Actresses You Won’t Believe Are Turning 40 Next Year

Time moves incredibly fast in the world of entertainment and it often feels like just yesterday these stars were making their debut. The year 1986 produced an extraordinary cohort of talent that has shaped the landscape of modern film and television. These women have evolved from teen idols and breakout stars into industry powerhouses with decades of experience under their belts. As we look toward 2026 it is surprising to realize how many familiar faces are preparing to enter a new decade of life. Here is a look at the accomplished actresses who will celebrate their fortieth birthday next year.

Lady Gaga

Born Stefani Germanotta she conquered the global music industry before making a massive splash in Hollywood. She delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘A Star Is Born’ alongside Bradley Cooper that captivated audiences worldwide. Her portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani in ‘House of Gucci’ further solidified her status as a serious dramatic actress. She continues to take on challenging roles including the complex character of Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. Her versatility across multiple entertainment mediums makes her one of the most influential figures of her generation.

Emilia Clarke

This British actress became a household name for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the global phenomenon ‘Game of Thrones’. She received multiple Emmy nominations for her portrayal of the Dragon Queen throughout the acclaimed series run. Clarke expanded her filmography with romantic dramas like ‘Me Before You’ and blockbuster franchises like ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. She has since taken to the stage in London and continues to work in independent cinema. Her charitable work following her own health scares has also defined her inspiring public image.

Lindsay Lohan

She defined a specific era of pop culture with starring roles in hits like ‘The Parent Trap’ and ‘Freaky Friday’. Her performance in ‘Mean Girls’ remains iconic and is frequently quoted by fans over twenty years later. After taking a break from the spotlight she has recently returned to romantic comedies with Netflix productions. Lohan has transitioned from a child star into a producer and continues to secure new projects. Her longevity in the business proves her enduring appeal to audiences who grew up watching her.

Megan Fox

Fox rose to international fame starring in the blockbuster action film ‘Transformers’ and its sequel. She became a pop culture fixture for her role in the cult classic horror comedy ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Her career has spanned various genres including the superhero film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. She recently gained praise for her performance in the thriller ‘Till Death’ which showcased her range. Fox remains a prominent figure in Hollywood and continues to pursue diverse acting opportunities.

Amber Heard

She gained early recognition for roles in films like ‘Never Back Down’ and ‘Pineapple Express’. Heard entered the superhero genre with her portrayal of Mera in the massive hit ‘Aquaman’. Her career includes a mix of independent dramas and large franchise productions within the DC universe. She has also appeared in thrillers such as ‘The Ward’ and ‘Paranoia’ during her steady rise in the industry. Her work in ‘The Danish Girl’ demonstrated her ability to handle dramatic supporting roles.

Alexandra Daddario

Audiences first noticed her striking eyes in ‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief’. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the first season of the HBO anthology series ‘The White Lotus’. Her filmography includes major disaster movies like ‘San Andreas’ where she starred opposite Dwayne Johnson. Daddario has also led the cast of the supernatural series ‘Mayfair Witches’ on AMC. She consistently moves between television and film projects with impressive ease.

Kat Dennings

Dennings is best known for her sharp wit and comedic timing in the hit sitcom ‘2 Broke Girls’. She originally captured attention as a child actress in ‘Sex and the City’ and the film ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. Marvel fans recognize her as Darcy Lewis in the ‘Thor’ franchise and the series ‘WandaVision’. She also leads the cast of the comedy series ‘Dollface’ on Hulu. Her distinct voice and dry humor have made her a standout performer in every project she joins.

Mary-Kate Olsen

She began her career at nine months old sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on ‘Full House’. Along with her sister she built a massive media empire of direct-to-video movies that defined the childhood of many millennials. Her acting credits include ‘New York Minute’ and a recurring role on ‘Weeds’. She eventually stepped away from acting to focus entirely on the fashion industry. She is now a highly respected fashion designer co-heading the luxury brand The Row.

Ashley Olsen

Like her twin sister she spent her entire childhood in front of the camera starting with ‘Full House’. She starred in dozens of videos and films that turned the duo into international superstars before they turned eighteen. Her final major acting role was in the teen comedy ‘New York Minute’ in 2004. She retired from acting to pursue a serious career in high fashion and business. Her transition from child star to award-winning designer has been incredibly successful.

