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

A self-described “drama geek,” Bullock dreamed of acting as a child. In high school, she was a cheerleader—voted ‘Most Likely to Brighten Your Day.’”

“Nothing makes me happier than dancing,” she shared. “It transforms me. It’s the one time I release what’s inside—and feel completely sensual, alive, and free."

Her first major screen role came in Love Potion #9, followed by **Demolition Man** (1993) with Sylvester Stallone. But it was *Speed* (1994) that vaulted her to international stardom.

Comedian Dennis Miller called her "the girl next door who really might live next door," a perfect tribute to her warmth and down-to-earth charm.

With genuine exuberance, she kept winning hearts through her spirited performances and quiet generosity. Named one of Forbes’ most generous celebrities, she donated millions to Red Cross causes after 9/11 and the 2004 tsunami.

When she won the Oscar for *The Blind Side* (2010), she asked, “Did I really earn this, or did I just wear you all down?”

She once urged, “Be original, be original… be original. If you be yourself, and take care of yourself, you can take care of me when I'm old and gray.”