List of Famous Actresses - Biographies, Timelines, Trivia & Life History (2024)

Birthdate: November 22, 1984

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, United States

The popular, award winning gorgeous artist, Scarlett Johansson is the highest paid actress in the world. With an interest in acting, Scarlett Johansson debuted in films at the young age of eight and went on to act in numerous films including Lost in Translation, The Avengers, Hitchco*ck and Marriage Story. She has also worked in television and released an album.

Birthdate: February 11, 1969

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

An American actress, film producer, and businesswoman, Jennifer Aniston began her acting career pretty early but gained stardom with her portrayal of Rachel Green in the popular television sitcom Friends. Her film career demonstrated her wide range and impressed both critics and audience. The star ofThe Good Girl and Bruce Almighty also went ahead to launch her own perfume.

Birthdate: June 4, 1975

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

A fashion icon, acclaimed actress, influential humanitarian and Special Envoy for the UNHCR, Angelina Jolie is a highly noted celebrity in Hollywood. She has been hailed for her philanthropic efforts around the globe and praised for her power packed performances. Mother of six, of whom three are adopted, Angelina Jolie is a role model for the women of this generation.

Birthdate: June 1, 1926

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Died: August 4, 1962

A legendary American actress, model, comedienne and singer, Marilyn Monroe emerged as a major sex symbol in Hollywood in the 1950s and early 1960s. Amongst the most successful actresses of her time, she also won critical acclaim for her acting in movies like Some Like It Hot. Her personal and professional life, though from the beginning, were marked by hardships, struggles and controversies.

Birthdate: April 15, 1990

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Paris, France

English actress, model, and activist, Emma Watson first gained prominence as a child artiste in the Harry Potterfilm series. The daughter of lawyers, she was determined to go to college despite her busy acting career and graduated from Brown University. A staunch feminist, she is actively involved with organizations that work for the betterment of women.

Birthdate: August 15, 1990

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Indian Hills, Kentucky, United States

One of the extremely talented and successful actresses of Hollywood, Jennifer Lawrence is known for her performances in movies like Silver Linings Playbook, Hunger Games and Joy. The acclaimed actress, who supports numerous charitable causes, made her debut as a teenage actor in television and soon gained recognition with series,The Bill Engvall Show, and the movie,The Poker House.

Birthdate: January 17, 1922

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Oak Park, Illinois, United States

Died: December 31, 2021

Betty White, American actress and comedian, is considered as the pioneer of television and has had the longest television career of any entertainer, straddling more than 80 years. She’s known for her award-winning performances in shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girlsand Hot in Cleveland.

Birthdate: June 9, 1981

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Jerusalem, Israel

Debuting at the age of thirteen, Israeli American actress Natalie Portman is today one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood. Her movie list is impressive with successful projects like Black Swan,Jackie, Star Wars, Closer and Thor.While pursuing her passion for acting, the Academy award winning actress also ensured to complete her studies and graduated from Harvard University.

Birthdate: July 26, 1964

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Arlington County, Virginia, United States

One of the highest-paid actresses in the world, actress Sandra Bullock is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award. After making her debut in the late 1980s, she became extremely popular in the 1990s with her roles in dramatic movies. She is also the founder of the production companyFortis Films.

Birthdate: November 6, 1988

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

One of the most successful and popular actresses of her generation, Emma Stone is known for movies like La La Land, The Amazing Spider-Man, Birdman and Battle of the Sexes. The award winning actress began as a child actor on stage and did numerous minor and supporting roles in television and films before making it big as a lead actress.

Birthdate: October 28, 1967

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Smyrna, Georgia, United States

Julia Roberts is one of the most popular Hollywood actresses. She came to limelight in the 1990, when she played the female lead in the movie, Pretty Woman. In 2000, she won the Academy Award for best actress for her role in Erin Brockovichin 2000. She has been named the most beautiful woman in the world, a record five times, by the People magazine.

Birthdate: May 4, 1929

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Ixelles, Belgium

Died: January 20, 1993

British actress Audrey Hepburn is counted among the greatest female screen legends in Golden Age Hollywood. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, she became one of the few people to win Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards. She devoted much of her time in her later life to UNICEF and was actively involved in humanitarian work.

