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Anthony Hopkins - birthdate: December 31, 1937 -

One of Britain's most recognizable actors, Anthony Hopkins is known for his performances both on the screen and stage. With a career spanning over six decades, he became the oldest Best Actor Oscar winner for his role in 'The Father' (2020). 

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Judi Dench - birthdate: December 9, 1934 -

Regarded as one of Britain's best actresses, Dame Judi Dench is known for her versatile work in various films and television programs across many genres.

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Al Pacino - birthdate: April 25, 1940 -

One of the most legendary film stars of his generation, Pacino has won an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award. His first Oscar nomination came for his role as Michael Corleone in the 1972 film 'The Godfather,' a role he played in the whole trilogy. 

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Jane Fonda - birthdate: December 21, 1937 -

Known for her roles in the films 'Cat Ballou' (1965) and 'Barbarella' (1968), Jane Fonda's career continues today, including her starring role in the popular series 'Grace and Frankie.'

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Mel Brooks - birthdate: June 28, 1926 -

Mel Brooks' expansive career has spanned acting, comedy, directing, producing, and writing. Some of his most famous comedies include 'Blazing Saddles' (1974) and 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' (1993). 

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Morgan Freeman - birthdate: June 1, 1937 -

Remembered for his distinctive deep voice, Morgan Freeman is known for his various roles in a wide variety of film genres, such as 'Million Dollar Baby' (2004) and 'Invictus' (2009). 

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Julie Andrews - birthdate: October 1, 1935 -

Known for her iconic roles in 'Mary Poppins' (1964), 'The Sound of Music' (1965), and 'The Princess Diaries' (2001), Julie Andrews continues to do voice work in film and television. 

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Christopher Lloyd - birthdate: October 22, 1938 -

Christopher Lloyd made his film debut as Max Taber in 1975’s 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,' and he later reached stardom as the memorable Doc Brown in 'Back to the Future' (1985). 

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Ian McKellen - birthdate: May 25, 1939 -

Stage and screen actor Ian McKellen played Gandalf in 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' films. He also played Magneto in 'X-Men' (2000) and its sequels, which led to mainstream success.

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Maggie Smith - birthdate: December 28, 1934 -

Known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the 'Harry Potter' films, Dame Maggie Smith has acted in many popular films. One of her more recent projects was her role as Violet Crawley in the 2019 'Downton Abbey' film.

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Meryl Streep - birthdate: June 22, 1949 -

Often described as the best actress of her generation, Meryl Streep has gained numerous accolades throughout her career spanning over four decades, including a record 21 Academy Award nominations, with three wins. 

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Clint Eastwood - birthdate: May 31, 1930 -

Clint Eastwood rose to international fame with his role as the "Man with No Name" in Sergio Leone's 'Dollars Trilogy' during the '60s. He has since continued to find success both in front of and behind the camera. 

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Glenn Close - birthdate: March 19, 1947 -

The acclaimed actress got her start on Broadway before her first major film role, which was feminist icon Jenny Fields in 'The World According to Garp' (1982). 

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Donald Sutherland - birthdate: July 17, 1935 -

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland had his big break in 'The Dirty' (1967) and has since proven his versatility with both comedic and serious roles. 

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Helen Mirren - birthdate: July 26, 1945 -

Before becoming a major movie star, Dame Helen Mirren got her start in theater. One of her biggest film roles was her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the film 'The Queen' (2006), which granted her several awards. 

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Rita Moreno - birthdate: December 11, 1931 -

One of the few entertainers to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, Rita Moreno is part of the EGOT Winners’ Circle. Her most memorable role came when she played Anita in 'West Side Story,' which made her the first Oscar-winning Latina. 

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Robert De Niro - birthdate: August 17, 1943 -

Robert De Niro is particularly known for his nine collaborations with filmmaker Martin Scorsese, and also for his role as young Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather Part II' (1974).

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Sophia Loren - birthdate: September 20, 1934 -

International movie star Sophia Loren has received critical acclaim around the world. Her role in the 1960 Italian film, 'Two Women,' won her the first Best Actress Oscar for a non-English language performance. 

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Sissy Spacek - birthdate: December 25, 1949 -

Sissy Spacek got her start in television with 'Love, American Style' and 'The Waltons,' but her breakthrough role came with the 1976 horror film 'Carrie.' 

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Lily Tomlin - birthdate: September 1, 1939 -

Lily Tomlin got her start in stand-up. She continues to act and starred opposite Jane Fonda as Frankie Bergstein in the series 'Grace and Frankie.'

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Robert Redford - birthdate: August 18, 1936 -

With an impressive career filled with memorable roles and awards, Robert Redford continues to do voice work and work as an executive producer. 

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Vanessa Redgrave - birthdate: January 30, 1937 -

The British actress has acted in everything from the 1974 film 'Murder on the Orient Express' to the controversial television series 'Nip/Tuck.'

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Danny Glover - birthdate: July 22, 1946 -

Danny Glover’s breakthrough came with his 1982 Broadway debut in '‘Master Harold’... and the Boys,' which led to his first leading role in the Oscar-nominated film 'Places in the Heart' (1984). 

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Michael Caine - birthdate: March 14, 1933 -

With numerous memorable performances in films like 'Alfie' (1966) and 'The Cider House Rules' (1999), Michael Caine continues to act in films. 

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Ellen Burstyn - birthdate: December 7, 1932 -

Ellen Burstyn got her acting break in the 1971 Peter Bogdanovich film 'The Last Picture Show,' which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. 

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Shirley MacLaine - birthdate: April 24, 1934 -

First starting on Broadway, Shirley MacLaine got her silver screen debut in 1955 in Alfred Hitchcock’s 'The Trouble With Harry.' She has since received numerous accolades throughout her career. 

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Danny Trejo - birthdate: May 16, 1944 -

Danny Trejo was in and out of prison as a young man for a variety of crimes, including armed robbery. He eventually became a drug counselor, and got his introduction to acting while working on sets in the '80s. Trejo is known for his roles in Robert Rodriguez films such as 'Desperado' (1995) and 'Grindhouse' (2007). 

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James Earl Jones - birthdate: January 17, 1931 -

In addition to his acting, James Earl Jones is well known for providing the iconic voices of Darth Vader in 'Star Wars' and Mufasa in the animated and live-action versions of 'The Lion King.'

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Pam Grier - Birthdate: May 26, 1949 -

Pam Grier achieved fame for her starring roles in a string of 1970s action and blaxploitation films, like 'The Big Doll House' from 1971. She has most recently appeared on the TV shows 'This is Us' and 'Bless This Mess.'

Sources: (Grunge) (People) (News Times)

See also: Success stories who started out as interns 

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