Hollywood Actresses You Didn’t Know Were Leo

Born between July 23 and August 22, Leos often land in the spotlight—no surprise in an industry built on big stories and bigger personalities. If you’re curious which stars share that late-July to late-August birthday window, here are forty-five Hollywood actresses whose calendars line up with the lion’s season. Below you’ll find quick facts—birthdates and places, notable roles, and major awards—so you can connect each name to the films and shows you know.

Jennifer Lawrence

Born August 15, 1990, in Louisville, Kentucky, Jennifer Lawrence won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. She headlined ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise and earned additional Oscar nominations for ‘Winter’s Bone’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘Joy’. Lawrence has also appeared in the ‘X-Men’ series as Mystique. Her work spans dramas, franchise blockbusters, and offbeat indies.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock was born July 26, 1964, in Arlington, Virginia. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘The Blind Side’ and received another nomination for ‘Gravity’. Bullock’s filmography ranges from ‘Speed’ and ‘Miss Congeniality’ to ‘Bird Box’. She has produced several of her projects through her own company.

Charlize Theron

Born August 7, 1975, in Benoni, South Africa, Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Monster’. She has Oscar nominations for ‘North Country’ and ‘Bombshell’. Theron’s credits include ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘Atomic Blonde’, and ‘The Old Guard’. She also produces film and television through Denver and Delilah Productions.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry was born August 14, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio. She became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Monster’s Ball’. Berry’s career includes ‘Die Another Day’, the ‘X-Men’ films, and ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’. She has also directed and starred in the sports drama ‘Bruised’.

Mila Kunis

Born August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Mila Kunis broke out on television with ‘That ’70s Show’. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for ‘Black Swan’ and starred in comedies like ‘Friends with Benefits’ and ‘Bad Moms’. Kunis has voiced Meg Griffin on ‘Family Guy’ for many seasons. Her work spans television, prestige films, and mainstream comedies.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams was born August 20, 1974, in Vicenza, Italy. She is a six-time Academy Award nominee for performances in ‘Junebug’, ‘Doubt’, ‘The Fighter’, ‘The Master’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘Vice’. Adams led ‘Enchanted’ and ‘Arrival’ and starred in the limited series ‘Sharp Objects’. She has balanced musical fantasy, science fiction, and character-driven drama.

Anna Kendrick

Born August 9, 1985, in Portland, Maine, Anna Kendrick earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Up in the Air’. She starred in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ series and appeared in ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘A Simple Favor’. Kendrick began her career on Broadway in ‘High Society’. Her résumé includes film, television, stage, and audiobook narration.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren was born July 26, 1945, in London, England. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘The Queen’ and has multiple Emmy and BAFTA wins. Mirren led the landmark crime series ‘Prime Suspect’ and appears in franchises such as ‘Fast & Furious’. She has also received major honors for stage work on both sides of the Atlantic.

Kristen Wiig

Born August 22, 1973, in Canandaigua, New York, Kristen Wiig gained national attention on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She received an Academy Award nomination for co-writing ‘Bridesmaids’ and starred in the film as well. Wiig’s screen roles include ‘The Skeleton Twins’, ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, and ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’. Her career combines sketch comedy, feature films, and voice work.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson was born August 9, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. She is known worldwide for Dana Scully in ‘The X-Files’ and Stella Gibson in ‘The Fall’. Anderson won an Emmy for portraying Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Crown’. Her film and TV work also includes ‘Sex Education’ and numerous stage productions in London.

Viola Davis

Born August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, Viola Davis won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Fences’. She earned additional Oscar nominations for ‘Doubt’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Davis won an Emmy for ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and a Grammy for spoken-word performance, completing EGOT status. Recent film roles include ‘Widows’ and ‘The Woman King’.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh was born August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. Yeoh’s credits include ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, and the James Bond film ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’. She has also appeared in television projects such as ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.

Lisa Kudrow

Born July 30, 1963, in Encino, Los Angeles, Lisa Kudrow won an Emmy for Phoebe Buffay in ‘Friends’. She created and starred in ‘The Comeback’ and led the digital-to-TV project ‘Web Therapy’. Kudrow’s film work includes ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’ and ‘Booksmart’. She is also a producer across scripted and unscripted projects.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez was born July 24, 1969, in The Bronx, New York. She earned acclaim for her starring turn in ‘Selena’ and led films like ‘Out of Sight’, ‘Hustlers’, and ‘Maid in Manhattan’. Lopez has headlined television projects including ‘Shades of Blue’ and major live events. Alongside acting, she maintains a successful recording career and business ventures.