Leighton Meester

Meester immortalized the character of Blair Waldorf in the teen drama sensation ‘Gossip Girl’. Her portrayal of the Upper East Side queen bee earned her a loyal fanbase and critical praise. She has since showcased her range in Broadway productions like ‘Of Mice and Men’ alongside James Franco. Her film work includes roles in ‘The Roommate’ and the comedy ‘That’s My Boy’. She continues to work in television with lead roles in sitcoms like ‘Single Parents’.

Dianna Agron

She rose to fame as Quinn Fabray in the musical comedy-drama series ‘Glee’. Agron utilized her singing and dancing talents throughout the show while handling complex emotional storylines. She branched out into film with roles in ‘I Am Number Four’ and ‘The Family’. Recently she has focused on independent films like ‘Shiva Baby’ and ‘As They Made Us’. She also directs and produces projects in addition to her acting work.

Brittany Snow

Snow has been working steadily since her days on the soap opera ‘Guiding Light’ as a teenager. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the musical comedy franchise ‘Pitch Perfect’. Her performance in ‘Hairspray’ showcased her strong vocal abilities and comedic timing. She recently garnered critical acclaim for her starring role in the horror film ‘X’. Snow has also stepped behind the camera to direct her first feature film.

Camilla Belle

She started as a child actress in high-profile films like ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ and ‘A Little Princess’. Belle transitioned to adult roles with the lead performance in ‘10,000 BC’ and the thriller ‘When a Stranger Calls’. Her career includes a variety of independent dramas and international productions. She remains active in the industry and is known for her philanthropic efforts. Her extensive resume covers over three decades of work in Hollywood.

Emmy Rossum

Rossum displayed her immense vocal talent in the film adaptation of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. She is perhaps best known for her long-running role as Fiona Gallagher in the hit series ‘Shameless’. Her portrayal of the gritty and resilient matriarch earned her critical acclaim for nearly a decade. She recently transformed physically for the lead role in the limited series ‘Angelyne’. Rossum continues to take on challenging projects that push her boundaries as a performer.

Jenna Coleman

This British actress gained international fame as Clara Oswald in the long-running sci-fi series ‘Doctor Who’. She went on to portray Queen Victoria in the historical drama ‘Victoria’ for three seasons. Coleman recently starred in the popular crime series ‘The Serpent’ and ‘The Sandman’. Her career began on the soap opera ‘Emmerdale’ where she honed her acting skills. She remains one of the most sought-after television actresses in the UK.

Oona Chaplin

Chaplin comes from a legendary acting dynasty but has carved out her own path in the industry. She is widely recognized for her tragic role as Talisa Maegyr in ‘Game of Thrones’. Her credits include the historical drama ‘Taboo’ and the science fiction anthology ‘Black Mirror’. She secured a significant role in the upcoming ‘Avatar’ sequels directed by James Cameron. Her diverse background allows her to perform in multiple languages and genres.

Ruby Rose

She burst onto the international scene with a breakout role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Rose transitioned into action films with appearances in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. She briefly held the title role in the CW series ‘Batwoman’ before leaving the show. Her career began as a presenter on MTV Australia before she moved into acting. She continues to be a prominent figure in action cinema and modeling.

Teresa Palmer

The Australian actress has built a solid career with lead roles in films like ‘Warm Bodies’ and ‘Lights Out’. She starred in the Oscar-winning war film ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ directed by Mel Gibson. Palmer recently led the cast of the fantasy series ‘A Discovery of Witches’ which ran for three seasons. She balances her acting career with her work in the wellness industry. Her filmography spans horror, romance, and drama genres.

Jameela Jamil

Jamil made a stunning transition from radio host to actress with her role in ‘The Good Place’. Her portrayal of Tahani Al-Jamil showcased her natural comedic timing and earned her instant recognition. She has since joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain Titania in ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. Jamil is also a vocal activist and uses her platform to discuss social issues. Her rapid rise in Hollywood has been impressive to watch.

Mischa Barton

Barton became a teen idol for her role as Marissa Cooper in the cultural phenomenon ‘The O.C.’. Her character was central to the success of the show during its early seasons. She had previously appeared as a child actress in ‘The Sixth Sense’ and ‘Notting Hill’. Barton continues to work in independent films and has appeared on reality television. Her influence on early 2000s fashion and television remains significant.

Tika Sumpter

Sumpter has enjoyed a diverse career starting with the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. She gained wider fame for her role in the comedy ‘Ride Along’ and its sequel. She stars as Maddie Wachowski in the live-action ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ film franchise. Her work includes the Tyler Perry drama ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ on the Oprah Winfrey Network. She also produced and starred in the biographical film ‘Southside with You’.

