in the “Taken” franchise.

Other notable actors: Patrick Swayze, Steven Seagal

1953: Pierce Brosnan

Date of birth: May 16

Head south from Ballymena and you might find yourself in Drogheda, the birthplace of Pierce Brosnan. The suave actor and producer made a big name for himself in the 1980s as Ben Pearson on TV’s “Remington Steele,” and would later play James Bond in films like “Goldeneye” and “The World is Not Enough.” Brosnan also fancies himself a painter, though don’t mistake his fine-tuned passion for some sort of vanity project. In fact, one of his paintings recently fetched $1.4 million at a charity auction.

Other notable actors: Tim Allen, John Malkovich

1954: Jackie Chan

Date of birth: April 7

Along with Chris Tucker, Chan formed one of the most lovable, eccentric crime-fighting duos in the history of cinema in all four installments of the “Rush Hour” franchise. Known for his mastery of hand-to-hand combat, the overwhelming majority of his feature films include a good number of fight scenes, with some of the more popular ones in recent years being the “Kung Fu Panda” series and Jaden Smith’s “The Karate Kid” remake.

Other notable actors: John Travolta, Denzel Washington

1955: Rowan Atkinson

Date of birth: Jan. 6

Though Atkinson’s name has deservedly earned its place in the history of cinema,  his face is almost more recognizable since it has become seemingly synonymous with his most famous character Mr. Bean, who was originally the subject of a self-titled television series in the early 90s and then transposed into movie format via 1997’s “Bean.” Atkinson is more than just his marquee character, though, and has held prominent roles in the likes of “The Lion King” and “Keeping Mum,” portraying Zaza and Walter Goodfellow, respectively.

Other notable actors: Bill Paxton, Bruce Willis

1956: Tom Hanks

Date of birth: July 9

Arguably the world’s most likable actor, Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. His first big break came by way of a short-lived TV show called “Bosom Buddies,” however it was 1984’s “Splash” that truly launched his career—and 1988’s “Big” that cemented his A-list status. On the set of “Volunteers” in 1985, Hanks felt an intense connection with co-star Rita Wilson, who would become his second wife and mother to two of his children. The couple is still married to this day. 

Other notable actors: Mel Gibson, Bryan Cranston

1957: Daniel Day-Lewis

Date of birth: April 29

Screen legend Daniel Day-Lewis was born in the UK, though it hasn’t stopped him from tackling iconic American roles such as Abraham Lincoln to perfection. A staple in challenging and thought-provoking films, Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest actors of all time. He was last seen playing a dressmaker in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread,” which may very well be his final performance.

Other notable actors: Michael Clarke Duncan, Dolph Lundgren

1958: Gary Oldman

Date of birth: March 21

A truly acting chameleon, Gary Oldman first wowed mainstream audiences as Sex Pistols bandmate Sid Vicious in 1986’s “Sid and Nancy.” From there, he tackled a number of different roles, earning heaps of praise for his impeccable versatility. In 1998, Oldman wrote and directed “Nil by Mouth” about working-class life in London. It was a subject near and dear to Oldman’s heart, as he himself had grown up in a working-class London neighborhood.

Other notable actors: Alec Baldwin, Kevin Bacon

1959: Sean Bean

Date of birth: April 17

If you’re looking for a fantastic fantasy, look no further than Sean Bean. All of Bean’s most notable appearances come in the form of mysterious, intensely action-packed films and television series such as “Game of Thrones,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Jupiter Ascending,” each of which incorporate elements of adventure and heated conflict.

Other notable actors: Val Kilmer, Hugh Laurie

1960: Jean-Claude Van Damme

Date of birth: Oct. 18

Known for his muscular physique, Van Damme’s career was characterized by a handful of combat-heavy macho man pictures which garnered ticket sales not only by advertising his body but his martial arts skill set, as well. Van Damme’s father was hellbent on bulking up his son and training him to fight when he noticed that he was weak at 12 years old, and this ultimately propelled him to a career of starring in action films such as “Double Team,” “Bloodsport,” and “Kickboxer.”