Elisabeth Moss

Born July 24, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, Elisabeth Moss won Emmys for ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and earned multiple awards for ‘Mad Men’. Her film roles include ‘The Invisible Man’ and ‘Her Smell’. Moss has also produced several of her television projects. She began acting as a child and has continued across film, TV, and limited series.

Kate Beckinsale

Born July 26, 1973, in London, England, Kate Beckinsale is known for leading the ‘Underworld’ series as Selene. Her film work includes ‘Pearl Harbor’, ‘The Aviator’, and ‘Love & Friendship’. On television, she headlined ‘The Widow’ and ‘Guilty Party’. Beckinsale has also performed in stage productions in the UK early in her career.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank was born July 30, 1974, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She won Academy Awards for Best Actress for ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. Swank’s credits include ‘P.S. I Love You’, ‘Conviction’, and the series ‘Alaska Daily’. She has also produced several projects through her company.

Vera Farmiga

Born August 6, 1973, in Clifton, New Jersey, Vera Farmiga earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Up in the Air’. She stars as Lorraine Warren in ‘The Conjuring’ franchise and directed the feature ‘Higher Ground’. Farmiga’s television work includes ‘Bates Motel’, earning multiple award nominations. She has appeared in ensemble films such as ‘The Departed’ and ‘Down to the Bone’.

Taissa Farmiga

Taissa Farmiga was born August 17, 1994, in Readington Township, New Jersey. She is a recurring performer in ‘American Horror Story’ and leads ‘The Nun’ films as Sister Irene. Her filmography includes ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ and ‘The Bling Ring’. Farmiga has also worked in independent features and voice roles.

Joey King

Born July 30, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, Joey King earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for ‘The Act’. She starred in ‘The Kissing Booth’ trilogy and appeared in ‘Bullet Train’. King’s television credits include ‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ and ‘Fargo’. She began acting as a child, appearing in commercials and guest roles.

Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere was born August 21, 1989, in Palisades, New York. She starred as Claire Bennet in ‘Heroes’ and Juliette Barnes in ‘Nashville’, receiving award nominations for the latter. Panettiere appears in the ‘Scream’ franchise as Kirby Reed. Her early career includes voice roles and films such as ‘Remember the Titans’.

Meagan Good

Born August 8, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Meagan Good’s breakout came with ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She has led films like ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Intruder’, and stars in the series ‘Harlem’. Good has appeared in genre titles including ‘Shazam!’ and ‘Saw V’. She began acting as a child and has continued across film and television.

Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly was born August 3, 1979, in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. She gained global recognition as Kate Austen in ‘Lost’, earning major award nominations. Lilly portrays Hope van Dyne/The Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her film roles also include ‘The Hobbit’ series and ‘Real Steel’.

Anna Paquin

Born July 24, 1982, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Anna Paquin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Piano’. She starred as Sookie Stackhouse in ‘True Blood’ and appeared as Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ films. Paquin’s credits include ‘The Irishman’ and the series ‘Flack’. She has worked in English- and New Zealand–based productions throughout her career.

Debra Messing

Debra Messing was born August 15, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York. She won an Emmy for Grace Adler in ‘Will & Grace’, with multiple additional nominations. Messing’s film credits include ‘The Wedding Date’ and ‘Searching’. She has also starred in series and limited projects such as ‘The Mysteries of Laura’ and ‘Smash’.

Mary-Louise Parker

Born August 2, 1964, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Mary-Louise Parker won a Golden Globe for ‘Weeds’ and an Emmy for ‘Angels in America’. Her film credits include ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’, ‘RED’, and ‘The Client’. Parker has an extensive stage career, winning a Tony Award for ‘Proof’. She has also authored a memoir and performed audiobook narration.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory was born August 17, 1968, in London, England. She portrayed Polly Gray in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Narcissa Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. McCrory’s stage work earned significant recognition, including multiple award nominations. Her screen roles also include ‘Skyfall’, ‘The Queen’, and ‘Quiz’.

Cara Delevingne

Born August 12, 1992, in London, England, Cara Delevingne transitioned from modeling to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She joined the ensemble of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ in a later season. Delevingne also appeared in ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. Her work spans film, television, and fashion campaigns.

Yvonne Strahovski

Yvonne Strahovski was born July 30, 1982, in Werrington Downs, New South Wales, Australia. She starred as Sarah Walker in ‘Chuck’ and has received Emmy nominations for ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Strahovski’s film roles include ‘The Tomorrow War’ and ‘All I See Is You’. She has also performed voice work in games and animation.

Anna Gunn

Born August 11, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, Anna Gunn won two Emmys for Skyler White in ‘Breaking Bad’. Her film credits include ‘Sully’ and ‘Enemy of the State’. Gunn has starred in series such as ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Gracepoint’. She has also appeared on stage in productions in Los Angeles and New York.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne was born July 24, 1979, in Sydney, Australia. She received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for ‘Damages’ and has starred in comedies like ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Neighbors’, and ‘Spy’. Byrne’s filmography includes ‘Insidious’ and ‘X-Men: First Class’. She also voices characters in animation and leads the series ‘Physical’.

