30 stars celebrating their 40th birthday this year

These celebs are turning 40 in 2021

celebrities turning 40 this year

Turning 40 is a huge deal. Though it’s definitely a milestone age, some people find it daunting because of the notion that one is already over the hill as soon as they reach this age. Others, however, believe that life begins at 40 when people have become wiser and more experienced in life. The latter appears to be the case for some of our favorite celebrities turning 40 this year, as they’re now ready to bounce back personally and professionally, over a year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are 30 stars celebrating or who have celebrated their 40th birthday in 2021.

Jessica Alba

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Credit: Jessica Alba / Instagram

The Fantastic Four actress turned 40 last April 28th. Jessica Alba marked her latest age milestone on Instagram by sharing an adorable photo of herself with her husband Cash Warren and their three kids. “My heart is full of hope and everything I do in life is for you #myfamily #thisis40,” she captioned the pic.

Alba, who celebrated her birthday with an intimate outdoor bash seemingly thrown at the office of her consumer goods company The Honest Company, was last seen on Spectrum’s crime dramedy series L.A.’s Finest and will next star in the upcoming action thriller movie Trigger Warning.

Rami Malek

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Rami Malek, who rose to prominence for his Emmy-winning role as Elliot Anderson on USA Network’s Mr. Robot and for his Oscar-winning performance as Freddie Mercury in the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody, turned 40 last May 12th.

Malek, who is in a relationship with his Bohemian Rhapsody co-star Lucy Boynton, currently stars in the suspense thriller podcast Blackout. He is set to make his debut in the James Bond universe as villain Lyutsifer Safin in No Time To Die, which is slated to open in U.S. theaters on October 12th. Malek is also part of the cast of the untitled David O. Russell period comedy film, which also stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington, among many others.

Larisa Oleynik

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Credit: Larisa Oleynik / Instagram

‘90s teen idol Larisa Oleynik turned 40 last June 7th. Oleynik began her career as a child actor, first appearing onstage as young Cosette in a national touring production of Les Misérables that ran from 1989 to 1991. She was then cast in the titular role of The Secret World of Alex Mack, which aired for four seasons on Nickelodeon from 1994 to 1998.

Oleynik most recently appeared as Tia in the comedy film We Broke Up, which opened in U.S. theaters last April. On the TV series front, the California native recently starred as Karen Ferris on Netflix’s comedy series The Healing Powers of Dude and recurred as Shawn on the streamer’s teen drama series Trinkets.

T.J. Miller

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Credit: T.J. Miller / Instagram

T.J. Miller, who is best known for his role as Erlich Bachman in the HBO sitcom Silicon Valley, celebrated his 40th birthday last June 4th. Married to actress and installation artist Kate Gorney, Miller most recently appeared in the romantic comedy film The Stand In and in the sci-fi horror movie Underwater, which were both released in 2020.

Meanwhile, Miller’s most recent TV credits include Comedy Central’s The Gorburger Show, Netflix’s F Is for Family, and HBO’s Crashing.

Amy Schumer

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Credit: Amy Schumer / Instagram

Emmy Award-winning comedian Amy Schumer turned 40 last June 1st. She celebrated her birthday over the holiday weekend surrounded by friends and family, including her husband Chris Fisher and their 2-year-old son, Gene David. In a video from her birthday celebration, Fischer is seen presenting Schumer with a chocolate-frosted cake with a hilarious message that reads: “I’m leaving you. This was the only way I could think to do it.

Last seen in the HBO Max documentary series Expecting Amy, Schumer is set to star in the upcoming Hulu comedy series Life & Beth. She’s also part of the cast of the upcoming drama movie The Humans, which is based on Stephen Karam’s one-act play of the same name.

Brandi Carlile

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Credit: Brandi Carlile / Instagram

Like Schumer, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile also turned 40 last June 1st. Carlile celebrated her big 4-0 by launching her so-called 40/40/40 campaign, which aims to raise $40,000 in 40 days for Children in Conflict, a charity that protects children living in high conflict regions.

As of 2020, Carlile has released six studio albums and earned eleven Grammy Award nominations, including one for The Firewatcher’s Daughter, six for By the Way, I Forgive You, and three for her work as producer and songwriter on Tanya Tucker’s 2019 album While I’m Livin’. Carlile, who identifies herself as a lesbian, has two daughters with her wife Catherine Shepherd.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

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Credit: Jamie-Lynn Sigler / Instagram

Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos, celebrated her 40th birthday last May 15th. Siegler is married to baseball player Cutter Dykstra, and together, they have two sons.

Siegler currently stars as Detective Megan Dungerson on Adult Swim’s comedy series Beef House. She will be seen next in the comedy-drama film The Virgin of Highland Park and in the horror thriller movie Hunting Season.