Birthdate: August 7, 1975

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Benoni, South Africa

Charlize Theron is aformer model and was an aspiring ballerina whosecareer came to a halt after a knee injury. However, an unexpected encounter brought her in the world of acting and she went on achieve tremendous success including winning an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.She is currentlyone of the world's highest-paid actresses.

Birthdate: November 12, 1982

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

One of the highest-paid actresses in the world in the 2010s, Anne Hathaway is the recipient of many awards, including an Academy Award. She began acting as a teenager in the early 2000s and often portrayed princesses in her initial films. She started taking up versatile roles as her career progressed. She campaigns for gender equality and supports LGBTQA+ rights.

Birthdate: October 5, 1975

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Reading, England

Actress Kate Winslet’s most enduring character remains that of the protagonist in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic, which made her an international star. She’s also known for doing period roles in films like Sense and Sensibility, Jude and Hamlet. Some of her other notable films are Iris, Little Children, Steve Jobs and The Reader. She won an Oscar for her performance in The Reader.

Birthdate: March 22, 1976

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Acclaimed actress, Reese Witherspoon, shot to fame with her film Legally Blonde and continued her successful journey working in films and television shows like Walk the Line, Wild andBig Little Lies. In process, she became one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood and also one of the world’s highest paid actresses. Witherspoon has her own production company too.

Birthdate: June 20, 1967

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Australian actress and producer Nicole Kidman is one of the world's highest-paid actresses. She is the founder of the production company Blossom Films. She was twice named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Timemagazine. Besides acting, she has been a Goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 1994.

Birthdate: June 10, 1922

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Grand Rapids, Minnesota, United States

Died: June 22, 1969

American actress and singer, Judy Garland, was one of the most iconic artists of Hollywood's Golden Era. In a career that spanned forty five years, her exceptional talent shone brightly, especially in movies like The Wizard of Ozand A Star Is Born. The personal life of the superstar though, was full of struggles including drugs, alcohols and unsuccessful marriages.

Birthdate: October 21, 1956

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Burbank, California, United States

Died: December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher was an American actressbest known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. Some of her other films notable film wereShampoo, Soapdish, The Blues Brothers, When Harry Met Sally and The Women. She had issues with bipolar disorder and drug addiction and spoke publicly about it. She died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while on a transatlantic flight.

Birthdate: December 11, 1996

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Actress, singer, and songwriter Hailee Steinfeld first gained fame as Mattie Ross in the drama western film True Grit. Some of her family members are in the entertainment field and they introduced her to acting when she was a child. She also has a keen interest in music and has released two extended plays and 17 singles.

Birthdate: April 17, 1972

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States

Active in the entertainment industry since the mid-1990s, actress Jennifer Garner gained international fame her supporting role in Pearl Harbor. The daughter of conservative middle-class parents, she was determined to achieve big things and decided to become an actress. Besides acting, she is also an entrepreneur and is the co-founder of a baby food company.

Birthdate: August 30, 1972

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States

A former actress best known for her appearances in comedy films, Cameron Diaz is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a New York Film Critics Award. She began modeling as a teenager and was soon flooded with acting offers. Over the years, she became a successful actress and has since retired from acting. She is known for her environmental activism.

Birthdate: May 26, 1966

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Islington, London, England

Helena Bonham Carter is an English actress who is known for her performancesin independent films and huge blockbusters. Some of her notable films areThe Wings of the Dove, The King's Speech, Hamlet, Howards End, Fight Club, Les Misérables . She was also part of the Harry Potter series. She was bestowed with the Commander of the Order of the British Empirein 2012.

Birthdate: June 22, 1949

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: SummitSummit, New Jersey, United States

Often described as the "best actress of her generation," Meryl Streep is acclaimed for her versatility. After debuting in the 1970s, she built a solid reputation by portraying challenging roles in dramatic films. In a career spanning over half a century, she has received numerous awards, including three Academy Awards and eight Golden Globe Awards.

Birthdate: August 20, 1974

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Vicenza, Italy

An aspiring dancer, Amy Adams began working for theatre companies and eventually decided to pursue acting. She hit it big with movies, such asCatch Me If You Can, Junebug and Enchanted. She enriched her acting profile further with American Hustle and Big Eyes, both of which earned her the Golden Globe Awards. Her other notable films are Doubt and Julie & Julia.

