Stars turning 40 in 2011
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| Stars Turning 40 in 2011 |
In 1971, Led Zeppelin released a huge hit (listen) and “Dirty Harry” was packing theaters; meanwhile, proud parents were welcoming babies like the one who would grow up to be a rapper with his own language, the one who would be the star of “Heathers” and other future famous folks. See which stars are turning 40 next year.
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| Stars Turning 40 in 2011 |
Taye Diggs
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| Taye Diggs |
Hitting 40 on Jan. 2, this easy-on-the-eyes actor found fame in the quintessential Gen X musical and in reclaiming Stella's groove. He stars on a “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off.
Mary J. Blige
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| Mary J. Blige |
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul turns 40 on Jan. 11. Hailed for her pipes on Grammy-nominated hits like “No More Drama,” (watch the video) she is also an urban-chic fashion icon
Kid Rock
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| Kid Rock |
Known for rock-rap tunes like “Cowboy,” this Detroit musician (real name: Robert Ritchie) hits 40 on Jan. 11. Remember his quickie marriage to a “Baywatch” babe?
Emmanuel Lewis
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| Emmanuel Lewis |
It’s hard to believe that Lewis, who played black son to a white couple in an ’80s sitcom, hits 40 on March 9. He prefers to keep private a controversial friendship.
Johnny Knoxville
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| Johnny Knoxville |
Is it time to grow up for Knoxville, who is best known for sophomoric stunts in a popular movie series? He turns 40 on March 11.
Sheryl Swoopes
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| Sheryl Swoopes |
The WNBA star is often compared to His Airness. Swoopes has won Olympic gold and MVP honors. She turns 40 on March 25.
Mariah Carey
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| Mariah Carey |
Currently expecting twins by her younger husband, what multi-octave singer hits the big 4-0 on March 27
Ewan McGregor
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| Ewan McGregor |
From indie flicks like “Trainspotting” to film phenomena like “Star Wars,” the Scottish actor who turns 40 on March 31 saw a death threat shut down his latest.
Mark Wahlberg
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| Mark Wahlberg |
His brother was a New Kid on the Block. But Mark was a Funky buncher (video evidence). Mark (see photos of the rapper turned screen star) is winning plaudits in “The Fighter.”He turns 40 on June 5.
Koko the gorilla
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| Koko the gorilla |
Turning 40 on July 4, this nonhuman San Francisco resident (see photos of the gorilla) starred in a documentary about her ability to communicate. She also took care of a little critter.
Sandra Oh
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| Sandra Oh |
This Korean-Canadian actress turns 40 on July 20. You know her as Dr. Yang on a popular TV medical drama She also played the good-time gal in the wine movie “Sideways.”
Jeff Gordon
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| Jeff Gordon |
On Aug. 4, one of NASCAR’s biggest stars celebrates four decades. He’s made headlines for his temper and being first in his class to pass a huge cash milestone.
Thalia
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| Thalia |
Famous in the United States as a singer Thalia is also famous in her native Mexico as an actress, hence her self-given nickname. She turns 40 on Aug. 26.
Amy Poehler
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| Amy Poehler |
No joke, this actress and former “SNL” star turns 40 on Sept. 16. Now starring as a public servant on a sitcom, she’s married to (and has kids with) this funnyman.
Lance Armstrong
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| Lance Armstrong |
Even if he weren’t the world’s most famous cyclist, who hits 40 on Sept. 18, he’d be known worldwide for his innovative cancer foundation.
Sacha Baron Cohen
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| Sacha Baron Cohen |
Cohen may be less famous than his high-concept characters. He turns 40 on Oct. 13.
Snoop Dogg
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| Snoop Dogg |
This former gangsta rapper has transitioned to family-friendly entertainer. Snoop turns 40 on Oct. 20.
Winona Ryder
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| Winona Ryder |
“I’m at that age I’ve been warned my whole life about,” says Ryder, who turns 40 on Oct. 29. But she’ll always be the teen heroine of a late-’80s mean-girl movie.
Michael Strahan
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| Michael Strahan |
With his charming gap-tooth smile this football legend turned sportscaster holds an NFL record. He hits the big 4-0 on Nov. 21.
Ricky Martin
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| Ricky Martin |
This recently-out-as-gay pop star and father of twins rose to fame as a boy-band star and rose to superstardom with hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” He’s 40 on Dec. 24.