Other notable actors: Sean Penn, Colin Firth

1961: George Clooney

Date of birth: May 6

If you were born in 1961, then you’re the same age as both George Clooney and Eddie Murphy, two certifiable A-list talents. Being that Murphy has been fairly inactive over the last decade, it’s actor, director, and political ambassador Clooney making more headlines these days. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Clooney struggled to make it big in the 1980s, appearing in campy films like “Return of the Killer Tomatoes.” In 1994, he landed a career-shaping lead role on the hit medical drama “ER,” and has been a top-shelf celebrity ever since. Fun fact: before starring in “ER,” Clooney made his TV debut in a 1985 sitcom of the same name (“E/R” to be precise).

Other notable actors: Eddie Murphy, Woody Harrelson

1962: Tom Cruise

Date of birth: July 3

Born to an electrical engineer and special education teacher in Syracuse, Tom Cruise considered priesthood until he was reportedly kicked out of seminary school for stealing booze. Catholicism’s loss was the entertainment industry’s gain, as Cruise came to epitomize the concept of a Hollywood star. Nowadays, the actor is an institution unto himself, able to carry films from beginning to end while performing most of his own stunts to boot.

Other notable actors: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell

1963: Johnny Depp

Date of birth: June 9

Hmmmm… who's the most famous actor born in 1963? Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt? According to Wikipedia page views, Depp got more searches over the past year, but that might have as much to do with his off-screen antics as it does his memorable performances. Nevertheless, Depp walks away with the honor. Born in Kentucky, the 54-year-old actor now has properties all over the world—he even owns both a small village in France and an island in the Bahamas.

Other notable actors: Brad Pitt, John Stamos

1964: Keanu Reeves

Date of birth: Sept. 2

Born in Beirut and raised in Toronto, actor Keanu Reeves rocketed to fame after starring as a lovable but spaced-out underachiever in 1989’s “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” A decade later, Reeves solidified his A-list status when he played prophetic hero Neo in “The Matrix.” Still killing it as an action star to this day, Reeves recently appeared as assassin John Wick in two films of the same name. Meanwhile, he has quite the reputation for being one of the coolest A-list actors to walk the earth.

Other notable actors: Nicolas Cage, Rob Lowe

1965: Robert Downey Jr.

Date of birth: April 4

Stars don’t get much bigger than the Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., who reportedly earned up to $100 million in the latest “Avengers” movie. Of course, before donning the high-tech suit, Downey Jr. was one of Hollywood’s most versatile and charismatic (albeit troubled) talents, appearing in an array of films both big and small—and earning numerous accolades in the process. Going back even further, he was born in Manhattan to writer/director/filmographer Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Downey.

Other notable actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan

1966: Adam Sandler

Date of birth: Sept. 9

Perennial goofball Adam Sandler was born in Brooklyn in 1966. After honing his craft on “Saturday Night Live,” the actor kicked off a string of big-screen hits—starting with 1995’s “Billy Madison.” While some say Sandler is capable of so much more than "Billy Madison," his success just keeps growing. Netflix (who currently has a deal with Sandler) claims that their subscribers have spent over half a billion hours watching Adam Sandler movies.

Other notable actors: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kiefer Sutherland

1967: Vin Diesel

Date of birth: July 18

He’s fast, he's furious, he was born in Alameda County, California and raised by adoptive parents in New York’s Greenwich Village. His name is Mark Sinclair, but audiences know him best as Vin Diesel, the muscle-bound star of multiple action films. He’ll be reprising just about every role he’s known for over the next fear years, and his fans aren't complaining.

Other notable actors: Jason Statham, Akshay Kumar

1968: Will Smith

Date of birth: Sept. 25

Just like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Will Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia. In addition to starring in the hit sitcom, he was half of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, who churned out hits like “Parents Just Don't Understand” and “Summertime.” By the 1990s, Smith was among Hollywood's most bankable stars, headlining films like “Bad Boys,” “Men in Black,” and “Enemy of the State.” His next major role is as the genie in a live-action adaptation of “Aladdin.”

