Ever wonder who the most popular star was the year you were born? We have too!
To honor the past, Wonderwall.com dug through the archives to find the most famous star each year from 1940 to 2016. Often, there were too many to choose from, so we picked the most popular through the years (including the late Farrah Fawcett, seen here in 1978).
Keep reading to see which star had everyone talking the year you were born…
1940: Clark Gable
Just nine years earlier in 1931, Clark Gable established himself as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. It didn’t hurt that in 1939, the handsome star appeared as Rhett Butler alongside Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination and was widely considered one of his best performances.
1941: Barbara Stanwyck
Widely considered one of the greatest actresses of Old Hollywood, Barbara Stanwyck was in high demand in 1941. She starred in four major motion pictures that year, three of which earned Academy Award nominations — including one for her for best actress in “Ball of Fire.”
1942: Bing Crosby
Not only was Bing Crosby regarded as one of the most handsome screen actors and singers of his time (ask your grandma if you don’t believe us!), but he was also one of the most popular stars around for nearly two decades. In ’42, he starred in numerous films like “Holiday Inn” and “Road to Morocco” and recorded the classic song “White Christmas,” which still plays on the radio every holiday season.
1942: Bing Crosby
Not only was Bing Crosby regarded as one of the most handsome screen actors and singers of his time (ask your grandma if you don’t believe us!), but he was also one of the most popular stars around for nearly two decades. In ’42, he starred in numerous films like “Holiday Inn” and “Road to Morocco” and recorded the classic song “White Christmas,” which still plays on the radio every holiday season.
1943: Bob Hope
In addition to traveling the world to boost moral for military members, Bob Hope was an accomplished actor, comedian and entertainer who’d already received one honorary Academy Award in 1940 for his “unselfish services to the motion picture industry.” As a noted humanitarian, this well-loved funnyman divided his time between starring in major films and performing with the USO to give much needed relief to troops stationed abroad.
1944: Judy Garland
Riding the wave of fame from her Academy Award-winning performance in “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939, Judy Garland starred in “Meet Me in St. Louis” in ’44, which became the second most successful film of her short, vibrant career. During filming, Judy also met (and later married) the director, Vincente Minnelli, who would father her first child, entertainer Liza Minnelli.
1945: Humphrey Bogart
After 15 years in the industry, Humphrey Bogart was already a legend in Hollywood. In 1944, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work in the iconic film “Casablanca” and was considered one of the most in-demand stars of the time. In ’45, he not only starred in the popular film “Conflict” but married the love of his life, actress Lauren Bacall.
1946: Lana Turner
Originally a Hollywood “sweater girl” thanks to her beauty and ample bustline, Lana Turner proved she had more to offer on screen than a curvy figure. In 1946, this head-turning star appeared in the sexually charged thriller “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” cementing herself as one of the top actresses in Tinseltown.
1947: Betty Grable
Betty Grable, who was once the highest paid actress in the country, worked her way from humble beginnings to become one of the most sought-after film stars of her time. In 1947, she appeared in both “The Shocking Miss Pilgrim” and “Mother Wore Tights.” She was one of the first Hollywood stars to put an insurance policy on her most famous asset: her long, lovely legs.
1948: Ingrid Bergman
Dubbed “Sweden’s illustrious gift to Hollywood,” Ingrid Bergman was a powerful, versatile actress who became an instant favorite among fans and directors. In 1948, she starred in “Arch of Triumph” and “Joan of Arc.” The latter performance earned her a fourth Academy Award nomination. Fun fact: Ingrid is tied with Meryl Streep and Frances McDormand as the second most Oscar-awarded actress of all time. Katharine Hepburn is in the top spot with four.)
1949: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
From 1933 to 1949, dancing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers appeared in 10 films together including “The Gay Divorcee” and “Top Hat.” After taking a decade-long break from their partnership to pursue solo careers, the pair reunited in 1949 to star in their final film together, the highly anticipated “The Barkleys of Broadway,” which was widely considered one of their best joint performances.
