Happy Birthday Gwyneth! Look at Her Career Rise and Pre Fame Pics

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Gwyneth Paltrow Baby Photo

Aw, little baby Gwyneth in her baby photo! It’s hard to tell, but those locks were going to grow out to be long, luscious, and alluring. From crib to red carpet, Paltrow was born a star!

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Gwyneth Paltrow in 1989

Here’s Gwynnie looking very '90s but very recognizable, as even today she's got the natural long, flowing hair and demure smile.

Gwyneth Paltrow as Young Wendy Darling in Hook in 1991

Gwyneth Paltrow as Young Wendy Darling in Hook in 1991

In 1991, Paltrow landed the role of Wendy in Steven Spielberg's Hook. With a star-studded cast (Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and Julia Roberts to name a few), the creative take on the children’s classic became a Disney movie classic.

Miramax

Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma Woodhouse in Emma in 1996

An A-list career is nothing without at least one period piece and a foreign accent. In 1996, Paltrow was a leading lady as Emma Woodhouse in the Jane Austen novel-to-movie Emma, a comedic film about a well-meaning girl trying to play matchmaker with her friends. Things, of course, go awry, but all is right in the end.

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt in 1996

Before settling down with her husband Chris Martin, Paltrow was one of Hollywood’s most eligible and sought-after actresses. Her late-'90s, high-profile romances included a nearly three-year stint with Brad Pitt. Gotta say, Gwynnie’s got a good eye.

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Gwyneth Paltrow with Her Parents, Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, in 1997

Paltrow is no stranger to Hollywood; in fact, she’s like royalty. Her father was film producer and director Bruce Paltrow, and her mother is the esteemed actress Blythe Danner. Paltrow went to school in both L.A. and New York City before eventually pursuing a career in acting. While she didn’t risk much to follow her dreams, her talent and trademark classiness prove that she is her parents’ daughter.

Gwyneth Paltrow winning the Best Actress Award at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999 for her role in Shakespeare in Love

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Gwyneth Paltrow Winning the Best Actress Award at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999 for Her Role in Shakespeare in Love

In 1999, Paltrow won herself a much-deserved Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love. Paltrow was overcome with emotion during her acceptance speech and thanked pretty much everyone she could think of before she left the stage, but delivered it beautifully.

Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001

Touchstone Pictures

Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001

Paltrow played Margot Tenenbaum, the playwright and adopted daughter of the eccentric Tenenbaum family. Her trademark kohl-rimmed eyes and stick-straight blond hair made Margot unforgettable. Paltrow has described director Wes Anderson as “specific,” in that he knew exactly what he wanted, but that it gave her freedom underneath it to explore the role. Paltrow actually met and started dating fellow actor Luke Wilson on the set of The Royal Tenenbaums, but the relationship ended quietly after two years.

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin in 2003

Paltrow met her leading man backstage at a Coldplay concert in 2002. After a year of dating, they sealed the deal in 2003, and less than six months later Paltrow gave birth to their daughter Apple and a few years later, their son, Moses. Sadly, the two decided to "consciously uncouple" in 2014.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Weekly Online Newsletter, Goop

Paltrow started a weekly online newsletter in 2008 called Goop. The lifestyle-centered publication focuses on something related to make, go, get, do, be, or see. Paltrow provides her readers access to recipes, wellness tips, and all kinds of other helpful resources to improve ways of living. Check it out now for Gwyneth updates and her personal recommendations!

Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Pots in Iron Man in 2008

Marvel

Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Pots in Iron Man in 2008

Paltrow makes the perfect Pepper. In the 2008 Marvel film Iron Man, Paltrow plays Pepper Potts, the waifish secretary and personal assistant to Tony Stark. Her well-delivered snark and sleek gingery hair, not to mention her enviable figure, captivated audiences.

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Her Children, Apple and Moses Martin, in 2011

Paltrow and Martin have two children together: Apple and Moses Martin. Paltrow has said she only lets them watch TV in Spanish or English, while Martin says he uses his kids to test out new Coldplay music.

Gwyneth Paltrow as Beth Emhoff in Contagion in 2011

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Gwyneth Paltrow as Beth Emhoff in Contagion in 2011

Paltrow had an unusually short amount of screen time in the 2011 movie Contagion. One of the first to fall ill during a deadly epidemic, Paltrow plays Matt Damon’s wife, Beth Emhoff, who suddenly dies after less than a week of showing symptoms of being sick. The best way to darken a plot? Kill off Gwyneth Paltrow in the first 15 minutes of a film.

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Gwyneth Paltrow at the Stand Up to Cancer Benefit in 2012

Here’s Paltrow at a 2012 benefit for Stand Up to Cancer, a charitable program established by Entertainment Industry Foundation members who have been affected by cancer. Paltrow’s father, Bruce Paltrow, died in 2002 after battling oral cancer for several years, so Paltrow supports cancer research and helps raise awareness. Beautiful inside and out, she's unstoppable!

Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday in Glee

Gwyneth Paltrow has been visiting the halls of McKinley High off and on since 2010 as substitute teacher Holly Holliday. She's shown off her vocal skills and won an 2011 Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.