Other notable actors: Hugh Jackman, Josh Brolin

1969: Matthew McConaughey

Date of birth: Nov. 4

Alright, alright, alright. So goes Matthew McConaughey from Uvalde, Texas, who delivers a laidback drawl so unique it might as well be patented. However, don’t mistake that easy-going demeanor for a lack of passion, as the actor has been known to take on some truly challenging roles. That said, McConaughey did just finish shooting a movie called “The Beach Bum” (which, to be fair, was helmed by indie auteur Harmony Korine).

Other notable actors: Peter Dinklage, Matthew Perry

1970: Matt Damon

Date of birth: Oct. 8

Actor/writer Matt Damon was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and he would set his award-winning screenplay, “Good Will Hunting” in nearby Boston. It was thanks to that screenplay and Damon’s subsequent performance that the actor has a career to this day. In addition to acting and writing, Damon and collaborator Ben Affleck produced “Project Greenlight,” a reality show dedicated to discovering talented filmmakers.

Other notable actors: River Phoenix, Shemar Moore

1971: Mark Wahlberg

Date of birth: June 5

A true Boston native with the accent to show for it, Mark Wahlberg was a troubled teenager who briefly went to prison at the age of 16. Determined to turn his life around, Wahlberg followed in the footsteps of his older brother Donnie, who had joined the boy band New Kids on the Block. The result was Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, a hip-hop group that yielded a handful of hit singles in the early 90s. Soon after that, Wahlberg launched a highly successful film career, which is still going fairly strong. 

Other notable actors: Jared Leto, Corey Haim

1972: Dwayne Johnson

Date of birth: May 2

A former WWE wrestler turned Hollywood superstar (and possible future president), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was born in Hayward, California in 1972. Before taking center stage on screens of all sizes, Johnson was a defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes. In 2016, he was highest paid actor in the world.

Other notable actors: Idris Elba, Ben Affleck

1973: Paul Walker

Date of birth: Sept. 12

Born in Glendale, California, actor Paul Walker would die in a tragic car accident just over 30 miles away in 2013. During his all-too-brief lifetime, Walker accomplished more than most. He was a lead star in “The Fast and Furious” franchise, and also received top billing in films like “Eight Below,” “Joy Ride,” and “The Skulls.”

Other notable actors: Jim Parsons, Neil Patrick Harris

1974: Leonardo DiCaprio

Date of birth: Nov. 11

Screen icon Leonardo DiCaprio grew up in Los Angeles and began acting in commercials and TV shows as early as age 5. However, it wasn’t until he played the role of Arnie Grape in 1993’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” that the world began to recognize his considerable range. What soon followed is a career that most actors would dream of, and one that still conspicuously avoids franchise fare in favor of auteur-driven work.

Other notable actors: Christian Bale, Vijay Chandrasekhar

1975: Bradley Cooper

Date of birth: Jan. 5

Born in Philadelphia, Bradley Cooper graduated from Georgetown University in 1997 with an English degree before pursuing acting at the Actors Studio Drama School in NYC. It was there that Cooper regularly attended “Inside the Actors Studio” tapings, where he’d ask questions to stars like Robert De Niro. Soon enough, Cooper was starring alongside De Niro in movies like “Limitless” and “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Other notable actors: Tobey Maguire, Russell Brand

1976: Ryan Reynolds

Date of birth: Oct. 23

Before stunning audiences as Deadpool in 2016 (and again in 2018), Ryan Reynolds had already forged himself a respectable A-list career in films like “The Proposal,” “Just Friends,” “Definitely, Maybe,” and “Van Wilder.” Off-screen, he plays romantic lead to actress (and wife) Blake Lively, and was previously (briefly) married to Scarlett Johansson. Needless to say, the Canada-born actor does his fellow 41-year-olds proud.

Other notable actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonathan Brandis

1977: Tom Hardy

Date of birth: Sept. 15

With the release of “Venom” right around the corner, now is a good time to be its 40-year-old lead star, Tom Hardy. On the other hand, when is it not a good time to be Tom Hardy? The British actor has been steadily landing roles since 2001, when he appeared in Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down;” star-turning performances in movies like “Warrior” and “The Dark Knight Rises” have further elevated his career.