Danielle Fishel

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Credit: Danielle Fishel / Instagram

Danielle Fishel, who gained popularity for her role as Topanga Lawrence-Matthews in the teen sitcom Boy Meets World and its successor Girl Meets World, turned 40 last May 5th. She marked her recent birthday by announcing that she’s expecting his second child with her husband Jensen Karp.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to enter my 40’s with my amazing husband and son, excitedly expecting the arrival of baby boy #2,” Fishel wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of her cradling her baby bump. “I’ve never been more excited or hopeful for the next decade of my life. I had a beautiful childhood, teenage years I still dream about, my 20’s were insane (and mostly miserable) and my 30’s brought me lows and highs but eventually I leveled out to a place of security. Security in who I am, what I believe, and with whom I want to spend precious time.”

Allen Leech

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Allen Leech, who is best known for her role as Tom Branson in the Downton Abbey franchise, is now 40. Leech, who currently has one child with his wife Jessica Blair Herman, celebrated his birthday last May 18th.

Leech doesn’t appear to have any confirmed acting projects coming up, but he was most recently seen in this year’s Hallmark movie As Luck Would Have It. He also recently guest-starred in an episode of ABC’s The Good Doctor last year.

Alessandra Ambrosio

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Credit: Alessandra Ambrosio / Instagram

Model-actress Alessandra Ambrosio marked her 40th birthday last April 11th with Instagram photos of herself rocking a sexy Mônot Fall 2020 cut-out dress. Though best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret, the mom of two has also modeled for other fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Next.

Ambrosio made her acting debut in the Brazilian telenovela Verdades Secretas in 2015. She has also made cameo appearances in several U.S. scripted TV series, including Entourage, Gossip Girl, and New Girl.

Taylor Kitsch

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Canadian model-actor Taylor Kitsch, who rose to prominence for portraying Tim Riggins in the NBC sports drama Friday Night Lights, turned 40 last April 8th.

Kitsch most recently played stock car racing driver Max McLaughlin in the 2020 miniseries Shadowplay. He will next star opposite Chris Pratt in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video thriller drama series The Terminal List.

Paris Hilton

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Credit: Paris Hilton / Instagram

Socialite Paris Hilton turned 40 last February 17th, but she only celebrated her birthday a month after, with her fiancé Carter Reum and her friends throwing a party for her in the backyard of her Beverly Hills home.

A great-granddaughter of the founder of Hilton Hotels, Hilton first attracted tabloid attention in the late 1990s, when she became a fixture in NYC’s late-night scene. She then skyrocketed to fame after starring with her friend and fellow socialite Nicole Richie on the Fox/E! reality series The Simple Life from 2003 to 2007. In subsequent years, Hilton tried recording and acting. And just this year, she began hosting her own podcast show, This Is Paris, on IHeartRadio.

Laura Bell Bundy

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Credit: Laura Bell Bundy / Instagram

Laura Bell Bundy, the original Amber Von Tussle in the musical version of Hairspray and the original Elle Woods in the musical version of Legally Blonde, is now 40 years old. The mom of one, who is married to TBS executive Thom Hinkle, reached the big 4-0 last April 10th.

Bundy most recently recurred in the NBC musical comedy Perfect Harmony and guest-starred in an episode of Netflix’s AJ and the Queen. On the movie front, she appeared as Suzanne Brooks in the 2020 Netflix original The F**k-It List.

Bryce Dallas Howard

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Credit: Bryce Dallas Howard / Instagram

Ron Howard’s eldest daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, turned 40 last March 2nd, and based on an Instagram post, Bryce celebrated her birthday as well as her father’s 67th birthday with the rest of their family via Zoom.

“Pops, we celebrate another birthday, another trip around the sun. For you it’s 67 and for me it’s 40 — I suppose that makes us proper grown-ups,” Bryce wrote on Instagram, alongside a throwback photo of herself with her dad, who celebrated his birthday last March 1st. “I feel very lucky to be turning 40 and have a Dad who I still love talking with and who I look up to as an example for how to walk through this world. You are an amazing man Daddio and we all love you so much.”

Bryce, who has two children with husband Seth Gabel, most recently reprised her role as Claire Dearing in the 2018 movie Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. She’s set to play the character again in Jurassic World: Dominion, which is set to be released in 2022.

Julia Stiles

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Julia Stiles, who gained recognition for starring in the 1999 movie 10 Things I Hate About You, is now 40. The former teen star, who is now a proud mama to a son whom she shared with her husband Preston J. Cook, celebrated her birthday last March 28th.

Stiles currently stars as Georgina Marjorie Clios in the British drama series Riviera. On the movie front, the New York City native will star as Dr. Jordan Taylor in the drama film The God Committee, which is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on July 2nd. She’s also part of the cast of the upcoming horror film Orphan: First Kill, which is a prequel to the 2009 movie Orphan.

