9. Hugh Dancy (June 19)
He offered a riveting performance as criminal profiler Will Graham in the television series Hannibal (2013 to 2015), where his character had a complex relationship with Mads Mikkelsen’s Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Other projects include Ella Enchanted (2004), Evening (2007) and Adam (2009), as well as period dramas like Elizabeth I (2005) and the miniseries Daniel Deronda (2002). Dancy has been married to actress Claire Danes since 2009.
10. Linda Cardellini (June 25)
Her breakthrough role was as Lindsay Weir in the cult classic TV show Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000), where she portrayed a bright high school student navigating the challenges of adolescence. From there she was Velma in the Scooby-Doo live-action films (2002, 2004) and Nurse Samantha Taggart in ER (2003–2009).
Her career has included roles in Mad Men, where she played Sylvia Rosen, and the Netflix drama Dead to Me (2019–2022), earning award nominations for her portrayal of a grieving widow with a knack for dark comedy. Cardellini has also appeared in blockbuster films like Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Avengers: Endgame (2019) as Laura Barton, Hawkeye’s wife. Most recently she was part of the cast of the Netflix streaming series No Good Deed.
11. Tobey Maguire (June 27)
He achieved blockbuster leading man status with his portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007), which revolutionized the superhero genre and made him a household name. Prior to that superhero success, Maguire gained attention with roles in films like The Cider House Rules (1999) and Pleasantville (1998). He delivered a standout performance as the enigmatic Nick Carraway in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby (2013) and has taken on producing roles through his production company, Material Pictures. In recent years, Maguire reprised his iconic Spider-Man role in the multiverse-spanning Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), a huge global hit.
12. Judy Greer (July 20)
Judy Greer has built her career as a scene-stealing supporting actress in numerous hit films and television series. She’s especially recognized for her roles in romantic comedies like 13 Going on 30 (2004) and 27 Dresses (2008), as well as her memorable turn as Kitty Sanchez, the eccentric assistant in the cult-favorite TV series Arrested Development. In addition to her on-screen work, Greer has lent her voice to animated characters, most notably Cheryl Tunt in the long-running series Archer. She has also ventured into more dramatic territory with roles in films like The Descendants (2011) and Halloween (2018). Beyond acting, Greer authored a memoir titled I Don’t Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star (2014), reflecting on her unique career in the industry.
13. Charlize Theron (August 7)
Born in Benoni, South Africa, Charlize Theron is a critically acclaimed actress and producer renowned for her transformative performances and commanding screen presence. She first gained widespread attention with roles in films like The Devil’s Advocate (1997) and The Cider House Rules (1999). Her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster (2003) earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, and she’s proven herself equally adept in dramatic and action-packed roles, including standout performances in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Atomic Blonde (2017) and Bombshell (2019), for which she received another Oscar nomination. In addition to her acting career, Theron is an influential producer through her company, Denver and Delilah Productions, and a committed philanthropist. She founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) to support African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A U.N. Messenger of Peace, she’s a vocal advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality and social justice.
On turning 50: “Charlize has always followed her own beat—from her career to her thoughts on marriage and aging in Hollywood. She is happy with the life she has created for herself, and as she is approaching her milestone 50th birthday, she is telling friends her life feels complete.” (reported buy geo.tv)
14. Casey Affleck (August 12)
After early roles in films like Good Will Hunting (1997) and Ocean’s Eleven (2001), he gained recognition for his performance as Robert Ford in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his deeply moving role in Manchester by the Sea (2016). From acting, he’s ventured into filmmaking, directing the mockumentary I’m Still Here (2010) and other projects.
15. Kaitlin Olson (August 18)
Best known for her role as Dee Reynolds on the long-running and critically acclaimed sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia — a show she produces with her husband and co-star, Rob McElhenney. Other credits include the series The Mick (2017 to 2018) and, currently, High Potential, which premiered in 2024.
16. Alicia Witt (August 21)
Alicia Witt first gained recognition as a child prodigy when her exceptional piano skills led to appearances on That’s Incredible! and her acting debut in David Lynch’s Dune (1984). She further collaborated with Lynch in the cult television series Twin Peaks (1990), and appeared in the films Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995), Two Weeks Notice (2002) and The Upside of Anger (2005). Recurring TV roles include The Walking Dead, Nashville and Cybill. Beyond acting, she is an accomplished musician, having released several albums that highlight her poetic lyrics and piano-driven compositions.
17. Scott Speedman (September 1)
Born in London and raised in Toronto, Scott Speedman was a competitive swimmer before an injury led him to pursue acting. He gained recognition for his role as Ben Covington in the series Felicity. Beyond Felicity, he’s been in Underworld and Grey’s Anatomy.
18. Jason Sudeikis (September 20)
Born in Fairfax, Virginia, and raised in Kansas, Jason Sudeikis began his career in improv comedy at The Second City and ComedySportz. He became a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live in the mid-2000s. More recently, of course, there’s been Ted Lasso. for which he won multiple Emmys, as well as roles in Horrible Bosses, We’re the Millers and Booksmart.
19. Kate Winslet (October 5)
Born in Reading, England, Kate Winslet trained at the Redroofs Theatre School and began her career in British television before making her film debut in Heavenly Creatures (1994). Her breakout role came as Rose in Titanic (1997). From there, credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), an Oscar-winning role in The Reader (2008), and more recently reuniting with James Cameron for 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water, a role she’s reprising in this year’s Avatar: Fire and Ash.
On turning 50: “I don’t like big parties, and I can’t stand surprises. I want to spend the year doing 50 remarkable things, whether that’s a particular hike I’ve never done or a place I’ve never been, acts of kindness—I’m gathering a little list.” (Harpers Bazaar)
20. Kellie Martin (October 16)
Kellie Martin began acting as a child, appearing in commercials and small television roles before landing a starring role on Life Goes On (1989 to 1993). She later attended Yale University and would go on to appearances on different shows and TV movies, most recently 2022’s An Amish Sin.
21. Tara Reid (November 8)
Born in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Tara Reid began acting at an early age, appearing in commercials and children’s television. Her breakout role came in the teen comedy American Pie (1999), followed by Van Wilder (2002) and the Sharnado franchise (2013 to 2018).
On turning 50: “I like getting older, I think it’s a good thing. I think being older gives me time and also makes people start to realize, ‘Hey, why are we picking on this girl?’ … People are going to see that they can’t judge me. You can’t judge me from when I was 25. It doesn’t make sense. I grew up.” (dailymail.co.uk)
22. Mayim Bialik (December 12)
Mayim Bialik grew up in San Diego, California, and started acting as a teenager. She’s best known for Blossom (1990 to 1995), The Big Bang Theory (as Amy Farrah Fowler between 2010 and 2019), and her most recent role as host of Jeopardy!.