Other notable actors: Chadwick Boseman, Michael Fassbender

1978: James Franco

Date of birth: April 19

In addition to being his birthplace, Palo Alto is also the title of James Franco's published collection of short stories. Meanwhile, publishing books is a mere hobby when compared to Franco's other endeavors—such as directing and starring in award-winning films like “The Disaster Artist,” or appearing in episodes of HBO’s “The Deuce.” To call him prolific would be an understatement.

Other notable actors: Ashton Kutcher, Andy Samberg

1979: Jason Momoa

Date of birth: Aug. 1

Honolulu, Hawaii’s very own Jason Momoa has really come into his own in recent years with his big breakthrough coming in the form of the Dothraki king Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones.” Since then, he has earned an even bigger spotlight, having become the face of Aquaman in 2017’s DC Comics release of “Justice League” and securing Aquaman’s own personal feature film which is currently in post-production.

Other notable actors: Heath Ledger, Chris Pratt

1980: Ryan Gosling

Date of birth: Nov. 12

Having come a long way since his days in “The Mickey Mouse Club,” Canada’s Ryan Gosling burst onto the mainstream in 2004’s “The Notebook,” also starring Rachel McAdams. From there, he would take on a number of challenging roles, broadening both his range and appeal in the process. Gosling was last seen on the big screen in “Blade Runner 2049,” while his upcoming movie “First Man” (made by “La La Land” helmer Damien Chazelle) is already getting rave reviews.

Other notable actors: Macaulay Culkin, Chris Pine

1981: Chris Evans

Date of birth: June 13

The son of a dentist and theater director, Chris Evans was born in Boston and raised in the nearby town of Sudbury. He caught the acting bug at a young age and began appearing in plays as early as grade school. Little did Evans know at the time that he would one day be playing Captain America before an audience of millions.

Other notable actors: Tom Hiddleston, Hayden Christensen

1982: Jamie Dornan

Date of birth: May 1

America’s favorite sadist actually hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he played rugby at a high level for many years before deciding he wanted to pursue a career in acting. In spite having been launched into the public eye by his depiction of the sex-crazed Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, he has also earned sizable roles in the likes of “Anthropoid” and “The Fall.”

Other notable actors: Eddie Redmayne, Seth Rogen

1983: Donald Glover

Date of birth: Sept. 25

Some folks might argue Chris Hemsworth is the most famous person born in 1983, however Donald Glover is definitely the man of the moment (and presumably many moments to come). That’s largely thanks to Glover’s acclaimed work on TV’s “Atlanta” and under his musical alias Childish Gambino—whose video for “This is America” riveted audiences worldwide. The multi-talented 34-year-old was born on an Air Force base and raised in Georgia by two Jehovah's Witnesses. Look for him in the latest “Star Wars” movie as Lando Calrissian or on tour performing his original songs.

Other notable actors: Chris Hemsworth, Adam Driver

1984: Theo James

Date of birth: Dec. 16

Best known for his role as Four in the “Divergent” series, actor Theo James (short for Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis) was born in Oxford, England in 1984. The youngest of five children, Theo studied Philosophy at the University Of Nottingham before entering drama school. When not acting, he sings and plays guitar, making him a 33-year-old of many talents.

Other notable actors: Bob Morley

1985: Dave Franco

Date of birth: June 12

While not as prolific or diversified as his older brother James, actor Dave Franco is nevertheless a genuine talent in his own right. Like James, Dave was born in Palo Alto, later making his big screen debut as Greg in the 2007 hit comedy “Superbad.” The two brothers recently starred together in 2017’s “The Disaster Artist.”

Other notable actors: Chace Crawford

1986: Shia LaBeouf

Date of birth: June 11

Famous for his on-screen roles and off-screen antics, Shia LaBeouf is a Los Angeles native who appeared in TV shows as early as the late ‘90s—catching his big break in 2007’s “Transformers.” Soon after, LaBeouf began consciously avoiding mainstream roles, and even publicly denounced his own fame. His latest film “Honey Boy” is currently in production; it was co-written by the actor and loosely based on his own childhood.