Stephen Amell

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Credit: Stephen / Stephen Amell

Actor, producer, and occasional professional wrestler Stephen Amell celebrated his 40th birthday in the Soneva Jani resort in the Maldives. In a photo he shared on Instagram last May 8th, the Toronto native is seen having some family time by the beach with his wife Cassandra Jean and their daughter Mavi. While his Instagram birthday post was wholesome, Amell’s birthday tweet sounded a little naughty: “Hooray hooray, the 8th of May, it’s National Outdoor Intercourse Day!”

Amell, who wrapped an eight-season run as Oliver Queen on the CW series Arrow last year, will next star in the Starz wrestling family drama Heels, premiering on August 15th. He is also set to reprise his role as Garrett Kent in the upcoming sci-fi action sequel Code 8: Part II.

Adriana Lima

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Credit: Adriana Lima / Instagram

Brazilian model Adriana Lima celebrated her 40th birthday last June 12th. One of the world’s highest-paid model, Lima is known as a spokesmodel for Maybelline cosmetics and for her Super Bowl and Kia Motors commercials.

Lima, who has two daughters with her ex-husband basketball player Marko Jarić, most recently appeared as herself in the 2018 crime comedy film Ocean’s 8. She also made cameo appearances in How I Met Your Mother and Ugly Betty.

Josh Groban

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Singer-actor Josh Groban marked his 40th birthday last February 27th with an Instagram post that looked back at the last 10 years of his life. “As I exit a decade and enter a new one, the thing that stays the constant as I get ever so slightly wiser is that experiences are richest when shared,” Groban wrote, alongside a black and white photo of himself. “My 30’s brought some insane highs and some devastating lows and a whole lot in the middle but those emotional growing pains are cushioned by love. I’m so grateful for my friends, loved ones, family, fans…you get me and help me learn and let me play. Here’s to new challenges and dreams and to passing it on.”

Groban released his ninth and latest studio album Harmony last November. On the acting side, Groban’s most recent main role is Tony Caruso Jr. on Netflix’s murder-mystery dramedy The Good Cop.

Nicole Richie

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Credit: Nicole Richie / Instagram

Nicole Richie is one of the celebrities turning 40 this year. The fashion designer and actress will celebrate her 40th birthday on September 21st. Richie has two children with musician Joel Madden, whom she has been married with since 2010.

In 2020, Richie created, executive produced, and starred in the Quibi series Nikki Fre$h, which chronicles the career of her rapper alter ego of the same name. That same year, Richie released the comedy rap album Unearthed under the moniker Nikki Fre$h, and also appeared as a judge in the reality competition series Making the Cut on Amazon Prime Video.

Josh Gad

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Credit: Josh Gad / Instagram

Josh Gad, who is best known for voicing Olaf in the Frozen franchise and playing Elder Arnold Cunningham in the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, celebrated his 40th birthday last February 23rd.

In an Instagram post marking his milestone birthday, Gad wrote that he “could not have asked for a better decade” than his 30s. “I turned 30 on the eve of opening #BookOfMormon and never looked back, with 2 girls, a life of beautiful opportunity, endless dreams and the honor of getting to take this journey with all of you,” added Gad. “As I take my final sleep before 40, I thank you all for the honor of allowing me into your Broadway theaters, your cinemas and your homes for the past decade.”

Gad, who has been married to Ida Darvish since 2008, currently stars as Herman Judd in the HBO sci-fi comedy series Avenue 5. He also voices the character of Birdie in the Apple TV animated series Central Park, which will return for its second season on June 25th. Gad is also set to star in Peacock’s upcoming rom-com series Wolf Like Me and in the sci-fi comedy movie Shrunk, directed by Joe Johnston.

Kelly Rowland

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Credit: Kelly Rowland / Instagram

Kelly Rowland, who rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s, turned 40 last February 11th. The mom of two, who has been married to Tim Witherspoon since 2014, marked her milestone birthday with an Instagram TV video about how she celebrated her big day at home.

In the video, titled MY BIRTHDAY LIVE + BLACK MAGIC, Rowland thanked all the people who had sent their birthday love for her. She also showed off some of the gifts she received from friends, including flowers from her pal Lala Anthony. The Coffee singer also had an at-home dance party with a remote DJ before wrapping things up to go look for her son.

Rowland was last seen on TV as Faith Baines in Spectrum’s comedy-action series L.A. Finest.

Beyoncé

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Credit: Beyoncé / Instagram

One of the super-popular celebrities turning 40 this year is Beyoncé. Queen B, who has three children with her husband Jay-Z, will celebrate her milestone birthday on September 4th.