Maya Rudolph

Born July 27, 1972, in Gainesville, Florida, Maya Rudolph gained prominence on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and later won Emmys for ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Big Mouth’. Her film roles include ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Away We Go’, and voice work in ‘Luca’ and ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. Rudolph leads the series ‘Loot’. She has performed widely in sketch, voice acting, and live hosting.

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter was born July 24, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona. She is internationally known for playing Diana Prince in the 1970s ‘Wonder Woman’ TV series. Carter has appeared in films and guest roles and contributed voice work to games such as ‘The Elder Scrolls’ series. She has also released albums and performed in concert.

Demi Lovato

Born August 20, 1992, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Demi Lovato first acted on ‘Barney & Friends’ and Disney projects including ‘Camp Rock’. She has appeared in series like ‘Glee’ and ‘Will & Grace’ and led the film ‘Princess Protection Program’. Lovato balances acting with a successful recording career. She has also worked on documentaries about her life and tours.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez was born July 30, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois. She won a Golden Globe for leading ‘Jane the Virgin’. Rodriguez’s film credits include ‘Annihilation’, ‘Deepwater Horizon’, and voice roles in ‘Ferdinand’ and ‘Smallfoot’. She also stars in and produces the sitcom ‘Not Dead Yet’.

Greta Gerwig

Born August 4, 1983, in Sacramento, California, Greta Gerwig acted in ‘Frances Ha’, ‘Greenberg’, and ‘Mistress America’. She transitioned to writing and directing with ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’ before helming ‘Barbie’. Gerwig’s acting credits include independent features and guest roles on television. She has received multiple Oscar nominations for writing and directing.

Taylor Schilling

Taylor Schilling was born July 27, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts. She led ‘Orange Is the New Black’, earning Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations. Schilling’s film roles include ‘The Lucky One’, ‘Argo’, and ‘The Prodigy’. She has also appeared in limited series and independent features.

Kaitlin Olson

Born August 18, 1975, in Portland, Oregon, Kaitlin Olson is known for Deandra “Sweet Dee” Reynolds on ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’. She starred in ‘The Mick’ and recurs on ‘Hacks’. Olson’s film work includes voice roles in ‘Finding Dory’ and appearances in comedies. She has also produced episodes across her television projects.

Adelaide Kane

Adelaide Kane was born August 9, 1990, in Claremont, Western Australia. She starred as Mary, Queen of Scots in ‘Reign’ and appeared in ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. Kane’s film credits include ‘The Purge’ and independent features. She continues to work across U.S. television and Australian productions.

Genesis Rodriguez

Born July 29, 1987, in Miami, Florida, Génesis Rodríguez has appeared in films such as ‘Man on a Ledge’, ‘Casa de Mi Padre’, and ‘Tusk’. She voiced Honey Lemon in ‘Big Hero 6’ and reprised the role in related series. Rodríguez’s television credits include ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and ‘Time After Time’. She is bilingual and works in English- and Spanish-language projects.

Olivia Holt

Olivia Holt was born August 5, 1997, in Germantown, Tennessee. She starred as Tandy Bowen in ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ and led ‘Cruel Summer’. Holt’s early work includes Disney Channel projects and voice roles in animation. She also records music alongside her acting career.

Hannah Waddingham

Born July 28, 1974, in London, England, Hannah Waddingham won an Emmy for Rebecca Welton in ‘Ted Lasso’. She has extensive stage credits in the West End and Broadway, receiving Olivier nominations. Screen roles include ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Sex Education’, and film musicals. Waddingham has also hosted televised specials and live events.

Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi was born July 28, 1986, in New Delhi, India. She appeared in Zack Snyder’s ‘Army of the Dead’ and has credits across Indian cinema including ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. Qureshi also stars in series such as ‘Maharani’. Her work bridges international film and streaming projects.

Evanna Lynch

Born August 16, 1991, in County Louth, Ireland, Evanna Lynch is known for playing Luna Lovegood in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She has acted in independent features and stage productions in the UK and Ireland. Lynch competed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and supports literacy and animal-welfare causes. She also hosts podcasts and makes public appearances tied to reading initiatives.

Soleil Moon Frye

Soleil Moon Frye was born August 6, 1976, in Glendora, California. She became widely recognized as the title character in ‘Punky Brewster’ and later returned for the revival. Frye has directed and produced documentaries and series episodes. Her credits include voice acting and guest roles across television.

Share your favorite Leo performances in the comments and tell us which actress surprised you most!