Hollywood Actors You Didn’t Know Were Aries

From March 21 to April 19, Aries season quietly covers a surprising number of Hollywood heavy-hitters—past and present. Below are male actors born under the sign, integrated into one list and ordered by birth date, with quick-hit details on birthplaces, standout roles across film and TV, and notable awards or milestones that mark their careers.

Charlie Chaplin

Born April 16, 1889, in London, England, Charlie Chaplin became a defining figure of silent cinema and early Hollywood. He created the Tramp persona and wrote, directed, produced, and scored many of his films. Landmark works include ‘City Lights’, ‘Modern Times’, and ‘The Gold Rush’. He received multiple honorary recognitions and competitive Academy Awards across his career.

Spencer Tracy

Spencer Tracy was born April 5, 1900, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and rose to leading-man prominence at MGM. He earned two Best Actor Oscars in a row for ‘Captains Courageous’ and ‘Boys Town’. Major credits include ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’, ‘Inherit the Wind’, and ‘Bad Day at Black Rock’. Tracy also sustained a celebrated screen partnership with Katharine Hepburn across several films.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando, born April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, is widely documented for pioneering screen naturalism. He won Best Actor Oscars for ‘On the Waterfront’ and ‘The Godfather’. Influential performances also include ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’. His career spanned theater, studio-era classics, and later auteur collaborations.

William Shatner

William Shatner, born March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Canada, is known worldwide for Captain Kirk in ‘Star Trek’. He later won Emmys for ‘The Practice’ and ‘Boston Legal’. Shatner has authored books, recorded spoken-word albums, and hosted documentary programming. In addition to acting, he has pursued philanthropic initiatives and live event appearances.

Anthony Perkins

Born April 4, 1932, in New York City, Anthony Perkins achieved lasting fame as Norman Bates in ‘Psycho’. Earlier, he earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Friendly Persuasion’. His credits span ‘Psycho II’ and ‘Psycho III’, along with stage and television work. Perkins also directed and recorded music during his career.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken was born March 31, 1943, in Queens, New York, and transitioned from child performer to character actor. He won the Academy Award for ‘The Deer Hunter’ and earned a nomination for ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Notable credits include ‘King of New York’, ‘The Dead Zone’, and ‘Hairspray’. Walken continues to work in film, television, and stage productions.

Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal, born April 10, 1952, in Lansing, Michigan, entered film after a career in martial arts instruction. He headlined action titles such as ‘Above the Law’, ‘Hard to Kill’, and ‘Under Siege’. Seagal also worked as a fight choreographer and producer. His projects extend into television and music recording.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan was born April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong and became a global action star through a blend of martial arts and stunt comedy. His Hollywood breakout included ‘Rumble in the Bronx’ and the ‘Rush Hour’ series. Chan has headlined dozens of Hong Kong hits, often performing his own stunts and choreographing fights. He received an Honorary Academy Award recognizing his lifetime contributions to cinema.

Brendan Gleeson

Born March 29, 1955, in Dublin, Ireland, Brendan Gleeson worked extensively in theater before film and TV. Major roles include ‘In Bruges’, ‘Calvary’, and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. He won an Emmy for portraying Winston Churchill in ‘Into the Storm’. Gleeson continues alternating between prestige dramas and large-scale franchises.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman was born March 21, 1958, in London, England, and trained at Rose Bruford College. His work ranges from ‘Sid and Nancy’ and ‘JFK’ to franchise turns in ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy and ‘Harry Potter’. He won Best Actor for ‘Darkest Hour’. Oldman has also directed and produced, with credits in independent and studio films.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin, born April 3, 1958, in Amityville, New York, has a portfolio spanning film, stage, and television. He earned multiple awards for ’30 Rock’ and recognition for films such as ‘The Departed’ and ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’. Baldwin has hosted live television and produced documentaries. He is also known for audiobook narration and stage appearances.

Matthew Modine

Matthew Modine was born March 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, California, and gained early attention with ‘Full Metal Jacket’. His credits include ‘Vision Quest’, ‘Birdy’, and television work such as ‘Stranger Things’. Modine has directed short films and features. He also participates in film-education initiatives and industry advocacy.