Other notable actors: Robert Pattinson, Drake Bell

1987: Zac Efron

Date of birth: Oct. 18

Between his good looks, solid song-and-dance moves, and effective acting chops, Zac Efron is a Hollywood dream come true. On the heels of his success in the “High School Musical” franchise, Efron was offered a recording contract by Simon Cowell himself—which he declined in order to focus on acting. In what's arguably his most challenging role to date, Efron plays serial killer Ted Bundy in the upcoming film, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.”

Other notable actors: Michael B. Jordan, Evan Peters

1988: Rupert Grint

Date of birth: Aug. 24

With a name like Rupert Grint, it doesn't take a linguistics expert to wonder if the actor was born in the UK (Harlow to be exact). The 29-year-old talent rose to fame playing Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series. After the series wrapped, Grint briefly considered quitting acting, but decided to stick it out, taking on roles in two different TV shows in 2017.

Other notable actors: Colton Haynes, King Bach

1989: Daniel Radcliffe

Date of birth: July 23

Being born the same year as Daniel Radcliffe doesn’t mean you were born the same year as Harry Potter, but it's probably the next best thing. That said, the 28-year-old British actor has done a pretty good job at distancing himself from his most iconic role--Proving as much is 2016’s “Swiss Army Man,” in which Radcliffe plays a corpse with a gastrointestinal problem.

Other notable actors: Carlos Pena Jr., Keegan Allen

1990: Bill Skarsgård

Date of birth: Aug. 9

The son of actor Stellan Skarsgård, Bill Skarsgård was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He was best known for starring in “Allegiant” until he tackled the role of Pennywise in the 2017 remake of Stephen King’s “It.” Luckily for Skarsgård, British actor Will Poulter—who was originally cast as Pennywise—pulled out of the role after finding the content too disturbing.

Other notable actors: Liam Hemsworth, Thomas Brodie-Sangster

1991: Dylan O'Brien

Date of birth: Aug. 26

First discovered on YouTube, Dylan O'Brien became a big name in Hollywood after starring in MTV’s “Teen Wolf” and then playing the lead in “The Maze Runner” franchise. O'Brien was born in New York City, and he grew up in New Jersey before moving to California at age 12. Apparently, you can still see his old videos on YouTube, but only because he forgot his password and can't delete them.

Other notable actors: Tyler Posey, Austin Butler

1992: Cole Sprouse

Date of birth: Aug. 4

In what's probably disparaging news to his twin brother Dylan, Cole Sprouse is the most famous actor born in 1992. The two starred together in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” on the Disney Channel, before forging their own respective careers. Cole can currently be seen as Jughead Jones on the show “Riverdale.”

Other notable actors: Josh Hutcherson, Taylor Lautner

1993: Cameron Monaghan

Date of birth: Aug. 16

Cameron Monaghan was born in Santa Monica in 1993, and he started popping up in commercials just 5 years later. By the early 2000s, Monaghan was making regular guest appearances on TV, eventually landing the recurring role of Ian Gallagher in Showtime's “Shameless.” He currently has five films in various stages of production or development.

Other notable actors: James Fraser, Troy Gentile

1994: Ansel Elgort

Date of birth: March 14

Singer, DJ, and star of the “Divergent” series, Ansel Elgort was born in Manhattan, New York. His father was a photographer for Vogue and his mother an opera director, and they both encouraged Elgort to pursue acting. More than a consummate entertainer, Elgort is also a big movie fan. In fact, he has “Billy Madison” memorized in its entirety.

Other notable actors: Jordan Fisher, Booboo Stewart

1995: Nick Robinson

Date of birth: March 22

Seattle-born Nick Robinson was a series regular on TV’s “Melissa & Joey” before getting a film of his own with 2018’s “Love, Simon.” He’s also played important roles in films like “The 5th Wave” and “Jurassic World.” The oldest of seven children, Robinson stands just over six feet tall, and makes for one sharp-looking 23-year-old.

Other notable actors: Ross Lynch

1996: Tom Holland

Date of birth: June 1

Like something out of his wildest dreams, British actor Tom Holland didn't just land the role of “Spider-Man” in 2016—he recently received a ringing endorsement from creator Stan Lee himself. Before that, he appeared on stage as Billy Elliot in a London production of the musical from 2008 to 2010. While Holland has up to five films currently in production, most of his fans are gearing up for the “Spider-Man” sequel, which is set to drop in 2019.

