From Hollywood actors and musicians to legendary performers and cultural icons, August 29 has produced a memorable list of famous birthdays.
August 29, 2026: Another group of familiar faces is celebrating a birthday today, with actors, musicians, comedians and other notable figures all sharing August 29 as their special day.
Among today’s biggest celebrity birthdays are actress and singer Lea Michele, who turns 40, and actress Carla Gugino, who turns 55. The date also belongs to several other recognizable names, including Rebecca De Mornay, Elliott Gould, Emily Hampshire, Nicole Byer and Dante Basco.
August 29 has also been the birthday of several major figures from entertainment history, including Michael Jackson, Ingrid Bergman, Charlie Parker and Iris Apfel.
HOLR breaks down today’s famous birthdays and takes a closer look at some of the stars born on August 29.
Lea Michele Turns 40
Lea Michele is one of the most recognizable names celebrating a birthday today.
Born on August 29, 1986, Michele turns 40 in 2026. She became internationally known for playing Rachel Berry on the hit television series Glee, a role that showcased both her acting and singing abilities.
Before Glee, Michele had already established herself in musical theatre. She originated the role of Wendla in the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, which earned her significant recognition within the theatre world.
Her career later expanded back to Broadway, including her acclaimed run as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
For fans who first discovered her through Glee, turning 40 marks another milestone for an actress whose career began on stage and grew into television, music and Broadway.
Image Credit: Instgaram @leamichele
Carla Gugino Celebrates 55
Carla Gugino is another major Hollywood name with an August 29 birthday.
Born in 1971, Gugino turns 55 today.
Her career has stretched across film and television, with roles in projects including Spy Kids, Sin City, Watchmen and The Haunting of Hill House.
Gugino has built a reputation for taking on very different types of roles, moving comfortably between family films, action projects, dramas and darker television stories.
More recently, she has continued appearing in major film and television productions, maintaining the versatility that has defined much of her career.
Rebecca De Mornay Turns 67
Rebecca De Mornay is also celebrating today.
The actress, born in 1959, turns 67.
De Mornay rose to prominence in the 1980s and became particularly known for her role in Risky Business alongside Tom Cruise.
She later appeared in films including The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Backdraft and The Three Musketeers.
Her career has included both film and television work, making her one of the recognizable faces from Hollywood’s 1980s and 1990s era.
Image Credit: Instgaram @rebeccademornay
Elliott Gould Turns 88
Veteran actor Elliott Gould celebrates his 88th birthday on August 29.
Gould has enjoyed a career spanning decades and has worked across film and television.
He received an Academy Award nomination for Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and became widely known for his work in projects including MASH* and the Ocean’s film series.
His distinctive screen presence has allowed him to remain recognizable across multiple generations of movie audiences.
AP’s celebrity birthday roundup for the week of August 23–29 also lists Gould among the notable August 29 birthdays.
Nicole Byer Turns 40
Comedian, actress and television personality Nicole Byer also celebrates her 40th birthday today.
Born in 1986, Byer has become known for her comedy work, television appearances and podcasting career. UPI lists her among the notable August 29 birthdays alongside Michele.
Byer’s career has made her a familiar face in comedy and entertainment, particularly through projects that showcase her outspoken and energetic personality.
Image Credit: IMDb
Dante Basco Celebrates 51
Dante Basco turns 51 today.
Born in 1975, Basco is known for his work across film, television and voice acting.
One of his most recognizable early roles was Rufio in Steven Spielberg’s Hook.
He later became especially well known to animation fans for voicing Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
That role introduced his voice to an entirely different generation of viewers and remains one of his most recognizable performances.
Emily Hampshire Turns 45
Emily Hampshire is another actor celebrating a birthday today.
Born in 1981, Hampshire turns 45.
She is particularly recognized for playing Stevie Budd on the popular comedy series Schitt’s Creek.
Her performance earned her a devoted fan base and helped make Stevie one of the show’s most memorable characters.
Hampshire’s career has also included film and other television projects, but Schitt’s Creek remains one of her defining roles for many viewers.
Image Credit: Instgaram @emilyhampshire
Michael Jackson’s August 29 Birthday
August 29 is also the birthday of one of the biggest names in music history: Michael Jackson.
Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, and would have turned 68 in 2026.
Known as the King of Pop, Jackson became one of the most commercially successful and influential performers in music history.
His albums Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory helped define different eras of pop music.
His birthday continues to be remembered by fans around the world, with his music remaining a major part of popular culture.
View this post on Instagram
Ingrid Bergman Was Also Born on August 29
August 29 also belongs to legendary actress Ingrid Bergman.
Born in 1915, Bergman became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers and is remembered for films including Casablanca, Notorious and Gaslight.
She won three Academy Awards during her career and remains one of the most respected actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Her August 29 birthday adds another major name from entertainment history to today’s list.
Charlie Parker Shared the Date
Jazz legend Charlie Parker was also born on August 29, 1920.
Known by the nickname “Bird,” Parker became one of the most influential figures in jazz and a central figure in the development of bebop.
His innovative approach to improvisation and saxophone playing influenced generations of musicians.
Although Parker died young, his influence on jazz remains significant.
View this post on Instagram
Iris Apfel Was Another Famous August 29 Birthday
Fashion icon and interior designer Iris Apfel was born on August 29, 1921.
Apfel became known around the world for her distinctive personal style, oversized glasses, colourful clothing and fearless approach to fashion.
She became particularly celebrated in her later years, proving that fashion and creativity do not have an expiration date.
Her career and personality made her a cultural figure far beyond the fashion industry.
Other Notable August 29 Birthdays
The list of famous people born on August 29 extends well beyond Hollywood.
Other notable birthdays include:
- Temple Grandin, scientist and autism advocate, born in 1947.
- Me’Shell NdegeOcello, musician, born in 1968.
- Kyle Cook, guitarist for Matchbox Twenty, born in 1975.
- David Desrosiers, musician and member of Simple Plan, born in 1980.
- Charlotte Ritchie, actor, born in 1989.
- Eduardo Franco, actor, born in 1994.
The date also has a long history of notable birthdays outside entertainment, including philosopher John Locke and King Henry V.
Why Celebrity Birthday Lists Remain Popular
Celebrity birthday stories may look simple, but they give readers a quick way to discover connections between stars they already know.
Someone searching for Lea Michele’s birthday may discover that she shares the date with Carla Gugino. A fan of Schitt’s Creek may realize Emily Hampshire has the same birthday as Michael Jackson. A younger viewer who knows Dante Basco from Avatar: The Last Airbender may discover his earlier role in Hook.
These connections make birthday lists an easy form of entertainment and celebrity discovery.
They can also introduce younger audiences to performers from previous generations, while longtime fans may enjoy seeing how many familiar names share the same date.
The Bottom Line
August 29 is a particularly star-filled day, with famous birthdays spanning music, television, film, comedy, fashion and culture.
HOLR has the latest celebrity updates: Lea Michele and Nicole Byer both turn 40 today, while Carla Gugino celebrates 55, Rebecca De Mornay turns 67, Emily Hampshire turns 45 and Elliott Gould celebrates his 88th birthday.
The date also carries the legacy of stars such as Michael Jackson, Ingrid Bergman, Charlie Parker and Iris Apfel, making August 29 a notable day in entertainment history.
Whether you are celebrating your own birthday today or simply curious about which celebrities share your special date, August 29 certainly has an impressive list of names attached to it.
FAQs
Which celebrities have birthdays on August 29, 2026?
Notable celebrities celebrating today include Lea Michele, Carla Gugino, Rebecca De Mornay, Elliott Gould, Nicole Byer, Dante Basco and Emily Hampshire.
How old is Lea Michele in 2026?
Lea Michele turns 40 on August 29, 2026. She was born in 1986.
How old is Carla Gugino today?
Carla Gugino turns 55 on August 29, 2026. She was born in 1971.
Was Michael Jackson born on August 29?
Yes. Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958. He would have turned 68 in 2026.
Which famous actors were born on August 29?
Actors born on August 29 include Carla Gugino, Lea Michele, Rebecca De Mornay, Elliott Gould, Emily Hampshire, Dante Basco, Charlotte Ritchie and Eduardo Franco.
Published by HOLR Magazine