Stars turning 40 in 2011

Stars Turning 40 in 2011

In 1971, Led Zeppelin released a huge hit (listen) and “Dirty Harry” was packing theaters; meanwhile, proud parents were welcoming babies like the one who would grow up to be a rapper with his own language, the one who would be the star of “Heathers” and other future famous folks. See which stars are turning 40 next year.

Stars Turning 40 in 2011

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs

Hitting 40 on Jan. 2, this easy-on-the-eyes actor found fame in the quintessential Gen X musical and in reclaiming Stella's groove. He stars on a “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul turns 40 on Jan. 11. Hailed for her pipes on Grammy-nominated hits like “No More Drama,” (watch the video) she is also an urban-chic fashion icon

Kid Rock

Kid Rock

Known for rock-rap tunes like “Cowboy,” this Detroit musician (real name: Robert Ritchie) hits 40 on Jan. 11. Remember his quickie marriage to a “Baywatch” babe?

Emmanuel Lewis

Emmanuel Lewis

It’s hard to believe that  Lewis,  who played black son to a white couple in an ’80s sitcom, hits 40 on March 9. He prefers to keep private a controversial friendship.

Johnny Knoxville

Johnny Knoxville

Is it time to grow up for Knoxville, who is best known for sophomoric stunts in a popular movie series? He turns 40 on March 11.

Sheryl Swoopes

Sheryl Swoopes

The WNBA star is often compared to His Airness.   Swoopes has won Olympic gold and MVP honors. She turns 40 on March 25.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey

Currently expecting twins by her younger husband, what multi-octave singer hits the big 4-0 on March 27

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor

From indie flicks like “Trainspotting” to film phenomena like “Star Wars,” the Scottish actor who turns 40 on March 31 saw a death threat shut down his latest.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg

His brother was a New Kid on the Block. But Mark was a Funky buncher (video evidence).  Mark (see photos of the rapper turned screen star) is winning plaudits in “The Fighter.”He turns 40 on June 5.

Koko the gorilla

Koko the gorilla

Turning 40 on July 4, this nonhuman San Francisco resident (see photos of the gorilla)  starred in a documentary about her ability to communicate. She also took care of a little critter.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh

This Korean-Canadian actress turns 40 on July 20.  You know her as Dr. Yang on a popular TV medical drama  She also played the good-time gal in the wine movie “Sideways.”

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

On Aug. 4, one of NASCAR’s biggest stars  celebrates four decades. He’s made headlines for his temper and being first in his class to pass a huge cash milestone.

Thalia

Thalia

Famous in the United States as a singer   Thalia is also famous in her native Mexico as an actress, hence her self-given nickname. She turns 40 on Aug. 26. 

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler

No joke, this actress and former “SNL” star turns 40 on Sept. 16.  Now starring as a public servant on a sitcom, she’s married to (and has kids with) this funnyman.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong

Even if he weren’t the world’s most famous cyclist, who hits 40 on Sept. 18, he’d be known worldwide for his innovative cancer foundation.

Sacha Baron Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen

Cohen may be less famous than his high-concept characters. He turns 40 on Oct. 13.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg

This former gangsta rapper has transitioned to family-friendly entertainer. Snoop turns 40 on Oct. 20.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder

“I’m at that age I’ve been warned my whole life about,” says Ryder, who turns 40 on Oct. 29. But she’ll always be the teen heroine of a late-’80s mean-girl movie.

Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan

With his charming gap-tooth smile  this football legend turned sportscaster holds an NFL record. He hits the big 4-0 on Nov. 21.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin

This recently-out-as-gay pop star and father of twins rose to fame as a boy-band star and rose to superstardom with hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” He’s 40 on Dec. 24.