Other notable actors: Jack Griffo

1997: KJ Apa

Date of birth: June 17

His name is Kenati James Fitzgerald, but audiences know him best as KJ Apa, star of “Riverdale” on The CW. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Apa appeared as a series regular on a New Zealand soap opera before moving to the states to pursue his dreams. You can find him on the big screen later this year in “The Hate U Give”.

Other notable actors: Asa Butterfield, Leo Howard

1998: Jaden Smith

Date of birth: July 8

At just 19 years of age, Jaden Smith has accomplished a lifetime’s worth of career goals. Since 2003, the young talent has been appearing on screens of all sizes, dropping albums, designing clothes, and tweeting out to millions of followers. Does it help that he's the son of Hollywood stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith? You bet it does. Nevertheless, he's duly proved himself as a creative force to be reckoned with.

Other notable actors: Dylan Sprayberry, Bradley Steven Perry

1999: Cameron Boyce

Date of birth: May 28

Born in Los Angeles, Cameron Boyce appeared in films like “Mirrors” and “Eagle Eye” before becoming a mainstay on the Disney Channel. His biggest claim to fame so far is playing the role of Carlos in the “Descendants” movies; the third iteration is slated for release in 2019.

Other notable actors: Chandler Riggs, Ethan Cutkosky

2000: Jace Norman

Date of birth: March 21

Best known as Henry Hart (aka Kid Danger) on the Nickelodeon series “Henry Danger,” Jace Norman was born in Corrales, New Mexico just 18 years ago. Demonstrating an early knack for showmanship, he and his brother Xander began uploading videos onto YouTube at a very young age. On his path to fame, he overcame numerous obstacles, including dyslexia and bullying.

Other notable actors: Griffin Gluck

2001: Caleb McLaughlin

Date of birth: Oct. 13

Actor Caleb McLaughlin was just 10 years old when he made his Broadway debut as young Simba in “The Lion King”; today he's better known for his role as Lucas Sinclair on the Netflix hit series “Stranger Things”. Born in Carmel, New York, Caleb and his family eventually moved to New York City, where he trained as a dancer at the Harlem School of the Arts.

Other notable actors: Joshua Rush, Milo Manheim

2002: Finn Wolfhard

Date of birth: Dec. 23

Also hailing “Stranger Things” as well as “It,” Canada's Finn Wolfhard is a formidable guitar player in addition to being one of Hollywood's hottest young talents. In fact, his indie band, Calpurnia, has an EP dropping in June. Not bad for a 15-year-old!

Other notable actors: Gaten Matarazzo, Asher Angel

2003: Jaeden Lieberher

Date of birth: Jan. 4

When most of us were learning cursive for the first time, Jaeden Lieberher was starring alongside names like Bill Murray in 2014’s “St. Vincent” and 2015’s “Aloha.” In the time since, the Philadelphia-born actor has made steady appearances on the big screen, including a lead role in 2017 horror flick “It”.

Other notable actors: Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff

2004: Noah Schnapp

Date of birth: Oct. 3

Between his impressive portfolio (which includes a lead role in “Stranger Things”) and his 7.3 million followers on Instagram, Noah Schnapp is the stuff that modern Hollywood dreams are made of. Born in New York in 2004, the young actor has already worked with the likes of Steven Spielberg in 2015’s “Bridge of Spies”—and he was also the voice of Charlie Brown in 2015’s “The Peanuts Movie.” 

Other notable actors: Mace Coronel

2005: Noah Jupe

Date of birth: Feb. 25

Born in London, Noah Jupe most recently garnered attention for his role in the 2018 surprise hit “A Quiet Place.” Next up for the actor is a Sherlock Holmes adaptation, and then as young Otis Lort in “Honey Boy”—a harrowing drama based on Shia LaBeouf’s personal boyhood experiences.

Other notable actors: Nathan Arenas, Issac Ryan Brown

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