Holland Roden

Roden is best known for her role as Lydia Martin on the popular supernatural series ‘Teen Wolf’. She played the character for the entire run of the show and returned for the recent movie sequel. Her television credits include roles in ‘Channel Zero’ and the spin-off ‘Mayans M.C.’. She has built a dedicated fanbase through her work in the horror and fantasy genres. Roden continues to be a favorite at conventions and fan events.

Katie Cassidy

Cassidy was a staple of the Arrowverse playing Black Canary across multiple superhero shows. She starred in the hit series ‘Arrow’ for eight seasons and directed episodes later in the run. Her early career included roles in ‘Supernatural’ and the thriller ‘Taken’. She also appeared in the reboot of ‘Melrose Place’ and the slasher film ‘Black Christmas’. Cassidy remains a recognizable face in the world of genre television.

Caity Lotz

Lotz began her career as a dancer touring with Lady Gaga before transitioning to acting. She is famous for her role as Sara Lance and White Canary in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Her physical prowess and martial arts background allowed her to perform many of her own stunts. She appeared in ‘Mad Men’ early in her acting career as Stephanie Horton. Lotz has also directed several episodes of television within the DC universe.

Emily VanCamp

VanCamp has led several successful television series including the drama ‘Revenge’ and ‘Everwood’. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sharon Carter appearing in films like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. She reprised her Marvel role in the Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Her medical drama ‘The Resident’ saw her starring as a nurse practitioner for multiple seasons. She is known for her ability to anchor long-running television dramas.

Amber Riley

Riley dazzled audiences with her powerful voice as Mercedes Jones in the musical series ‘Glee’. She won an Olivier Award for her lead performance in the West End production of ‘Dreamgirls’. Her talents extended to reality television where she won ‘Dancing with the Stars’. She recently starred in the lifetime thriller ‘Single Black Female’. Riley continues to balance her acting career with her musical endeavors.

Amanda Bynes

She began her career as a child star on Nickelodeon with shows like ‘All That’ and ‘The Amanda Show’. Bynes transitioned to film with hits such as ‘She’s the Man’ and ‘Hairspray’ during the early 2000s. Her comedic timing and expressive acting style made her a favorite among teen audiences for years. Although she stepped away from acting to pursue other interests she remains a memorable figure in pop culture. Fans continue to celebrate her contributions to teen comedy and television history.

Gemma Arterton

This English actress broke out as a Bond girl in ‘Quantum of Solace’ shortly after graduating drama school. She starred in big-budget fantasy films like ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ and ‘Clash of the Titans’. Arterton has since focused on British independent cinema and theater productions. She received critical praise for her lead role in the drama ‘Their Finest’. Her career balances commercial blockbusters with smaller character-driven projects.

Betty Gilpin

Gilpin earned three Emmy nominations for her incredible performance in the wrestling comedy ‘GLOW’. She demonstrated her range in the satirical thriller ‘The Hunt’ where she played the lead action hero. Her television credits include ‘Nurse Jackie’ and the recent drama ‘Mrs. Davis’. She is known for her intense physical performances and unique comedic delivery. Gilpin has quickly become a critical darling in the television landscape.

Grace Gummer

The daughter of Meryl Streep has carved out her own successful career in television. She is well known for her role as an FBI agent in the acclaimed thriller series ‘Mr. Robot’. Gummer also appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ and the sci-fi drama ‘Extant’. She has worked steadily in theater and television for over a decade. Her understated acting style has made her a reliable performer in ensemble dramas.

Jurnee Smollett

Smollett has been acting since childhood appearing in ‘Full House’ and ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She received critical acclaim for her role in the HBO horror drama ‘Lovecraft Country’. Her performance as Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’ brought her into the superhero genre. She previously starred in the drama series ‘Underground’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’. Her career has been defined by strong performances in challenging dramatic roles.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Randolph recently won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Holdovers’. She gained initial fame for her scene-stealing performance in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. Her television work includes roles in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and ‘High Fidelity’. She began her career in theater and received a Tony nomination for ‘Ghost: The Musical’. Her rise to A-list status has been a highlight of recent award seasons.

Italia Ricci

Ricci is best known for her role as Emily Rhodes in the political drama ‘Designated Survivor’. She previously starred in the Freeform drama series ‘Chasing Life’ as a young journalist battling cancer. Her credits include the superhero series ‘Supergirl’ where she played the villain Silver Banshee. She recently headlined the Netflix sci-fi series ‘The Imperfects’. Ricci has maintained a consistent presence on television for over a decade.