Sean Bean

Sean Bean, born April 17, 1959, in Sheffield, England, trained at RADA. His screen work includes ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘GoldenEye’, and series leads such as ‘Sharpe’. He won a BAFTA for ‘Broken’ and has starred across historical, fantasy, and thriller projects. Bean also performs voice roles in games and animated features.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy was born April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, and rose from ‘Saturday Night Live’ to box-office stardom. His filmography includes ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, ‘Coming to America’, and ‘The Nutty Professor’. He earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Dreamgirls’ and has multiple Golden Globe nominations. Murphy has also voiced Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ series and continued stand-up and producing work.

Robert Carlyle

Born April 14, 1961, in Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Carlyle made his name with ‘Trainspotting’ and ‘The Full Monty’. He later took on franchise and TV roles including ‘The World Is Not Enough’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’. Carlyle has directed and worked in independent cinema. His performances span gritty dramas, comedies, and fantasy series.

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick was born March 21, 1962, in New York City and is a two-time Tony Award winner for ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ and ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’. On screen he’s known for ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, ‘The Producers’, and voice work in ‘The Lion King’. His television appearances include ‘Modern Family’ and limited-series turns. Broderick balances stage revivals with film and guest TV roles.

Russell Crowe

Born April 7, 1964, in Wellington, New Zealand, Russell Crowe built an international career spanning Australia and Hollywood. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Gladiator’ and received nominations for ‘The Insider’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. His credits range from ‘Master and Commander’ to ‘Les Misérables’. Crowe has also directed and produced, adding music projects alongside acting.

Robert Downey Jr.

Born April 4, 1965, in New York City, Robert Downey Jr. launched his career in films directed by his father before breaking out in ‘Less Than Zero’ and ‘Chaplin’. He cemented a blockbuster run as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’ and the wider Marvel saga. His post-comeback accolades include Academy Award recognition for ‘Chaplin’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. He has also headlined the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ franchise and produced projects through Team Downey.

Jon Cryer

Jon Cryer, born April 16, 1965, in New York City, worked across theater and film before long-running television success. He starred in ‘Pretty in Pink’ and later led ‘Two and a Half Men’, winning multiple awards. Cryer’s credits include guest arcs in ‘Arrowverse’ productions and independent features. He has also worked as a producer and author.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd, born April 6, 1969, in Passaic, New Jersey, built a steady career across comedy and action. Early recognition came with ‘Clueless’ and later ensemble work like ‘Anchorman’. He leads Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man’ films and appears in ‘Avengers’ entries. Rudd has also produced and written, with stage and TV credits including ‘Friends’.

Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn was born March 28, 1970, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and broke out with ‘Swingers’. He headlined comedies such as ‘Wedding Crashers’ and ‘Dodgeball’, and took dramatic turns in ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ and ‘True Detective’. Vaughn has produced features and documentaries. His work includes voice roles and frequent collaborations in ensemble casts.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key, born March 22, 1971, in Southfield, Michigan, gained fame with ‘Key & Peele’. His film credits include ‘Keanu’, voice roles in ‘Toy Story 4’, and appearances in ‘The Predator’. Key has hosted live events and performed on Broadway in ‘The Prom’. He frequently produces and develops sketch and scripted projects.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor was born March 31, 1971, in Perth, Scotland, and trained at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He starred in ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Moulin Rouge!’, and portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi across ‘Star Wars’ films and the Disney+ series. McGregor won an Emmy for ‘Halston’. His career spans independent European cinema and major studio projects.

David Tennant

David Tennant, born April 18, 1971, in Bathgate, Scotland, trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He is known for ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Broadchurch’, and ‘Good Omens’. Tennant has extensive stage credits with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also works in voice acting, audiobooks, and documentary narration.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal was born April 2, 1975, in Santiago, Chile, and grew up in the United States. Television work propelled him with ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘The Mandalorian’, and ‘The Last of Us’. His film credits include ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ and ‘Wonder Woman 1984’. Pascal’s stage background includes regional and New York theater productions.

Zach Braff

Zach Braff, born April 6, 1975, in South Orange, New Jersey, is known for starring in ‘Scrubs’. He wrote and directed ‘Garden State’ and has directed television episodes and commercials. Braff’s film roles include ‘Wish I Was Here’ and appearances in ensemble comedies. He also works in podcasting and stage productions.

David Oyelowo

Born April 1, 1976, in Oxford, England, David Oyelowo trained with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He earned widespread recognition portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’. His credits span ‘Nightingale’, ‘A United Kingdom’, and television such as ‘Silo’. Oyelowo also produces through his company, supporting diverse stories across film and TV.

