Loveable actress Sandra Annette Bullock (1964-) was born on this day in Washington D.C., the daughter of a renown German opera singer.

A self-described "drama geek," Bullock decided she wanted to be an actress as a child. Not surprising, the enthusiastic young woman was a cheerleader in high school and voted "Most Likely To Brighten Your Day."

"Nothing makes me happier than dancing," she admitted. "It transforms me. It's the only time I let out what is inside and I feel completely sensual and sexy and alive."

Bullock's first major screen role as a frumpy scientist in Love Potion #9 (1991) was followed by her breakout role as Lieutenant Huxley in Demolition Man (w/ Sylvester Stallone, 1993).

She became an international superstar with her role in the blockbuster action film Speed (w/Keanu Reeves,1994), and said: "Never in a million years did I think a bus movie would open every door I ever possibly wanted to have open."

"Sandra is the girl next door who really might live next door," praised Dennis Miller, her co-star in The Net (1995).

With laid-back exuberance, she continued to win over audiences with her acting and humanitarian endeavors.

Named one of the most generous celebrities by Forbes magazine and "Undercover Activist" and “Women of the Year” by Glamour magazine in 2006, she quietly donated millions to the Red Cross after the 9/11 bombings and for tsunami disaster relief in southern Asian and eastern Africa.

Big heart.

When Bullock won the best actress Oscar for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side (2010), she asked, "Did I really earn this, or did I just wear you all down?"

Humility and humor. A fine combination.

She once said, "Be original, be original, be original. If you be yourself, and take care of yourself, you can take care of me one day when I’m old and gray.”

Know what you want and go for it!