1950: Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall was a beautiful, talented actress and the wife of famed film noir star Humphrey Bogart. She was known for appearing in several well-received films with her husband but made a departure in 1950 by appearing in two critically acclaimed dramas, “Young Man with a Horn” and “Bright Leaf,” opposite other leading men. Her reputation as a serious actress only grew and kept her in high demand in Hollywood.
1951: Lucille Ball
Already an accomplished film star, Lucille Ball ventured onto the small screen alongside her husband, Desi Arnaz, in the acclaimed comedy series “I Love Lucy,” which started airing in 1951. Thanks to her unique style of slapstick humor, Lucille was dubbed the Queen of Comedy. Reruns of her work still inspire laughter today.
1952: Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly was a silver screen heartthrob. After a decade in Hollywood, the dancing icon starred in one of his most memorable films ever, 1952’s “Singin’ in the Rain,” alongside Debbie Reynolds. That same year, he went on to appear in “The Devil Makes Three” and was given an honorary Academy Award for his on-screen versatility and choreography talents.
1953: Audrey Hepburn
From her first big screen role in 1951, Audrey Hepburn stole the hearts of fans and proved herself as a leading lady in Hollywood. In ’53, she starred in “Roman Holiday,” a performance that would win her a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, making her one of the first stars to ever win multiple awards for a single performance. Fun fact: Despite persistent rumors, Audrey is not related to famed actress Katharine Hepburn.
1954: Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe arrived in Hollywood in 1947, but it wasn’t until 1950 that fans began paying attention to this now-legendary film star. In 1954, Marilyn appeared in both “River of No Return” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” but it was her work in “The Seven Year Itch” that September that captured one of the most famous moments in film history — her iconic subway vent skirt scene.
1955: James Dean
James Dean’s brooding good looks and growing popularity thanks to his starring role in 1955’s “Rebel Without a Cause” made him a movie star. Sadly, the same year, after a short tenure in Hollywood, this promising actor died in a high-speed car crash at 24, cementing his status as an icon of the silver screen.
1956: Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was already the king of rock ‘n’ roll, but in 1956, he became a major motion picture star too thanks to his big screen debut in “Love Me Tender” (which was named after his hit song). Although Elvis wasn’t the top-billed star in the film, it opened the door to his acting career and future starring roles.
1957: Doris Day
Doris Day was both an accomplished singer and actress and in 1957, her talent paid off in a big way as “Whatever Will Be” (the song she performed in the film “The Man Who Knew Too Much”) won an Academy Award. She went on to star in the movie “The Pajama Game” the same year and recorded six songs for the film’s soundtrack.
1958: Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier had commanded the screen since his first major film performance in 1947. However, it was his title role in “The Defiant Ones” alongside Tony Curtis in 1958 that earned him his first Academy Award nomination the following year. Not only was Sidney the first Bahamian American actor to receive a nomination, but he was the first African American man to be nominated for best actor.
1959: Tony Curtis
Although Tony Curtis had made his debut in Hollywood a decade earlier, his career didn’t truly heat up until 1959. For his work in “The Defiant Ones,” this sexy star was nominated for an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a Bambi Award and a Photoplay Award (which he won), launching him to another level of fame.
1960: The Rat Pack
“The Rat Pack” — a group of celebrities that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis Jr. — got its name from famed actress Lauren Bacall, who joked they looked as tight as a “pack of rats.” The name stuck, as did this notorious fivesome’s reputation for seducing beautiful women and starring in big-budget films.
1961: Natalie Wood
Many remember Natalie Wood as the precocious kid from 1947’s “Miracle on 34th Street,” but she proved herself to be an indomitable actress long after her days as a child star had passed. In 1961, she appeared in two films, “West Side Story” and “Splendor in the Grass,” with the latter resulting in her second Academy Award nomination and the former launching her to cult-fame status.
1962: Tom Cruise and Demi Moore
Several times over, Tom Cruise has been North America’s highest-grossing box-office actor, and is well-known for his role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible series. Demi Moore, successful particularly in the early days her of career, has won awards for roles such as that of A Few Good Men (People’s Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture Actress, 1993).