Birthdate: November 22, 1958

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States

After making her film debut in the horror film,Halloween, James Lee Curtis went on to establish herself as a scream queen, appearing in a number of horror films. Curtis is also an author, having released several children's books, including books that have made The New York Times' best-seller list. She is also a well-known philanthropist.

Birthdate: February 22, 1975

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Culver City, California, United States

Actress, producer, and director Drew Barrymore is daughter of prominent actor, John Drew Barrymore,and was introduced to show business as a baby. In the wake of her early stardom, she went through a difficult phase as a teenager andstruggledwith drug abuse. She was eventually able to resurrect her career and proceeded to act in many popular films.

Birthdate: March 7, 1970

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: London, England

One of the most popular and decorated British-American actresses, Rachel Weisz is the recipient of many awards, such as the Academy Award. One of the most beautiful actresses, she has been featured on several magazine covers. In 2010, Rachel Weisz was named the global ambassador for L'Oréal. She has also served as fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez's muse.

Birthdate: October 1, 1935

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Walton-on-Thames, England

A distinguished films, television and Broadway actress, Julie Andrews is best known for her performances in films like Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Victor/Victoria. She has also done voiceovers for animation movie like Despicable Me and Enchanted. The legendary actress has also released multiple albums and authored numerous children’s books as well as her autobiography.

Birthdate: February 27, 1932

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Hampstead, London, England

Died: March 23, 2011

Considered an incandescent beauty, Elizabeth Taylor was a very popular and successful actor and her legacy is an everlasting one. She shone in movies like A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cleopatra, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Butterfield 8 in the 1950s and 60s. Recipient of two Oscars, she married eight times.

Birthdate: March 24, 1977

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Sacramento, California, United States

Known for playing emotionally grueling roles, Jessica Chastain often chooses to act in films with feminist themes. A feminist who voices her opinion on gender and racial equality, Jessica started the Time's Up initiative with 300 women in Hollywood. She also supports charities that promote mental health and was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people list in 2012.

Birthdate: September 25, 1969

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Swansea, Wales

Catherine Zeta-Jones is one of the most popular and successful actresses from Wales. Starting out as a child actress, Catherine went on to cement her place in the American film industry with roles that accentuated her sex appeal. She is the recipient of several awards. Also a well-known humanitarian, she was appointed CBE for her humanitarian and film endeavors.

Birthdate: December 4, 1964

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

American actress, Marisa Tomei, gained fame when she starred in the 1992 film My Cousin Vinny. She received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the film. She was also appreciated for in the moviesIn the Bedroom and The Wrestler. What Women Want, Anger Management, The Ides of March, Cyrus, The Big Short and Avengers: Endgame are some of her other notable films.

Birthdate: August 14, 1966

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Halle Berry is one of the most popular actresses of the current generation. During the 2000s, she was one of the highest-paid Hollywood actresses. Halle is also known for her activism for which she was honored with the 2006 Woman of The Year award by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. She also gets featured in several Sexiest Women lists.

Birthdate: November 21, 1945

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States

Goldie Hawn is one of the most prolific actresses of Hollywood with a career spanning decades.Death Becomes Her,Private Benjamin,Overboard,The First Wives Club,The Banger SistersandThe Sugarland Expressare some of her notable films. She won an Oscar for the 1969 filmCactus Flower. She has been in a long relationship with actor Kurt Russel.

Birthdate: April 29, 1958

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Santa Ana, California, United States

Michelle Pfeiffer is one of those rare Hollywood actresses who delivers Oscar-worthy performances every time she faces a camera. In her nearly half-a-century long career, there’s hardly a genre Pfeiffer hasn’t explored and conquered. Showering us with charm and unmatched talent in comedies, dramas, romance, and thrillers, this Golden Globe winner is one of the best actresses of this era.

Birthdate: August 6, 1911

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Jamestown, New York, United States

Died: April 26, 1989

One of the most popular actresses of the 1950s and 1960s, Lucille Ball created the sitcom,I Love Lucy, in 1951. In 1962, she started managing the Desilu Productions, becoming the first woman to run a major TV studio. The recipient of two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Lucille Ball was inducted intothe Television Hall of Fame in 1984.

