“A birthday is a new beginning, a fresh start to a bright future.” For a handful of beloved stars, August 24 isn’t just any day; it’s a personal landmark. From comedic geniuses to Hollywood legends, the day is filled with talent whose body of work has impacted pop culture in unforgettable ways.
This year’s roster of birthday honorees includes everyone from Dave Chappelle, still riding high on his latest Grammy win, to Rupert Grint, forever etched in fans’ hearts as Ron Weasley. Add in trailblazing director Ava DuVernay, the endlessly witty Stephen Fry, and more, and you’ve got a list worth celebrating. Here’s a closer look at the fascinating facts behind these famous names.
1. Dave Chappelle’s Record-Chasing Comedy Career
At 52, Dave Chappelle is not only a stand-up legend, his six Best Comedy Album wins put him one Grammy away from tying Bill Cosby’s record for the most awards in this category. His latest Netflix special, The Dreamer, earned him his sixth award in the category and cemented his place in comedy lore.
Chappelle’s journey began in Washington, D.C., where his professor parents nurtured his passion. At 14, he was performing stand-up, typically taken to clubs by his mother because he was underage. His career soared with Chappelle’s Show in 2003, a sketch comedy program blending biting social commentary and surreal humor. Even though he famously walked away from a $50 million contract in 2005, his return to stage and screen proved his toughness.
2. Rupert Grint: The Oldest of the Hogwarts Trio
At 37, Rupert Grint is still best known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films. Little-known fact? He was the oldest of the three young stars when shooting began, so he had a slightly different attitude to the tornado of fame.
Since leaving the wizarding world, Grint has appeared in quirky guest spots on series like Servant and Snatch. He’s also started a family, often speaking about how life off camera has been just as magical as his life on set.
3. Ava DuVernay’s Historic Firsts
Celebrating her 53rd birthday, Ava DuVernay has made it a new reality in Hollywood what can be done. She became the first African American female to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Director and the first woman of colour to direct a Best Picture Oscar-nominated film.
Her filmography varies from Oscar-nominated documentary 13th, its critically acclaimed counterpart Selma, to the fantasy adventure A Wrinkle in Time. Outside of her own work, DuVernay founded Array, a distribution label that funds women and minorities in film, a pursuit that still has waves across the industry.
4. Stephen Fry’s Oscar Wilde Connection
At 68, Stephen Fry has been an actor, writer, and broadcaster, but no performance of his has been more iconic than his Oscar Wilde in the 1997 biopic Wilde. His understated turn brought out the wit and vulnerability of the literary giant.
Fry’s sharp wit and good sense have made him a fixture of British popular culture, ranging from hosting QI to penning best-selling memoirs. His candour about mental illness has also inspired millions of fans to share their own problems with the same level of openness.
5. Back to the Screen for Steve Guttenberg
Still on screen at 67, Steve Guttenberg is best known for ’80s hits like Police Academy and Three Men and a Baby, but more recently popped up in the TV show Paper Empire, proving that his timing sense is still intact.
Guttenberg’s sustained career is due to his skill at shifting between slapstick humour and mawkish acting, remaining relevant amid decades of changing entertainment trends.
6. Marlee Matlin’s Middle Name Secret
Marlee Matlin, who is now 60 years old, remains a pioneer as the only deaf actor to win an acting Academy Award. While her record-breaking win for Children of a Lesser God is legendary, not as many know that her middle name is Beth.
Matlin has not just utilized her position to battle for inclusion and accessibility within Hollywood but demonstrated that her impact extends well beyond her work on screen.
7. Jared Harris’s Prestige TV Reign
64 and more than ever, Jared Harris is television’s greatest actor. From his chilling performance as King George VI in The Crown to his Emmy-nominated turn in Chernobyl, Harris commands respect in everything he does.
He’s also had memorable performances in Mad Men and The Terror, making him a sought-after actor for finely crafted, well-layered characters.
8. Cal Ripken Jr.’s Lasting Legacy
Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. turns 65 today, yet his mark for games played consecutively, an impressive 2,632, remains intact. Dubbed “The Iron Man,” Ripken’s work ethic and consistency have catapulted him to role model status well beyond the diamond.
During his retirement, Ripken has committed himself to youth baseball initiatives, ensuring the game continues on with the next generation.
From stand-up stages to stadium stages, from the office of the director to the world of magic, the August 24 birthday club is rich in talent that has shaped culture in myriad ways. From shattering records, making history, to simply making people smile, these stars prove that every year is another chance to leave a lasting legacy.