Sterling K. Brown

Born April 5, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, Sterling K. Brown trained at Stanford and NYU’s Tisch School. He won Emmys for ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ and ‘This Is Us’. Film appearances include ‘Black Panther’, ‘Waves’, and ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’. Brown also performs in theater and audiobooks, adding producing credits to his résumé.

Michael Fassbender

Born April 2, 1977, in Heidelberg, Germany, Michael Fassbender trained in London before breaking out in ‘Hunger’. He received Academy Award nominations for ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Steve Jobs’. His roles include Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ films and performances in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and ‘Shame’. Fassbender also races professionally, balancing motorsport with screen work.

James Franco

James Franco, born April 19, 1978, in Palo Alto, California, has credits across acting, directing, and writing. His films include ‘127 Hours’, ‘Pineapple Express’, and ‘The Disaster Artist’, for which he received multiple accolades. Franco has taught courses and exhibited art projects. He has also worked in television limited series and anthology formats.

Heath Ledger

Born April 4, 1979, in Perth, Australia, Heath Ledger worked across Australian TV before moving into American features. He received a posthumous Academy Award for ‘The Dark Knight’. Earlier recognition included an Oscar nomination for ‘Brokeback Mountain’. His filmography features ’10 Things I Hate About You’, ‘A Knight’s Tale’, and ‘The Patriot’.

Charlie Hunnam

Charlie Hunnam, born April 10, 1980, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, gained wide attention for ‘Sons of Anarchy’. His films include ‘Pacific Rim’, ‘The Lost City of Z’, and ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’. Hunnam has also written screenplays and developed series projects. He continues to split time between television ensembles and genre features.

Hayden Christensen

Born April 19, 1981, in Vancouver, Canada, Hayden Christensen earned early acclaim with ‘Life as a House’. He portrayed Anakin Skywalker across ‘Star Wars’ prequels and returned to the role in later Disney+ series. His filmography includes ‘Shattered Glass’, ‘Jumper’, and ‘Takers’. Christensen has alternated between studio features and smaller, character-driven projects.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen, born April 15, 1982, in Vancouver, Canada, began as a stand-up comedian before moving into writing and acting. He co-wrote and appeared in ‘Superbad’, ‘Pineapple Express’, and ‘This Is the End’. Rogen has produced TV like ‘Preacher’ and worked in animation with voice roles in ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and ‘Sausage Party’. He co-founded Point Grey Pictures, overseeing film and TV projects.

Ed Skrein

Ed Skrein was born March 29, 1983, in London, England, and began in music before acting. He starred in ‘Ill Manors’ and took on franchise roles in ‘Deadpool’ and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. Skrein also headlined ‘Midway’ and television series work. He has directed short projects and supports independent film initiatives.

Scott Eastwood

Scott Eastwood, born March 21, 1986, in Monterey County, California, appeared in films such as ‘The Longest Ride’ and ‘Fury’. He joined franchises with roles in ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘The Fate of the Furious’. Eastwood has produced features and participates in brand campaigns. His work spans drama, action, and romantic films.

Steven Strait

Steven Strait was born March 23, 1986, in New York City and gained wide recognition on television with ‘The Expanse’. Earlier credits include ‘Sky High’ and ‘10,000 BC’. He has modeled and recorded music in addition to acting. Strait continues to work in genre television and features.

Jesse Plemons

Born April 2, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, Jesse Plemons built a reputation through ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Breaking Bad’. His film work includes ‘The Power of the Dog’, ‘Game Night’, and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. Plemons has collaborated with acclaimed directors across drama and thriller projects. He balances film leads with limited-series and anthology roles.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu was born April 19, 1989, in Harbin, China, and immigrated to Canada as a child. He starred in the sitcom ‘Kim’s Convenience’ before leading Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Liu has published a memoir and performed stunt work. His credits include voice acting, hosting, and brand partnerships alongside film roles.

Asa Butterfield

Asa Butterfield was born April 1, 1997, in London, England, and began acting as a child. He led ‘Hugo’ and starred in ‘Ender’s Game’ before headlining the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. His film credits include ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ and ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’. Butterfield has also worked in indie films and gaming-related projects.

Share your favorite Aries actors—or the ones that surprised you most—in the comments!