Birthdate: November 12, 1929

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Died: September 14, 1982

Aptly named by her parents, Grace Kelly was one of the most graceful and talented actresses of her era, starring in 11 feature films and over 60 TV productions. A darling of Alfred Hitchco*ck movies, this Oscar winning actress left her successful Hollywood career after her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and thus became the Princess of Monaco.

Birthdate: September 27, 1972

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Gwyneth Paltrow is an American actress who has worked in several notable films, such as Emma, Seven and The Talented Mr Ripley. She won the Oscars for her role in the film Shakespeare in Love. She’s also worked on several television shows. She hasbeen criticised for promoting unproven treatments based on pseudoscience via her lifestyle company Goop and has had to face lawsuits over it.

Birthdate: December 28, 1934

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Ilford, Essex, England

Veteran English actress, Maggie Smith, has an extensive career spanning almost seven decades. One of Britain's most recognizable actresses, she has appeared in more than 60 films and over 70 plays. Making her debut as a stage actress in the 1950s, she quickly moved on to TV and cinema. She has been honored with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Legacy Award.

Birthdate: April 28, 1974

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Alcobendas, Spain

Penelope Cruz is a Spanish model and actress who has had major success in the American entertainment industry. Also known for her work as a philanthropist, Cruz has been touching the lives of many for the past several years. Apart from donating money to charity, Cruz has also volunteered in India and Uganda. She has also advocated forPETA's anti-fur campaign.

Birthdate: November 19, 1962

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Jodie Foster is considered to be one of the best actors of her time. She attained fame as a child actor in the acclaimed film Taxi Driver. Some of her memorable roles as an adult are The Accused, The Silence of the Lambs and Sommersby. She’s a director too. Foster has been in the news for her sexual orientation.

Birthdate: July 26, 1945

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

Helen Mirren is one of the most respected and decorated actresses from England. She has won several prestigious awards, including the Triple Crown of Acting. Before achieving greatness, Mirren fought drug addiction during her 20s. She has also said that she is a naturist at heart and was named by British Naturism as Naturist of the Year in 2004.

Birthdate: April 1, 1932

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: El Paso, Texas, United States

Died: December 28, 2016

Debbie Reynolds was a famous American actress and singer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. Also a well-known humanitarian, Debbie served as president of a charitable organization called The Thalians. Debbie was also a businesswoman; the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, which she founded in 1979, still operates today. She also owned a hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Birthdate: November 11, 1962

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Roswell, New Mexico, United States

Demi Moore is considered one of the most beautiful, successful and the highest paid actresses of her time. The 1990 film Ghost is her most successful movie till date. A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal and Disclosure are some of her other notable and successful films. However, her career nosedived in the later 1990s. Later, she started appearing in supporting roles.

Birthdate: May 12, 1907

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Died: June 29, 2003

Katharine Hepburn served as the leading American actress for over six decades. She is regarded as an influential cultural figure and was included in the popular book Women Who Changed The World. Katharine Hepburn is also named in lists like 300 Women Who Changed the World, 100 Icons of the Century, and 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time.

Birthdate: November 6, 1946

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Pasadena, California, United States

An acclaimed American actress, Sally Field has won prestigious awards, such as Academy Awards and Emmy Awards. Apart from being a popular actress, Sally Field has also played an important role as an activist, advocating for gay rights and women's rights. She has been part of the board of directors of an international women's NGO called Vital Voices Global Partnership.

Birthdate: October 16, 1925

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: London, England

Died: October 11, 2022

Angela Lansbury played a key role in shaping the Golden Age of Hollywood. Recognized as one of the few stars still alive from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, Angela Lansbury has received accolades, such as an Honorary Oscar. In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Birthdate: October 8, 1949

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, United States

Sigourney Weaver is an American actress. Widely considered one of the most important female protagonists in the history of cinema, Sigourney is also regarded as a pioneer of action heroines in sci-fi films, thanks to her role in the Alien franchise. In 2003, she was ranked 20th in Channel 4's list of 100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time.

Birthdate: August 11, 1965

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Saint Matthews, South Carolina, United States

A popular television, film, and stage actress, Viola Davis became the first African-American actress to be honored withTriple Crown of Acting. She is also known for supporting equal rights for women. In 2012 and 2017, she was named in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world.