1963: Brad Pitt and Whitney Houston
Cited as the most awarded female act of all-time by the Guinness World Book of Records, Whitney Houston’s belt led to her success as one of the best-selling artists of all-time. Actor Brad Pitt has been a heartthrob for decades, a fact that has been much reflected in the box-office success of his films. For Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Pitt won a Screen Actors Guild Award.
1964: Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reaves
Canadian actor Keanu Reeves is best known for his role as Neo in The Matrix, a film that achieved far critical acclaim and financial success. Another blockbuster favorite, Sandra Bullock was Hollywood’s highest-paid female actress in 2007.
1965: Robert Downey Jr. and Shania Twain
Although now consistently one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, it is actually Robert Downey Jr.’s role in Chaplin in 1992 that is his most critically-acclaimed. Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain has stars on both Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. Twain is known for her country-pop, and her music has sold over 100 million records over the course of her career.
1966: Adam Sandler and Halle Berry
From beauty-contest contestant to box-office hit, Halle Berry has seen financial and critical success throughout her career. Her most critically-acclaimed role was for Monster’s Ball, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002, making her the only African-American woman to have won in history. Adam Sandler, a crowd favorite and every critic’s nightmare, has experienced an extremely lucrative career that, in later years, has been steadily defined by films that receive criticism across the board.
1967: Vin Diesel and Julia Roberts
The highest-paid actress through most of the 90s, Julia Roberts has also been named People Magazine’s most beautiful woman five times over, and won an Oscar for her role in Erin Brockovich in 2000. Known for his roles in action-thrillers such as Pitch Black and The Fast and the Furious series, Vin Diesel is a tough-guy blockbuster act likely to be around for a while longer.
1968: Will Smith and Celine Dion
Will Smith has won awards for his rapping and his acting since his start in the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and has been declared by Forbes as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. Meanwhile, Celine Dion’s career goes on. An internationally-recognized singer, Dion is the best-selling Canadian artist of all-time.
1969: Jay Z and Jennifer Aniston
Lauded for her decade-long role on national favorite sitcom Friends, Jennifer Aniston managed to keep her career spinning even after the show’s end – although Rachel Green remains her most critically-acclaimed role. Jay-Z, rapper, businessman, and husband to Beyonce, has received 21 Grammys for his work and is estimated to have a net worth of over $800 million.
1970: Mariah Carey and Matt Damon
Just one of singer Mariah Carey’s awards is the World Music Awards’ Best Selling Female Artist of the Millenium. With an effortless belt, Carey’s albums often boast world-record sales. Matt Damon is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, known for his role in and writing contribution to Good Will Hunting, a film that received nine Oscar nominations.
1971: Winona Ryder and Mark Wahlberg
Although prominent in the 90s, Winona Ryder has recently jumped into the spotlight again with her role as Joyce Byers in Netflix-original Stranger Things, for which she has received Golden Globe and SAG nominations. Mark Wahlberg is known for a tough-guy persona that produces blockbuster hits, but has yet to bring him any wins.
1972: Dwayne Johnson and Cameron Diaz
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is another example of an athlete turned actor, with multiple WWF (wrestling) championships. He broke into acting with his lead role in The Scorpion King, and has gone on to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cameron Diaz has starred in a number of high-profile comedic roles, including There’s Something About Mary, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
1973: Paul Walker and Kate Beckinsale
American actor Paul Walker was well-known for his role in The Fast and the Furious franchise, before dying unexpectedly in a car crash. Three films were released posthumously, including Furious 7. British actress Kate Beckinsale started her career in television before breaking onto the big screen in Much Ado About Nothing in 1993.
1974: Leonardo DiCaprio and Victoria Beckham
After Spice Girls split, Victoria Beckham embarked on a brief solo artist career before turning her attention almost entirely to fashion and charity work. American actor Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in a wide range of films, and produced even more. He won an Oscar in 2016 for his work in The Revenant, but will always be remembered for his role as Jack in James Cameron’s epic, Titanic.