Jessica Lucas

Lucas has appeared in several high-profile monster movies including ‘Cloverfield’ and the remake of ‘Evil Dead’. She starred in the Batman prequel series ‘Gotham’ as the villainous Tabitha Galavan. Her television credits include the reboot of ‘Melrose Place’ and the sitcom ‘Friends with Benefits’. She recently joined the cast of the medical drama ‘The Resident’. Lucas is a versatile actress who works frequently in genre television.

Monica Raymund

Raymund is widely recognized for her role as Gabriela Dawson in the hit drama ‘Chicago Fire’. She played the character for six seasons and returned for guest appearances. She later starred in the Starz crime drama ‘Hightown’ as a federal agent. Her early career included a regular role on the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. Raymund has also directed episodes for several television series including ‘Law & Order’.

Lea Michele

Michele became a global star playing Rachel Berry on the musical series ‘Glee’. She received multiple award nominations for her vocal performance and acting on the show. She successfully transitioned to Broadway starring as Fanny Brice in the revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Her television work includes the horror-comedy series ‘Scream Queens’. She continues to be recognized as one of the premier vocalists of her generation.

Pom Klementieff

This French actress gained worldwide fame as Mantis in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films. She has reprised the role in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe projects including ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. Klementieff showcased her action skills in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’. Her early career included work in French cinema before moving to Hollywood productions. She brings a unique physical comedy and emotional depth to her blockbusters.

Diane Guerrero

Guerrero is best known for her roles in two major streaming hits. She played Maritza Ramos in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and Crazy Jane in ‘Doom Patrol’. She also voiced the character Isabela Madrigal in the Disney animated hit ‘Encanto’. Guerrero is an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and has written a memoir about her experiences. Her acting career continues to thrive with diverse roles in animation and live action.

Jackie Cruz

Cruz rose to prominence playing Flaca Gonzales on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was a series regular for the majority of the show’s acclaimed run. She has since appeared in the crime drama ‘Good Girls’ and various independent films. Cruz is also a musician and releases her own music alongside her acting work. She remains a visible talent from the ensemble cast that defined streaming television.

Deepika Padukone

Padukone is one of the highest-paid actresses in India and a global fashion icon. She made her Hollywood debut in the action film ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ alongside Vin Diesel. Her Bollywood career includes massive hits like ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘Padmaavat’. She served on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival and continues to work internationally. Her influence extends beyond cinema into mental health advocacy and philanthropy.

Sonoya Mizuno

Mizuno began as a professional ballerina before transitioning to acting with ‘Ex Machina’. She starred in the mind-bending Netflix series ‘Maniac’ and the sci-fi show ‘Devs’. Recently she gained attention for her role as Mysaria in the HBO prequel ‘House of the Dragon’. Her background in dance often informs the physicality of her performances. She is a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Alex Garland.

Faye Marsay

Marsay is known to fantasy fans for her role as the Waif in ‘Game of Thrones’. She delivered a standout performance in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ as Vel Sartha. Her television credits include the ‘Black Mirror’ episode “Hated in the Nation”. She has also done extensive voice work for video games and audio dramas. Marsay is a respected character actress with a growing list of high-profile credits.

Laura Carmichael

Carmichael is best known worldwide as Lady Edith Crawley in the historical drama ‘Downton Abbey’. She played the complex middle sister for six seasons and in two feature films. She also starred in the psychological thriller series ‘The Secrets She Keeps’. Her stage work includes performances in the West End production of ‘The Maids’. Carmichael has successfully avoided typecasting by taking on dark and gritty roles post-Downton.

Antonia Thomas

Thomas broke out in the cult sci-fi series ‘Misfits’ playing Alisha Daniels. She gained further recognition as Dr. Claire Browne in the medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’. Her voice acting work includes the narrator role for the revival of ‘Teletubbies’. She stars in the romantic comedy series ‘Lovesick’ which has a devoted cult following. Thomas continues to work on both sides of the Atlantic in various television projects.

Erin Richards

Richards gained widespread recognition for her role as Barbara Kean in the television series ‘Gotham’. Her character arc from a supportive fiancée to a villainous mastermind showcased her significant range. She previously appeared in the supernatural series ‘Being Human’ and the film ‘The Quiet Ones’. The Welsh actress has also directed television episodes and continues to work in the industry. Her dynamic performance in the DC universe remains her most defining role to date.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented actresses in the comments.