The Houston-born singer-actress, who achieved global fame as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s, hasn’t released a new album since her fifth live album Homecoming. She, however, starred in 2020’s Disney+ musical film Black Is King, which serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, which she curated herself for the movie The Lion King, released in the same year.

Tom Hiddleston

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Credit: Tom Hiddleston / Instagram

Marvel Cinematic Universe’s God of Mischief is now 40. Tom Hiddleston, who currently stars in the Disney+ series Loki, celebrated his birthday last February 9th.

Outside of the MCU, the British actor, who has a relatively private personal life, is currently filming the upcoming period drama The Essex Serpent, which is set to premiere on Apple TV.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

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Credit: Joseph Gordon-Levitt / Instagram

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is best known for his Golden Globe-nominated performances in 2009’s 500 Days of Summer and 2011’s 50/50, turned 40 last February 17th. Gordon-Levitt has two kids with his wife Tasha McCauley, whom he has been married to since 2014.

Gordon-Levitt last starred in the legal drama film The Trial of the Chicago 7 and in the superhero movie Project Power, which both premiered on Netflix in 2020. He will be seen next in the upcoming Disney film Pinocchio and in the comedy-drama series Mr. Corman, which is slated to debut on Apple TV+ on August 6th.

Natalie Portman

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Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman celebrated her 40th birthday last June 9th. Married to dancer husband Benjamin Millepied with two children, the Israeli-born American star gained international recognition for starring as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars franchise.

Portman, who last starred in the 2019 sci-fi thriller Lucy in the Sky, will reprise her role as Jane Foster in Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder, which is set to open in U.S. theaters on May 6th, 2022. She’s also set to appear in the movies The Days of Abandonment, May December, and Foxy Trotter, which are all in pre-production stage.

Justin Timberlake

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Credit: Justin Timberlake / Instagram

Singer-actor Justin Timberlake celebrated his 40th birthday last January 31st, and his wife Jessica Biel made sure to honor him on his special day. “There’s no one I have more fun with, have more laughs with, feel more deeply for and have more history with. I honor you today, baby. And wish you the most creative and fulfilling year to date. Happy 40th, my love,” Biel wrote on Instagram, along with adorable pictures of the couple, who have been married since 2012.

Timberlake, who rose to prominence as one of the lead vocalists of the boy band NSYNC, last starred in the drama film Palmer, which was released on Apple TV+ last January. He will be next seen in the yet-to-be-titled Apple TV+ series based on Chuck Barris’ 1984 memoir Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

Chris Evans

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Credit: Chris Evans / Instagram

MCU’s original Captain America turned 40 last June 13th. Chris Evans first gained attention for his portrayal of Human Torch in 2005’s Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He then became one of the world’s highest-paid actors after playing the role of Steven Rogers, aka Captain America, in a total of seven Marvel movies.

Evans was last seen in the crime drama miniseries Defending Jacob, which premiered on Apple TV+ in April 2020. His upcoming projects include the Toy Story spinoff Lightyear and the action thriller film The Gray Man.

Kunal Nayvar

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Credit: Kunal Nayvar / Instagram

Kunal Nayvar, best known for portraying Raj Koothrappali in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, celebrated his 40th birthday last April 30th. The British actor, who has been married with model-actress Neha Kapur since 2011, was listed by Forbes as the world’s third-highest-paid TV actor in 2015 and 2018, with earnings of $20 million and $23.5 million, respectively.

After The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, Nayvar went on to star in the movies Sweetness in the Belly, Trolls World Tour, and Think Like a Dog. He will be next seen on Apple TV+’s drama-thriller series Suspicion, which is based on the Israeli thriller TV series False Flag.

Britney Spears

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Credit: Britney Spears / Instagram

Britney Spears is also one of the biggest music celebrities turning 40 this year. Set to reach the big 4-0 on December 2nd, the pop icon has two children with her ex-husband Kevin Federline. The Mississippi-born performer is currently in a relationship with Sam Asghari.

Spears most recently made headlines after the documentary film Framing Britney Spears premiered on FX last February. A month after, Spears took to Instagram, writing, “I didn’t watch the documentary but from what I did see of it I was embarrassed by the light they put me in … I cried for two weeks and well …. I still cry sometimes !!!! I do what I can in my own spirituality with myself to try and keep my own joy … love … and happiness !!!!”

Last April, the court agreed to allow Spears to personally address the court regarding her conservatorship for the first time since 2008. The judge set the date for Spears to speak to the court for June 23rd.

Alicia Keys

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Credit: Alicia Keys / Instagram

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys celebrated her 40th birthday last January 25th in Mexico, surrounded by her family, including her husband of 10 years, Swizz Beatz. Her family treated Keys like a queen on her 40th and organized an amazing beach party with fireworks.

Keys, who has two kids with Swizz Beatz, released its seventh and latest studio Album, Alicia, last September to generally positive reviews.