1975: DJ Khaled and Angelina Jolie
Sometimes cited as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress, Angelina Jolie’s career has seen her star in numerous leading roles. Her most critically-acclaimed role is in Girl, Interrupted, though many will always remember her as Laura Croft, Tomb Raider. DJ Khaled is a hip-hop producer and radio personality who has released ten studio albums and flourished as of late amongst teens on social media.
1976: Candace Cameron-Bure and Ryan Reynolds
Reese Witherspoon is famous for her bubbly, irresistibly charming role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Recently, she produced and starred in HBO miniseries Big Little Lies, for which she won a Golden Globe. Ryan Reynolds has starred in a similar range of content, earning him a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
1977: Kanye West and Shakira
An often controversial, and often lauded, figure, Kanye West is one of the most awarded artists of all time at 21 Grammy Awards. All of his studio albums have gone platinum. Singer, songwriter, and dancer Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, and has won two Grammy Awards and 14 Latin Grammy Awards throughout her career.
1978: James Franco and January Jones
January Jones is best known for her role on the critically-acclaimed show Mad Men, as Betty Draper, for which she has won two SAG Awards. James Franco has worked as a director, producer, and actor on television (most recently The Deuce) as well as films ranging from Pineapple Express to The Disaster Artist, for which he won a Golden Globe.
1979: Pink and Chris Pratt
Pink’s spunky personality keeps her continuously on the edge of pop, ensuring her albums’ monetary success year after year. She has won three Grammy Awards for her work. Chris Pratt starred in a number of sitcoms in the early 2000s, including Parks and Recreation, and now stars in blockbuster hits such as Guardians of the Galaxy.
1980: Kim Kardashian and Ryan Gosling
A main feature on the reality TV show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian is reported to be one of the highest paid reality television personalities. She has a large social media presence, and is frequently cited as an influential pop culture phenomenon. Canadian actor Ryan Gosling captured the hearts of women everywhere in the movie The Notebook, and has been a box-office favorite ever since. He has received awards and nominations for his role in 2016’s La La Land.
1981: Beyonce and Justin Timberlake
From best-selling boy-band N’SYNC to best-selling solo artist, Justin Timberlake is a pop icon who’s received many accolades for the work he’s done, including ten Grammys and four Emmys, all on top of his more recently launched acting career. Beyonce is just as iconic, and experienced a similar career trajectory from best-selling girl-group Destiny’s Child to her status as one of the most powerful females in entertainment. In 2014, Beyonce became the highest-paid African-American musician in history; she is also the most nominated woman in the Grammy Awards history, and has won 22.
1982: Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj are both powerhouses in the contemporary American hip-hop scene. Lil Wayne has received five Grammy Awards for his work, while Minaj is the best-selling female rapper of all time, having sold over five million albums worldwide. She has received ten Grammys for her work.
1983: Carrie Underwood and Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth is known for his recurring role as Thor in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, a role he was recently nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award. Carrie Underwood, winner of American Idol in 2005, is an American country singer who has seven Grammy Awards and already has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her musical talents.
1984: Scarlett Johansson and Sam Hunt
Scarlett Johansson is the highest-grossing box office female actor in North America, among the world’s highest-paid actresses, and at the age of 33 already has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is known for her roles in Her, The Avengers, and Lost in Translation. Sam Hunt is arguably one of the most successful contemporary male country singers, breaking several chart records and receiving four Grammy nominations since the launch of his career in 2009.
1985: Bruno Mars and Anna Kendrick
Singer, actress, and comedian Anna Kendrick is best-known for her starring role in the Pitch Perfect series, although she got her start on Broadway. Hawaiian-born Bruno Mars is a singer-songwriter who has released many hits, including “Uptown Funk.” He is recognized as an extremely influential artist; in 2013, he ranked number one on the Forbes 30 under 30 list.
1986: Drake and Lady Gaga
Classically trained, unconventional singer-songwriter Lady Gaga has sold over 140 million singles and is one of the best-selling artists of all time. She has won six Grammys and three Brit Awards. Drake is a hip-hop artist who has won three Grammy Awards and has had four songs certified triple platinum in the United States, including “Best I Ever Had.”
1987: Kendrick Lamar and Kesha
Although currently embroiled in a legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke, Kesha returned to music in 2017 with an album and singles that received Grammy nominations. Rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar has earned seven Grammy Awards over the course of his career. In 2016, Time named him one of the most influential people in the world.
1988: Rihanna and Big Sean
A rapper from Detroit, Big Sean has won awards for his music videos and has thus far released four studio albums. Rihanna is also a musician who has seen immense success and international recognition: 12 American Music Awards, 8 Grammys as well as Billboard and MTV Video Music Awards.
1989: Taylor Swift and Joe Jonas
Joe Jonas is most known for his part in the Jonas Brothers, a pop-rock band that disbanded in 2013. Taylor Swift is one of the most celebrated pop musicians of the 21st century; she is the recipient of 10 Grammy Awards, was named Time Person of the Year in 2017, and was named by Forbes as one of the world’s most powerful women in 2015. Her music has received consistent critical acclaim, even as she’s made the transition from country to pop.
1990: Jennifer Lawrence and The Weeknd
Grammy Award-winning singer Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) saw acclaim with the release of his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness. Jennifer Lawrence is a young actress who has had roles in many memorable works, including The Hunger Games franchise and Silver Linings Playbook. She has won many awards, including an Academy Award and three Golden Globes, and is one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
1991: Ed Sheeran and Shailene Woodley
An active American actress, Shailene Woodley is known for her roles in The Fault in Our Stars, Divergent, and most recently, HBO’s Big Little Lies. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has broken several records for chart-topping positions of his albums and singles, and won two Grammys for his song “Thinking Out Loud.”
1992: Selena Gomez and Nick Jonas
Once a star on the Disney Channel’s The Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena Gomez is now firmly entrenched in the music industry. Her latest album won an American Music Award, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Once a member of the band the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas is now enjoying a profitable solo career as a singer.
1993: Ariana Grande and Zayn Malik
British singer and songwriter Zayn Malik couldn’t get his start on X-Factor, but as a solo performer, he is seeing a steady increase in success. Ariana Grande, however, has been experiencing success for a couple of years now: with multiple Artist of the Year wins and Grammy nominations, Grande is establishing herself as a dominant presence in the pop music industry.
1994: Justin Bieber and Halsey
American singer-songwriter Halsey has received numerous awards for her music releases over the past couple of years, including an AMA for her collaboration with The Chainsmokers in “Closer.” Justin Bieber has seen even more success, with one Grammy, 12 AMAs, and a few world records (including best-selling male Canadian artist of all time).
1995: Kendall Jenner and Ross Lynch
Ross Lynch has won eight awards for his work with Disney and Nickelodeon, and is known for being a founding member of band R5. Kendall Jenner is a more familiar name: a fashion model, a television personality, and one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram, Jenner was the highest-paid model in 2017, according to Forbes.
1996: Lil Yachty and Zendaya
A young rapper from Atlanta, Lil Yachty is making stirs in the hip-hop scene with his features on hits such as “iSpy” and “Broccoli.” Zendaya is also involved in the music industry, although she recently made her Hollywood debut in 2017 as MJ in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
1997: Kylie Jenner and Kodak Black
The youngest of the infamous Jenner family, Kylie Jenner is already throwing herself into businesses and initiatives, while maintaining a strong social media presence. Kodak Black is an American rapper who released his debut studio album in 2017, which was certified gold.
1998: Peyton List and Khalid
Actress Peyton List got her start on the Disney Channel, and has starred in films such as The Outcasts. Khalid is a singer and songwriter whose debut studio album has seen acclaim, with several Grammy nominations.
1999: Sabrina Carpenter and Cameron Boyce
Disney Channel stars Cameron Boyce and Sabrina Carpenter are both at the ripe age of 18, looking to direct their careers in the best possible way. While Boyce seems to be staying in television, Carpenter is moving towards music and has released two albums.
2000: Willow Smith and Jace Norman
Daughter of Will Smith, Willow is already making stirs in the music industry with her R&B influenced music. Jace Norman is a Nickelodeon whose work has won him a Kids’ Choice Award.
