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In 1969 Richard Nixon became president, the “Miracle” Mets won the World Series, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took the very first lunar stroll, and Led Zeppelin’s debut album was released. In addition to these historic events, 1969 was also the birth year of several Hollywood A-listers, including Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, Cate Blanchett, and this month’s birthday girl, Catherine Zeta-Jones.

While there are plenty of reasons to venerate the year 1969, there is one catch to having it be your birth year. And that would be that the time has now come to bid your 30s adieu and face the most dreaded of b-days, the big 4-uh-0. Up until not too long ago, turning 40 in Hollywood meant that an actress’ career was about to enter a middle age induced coma.

“There are only three ages in Hollywood: babe, district attorney, and ‘Driving Miss Daisy,’” an indicative, little wisdom pearl from Goldie Hawn’s character in the 1996 comedy “The First Wives Club.” Fortunately, however, turning 40 in Hollywood is no longer likened to having leprosy. The aforementioned quadragenarian actresses are still among the most beautiful and most bankable stars in the industry, and they are showing plenty of staying power.

Born on September 25, 1969, Catherine Zeta-Jones, a native of South Whales, was born to parents Patricia, an Irish seamstress, and David “Dai” Jones, a Welsh candy factory owner. As a child, Catherine got her first taste of acting while performing as Tallulah in “Bugsy Malone” and in the Swansea Grand Theater’s production of “Annie.” Her interest in theater quickly developed into a full blown zest, so she decided to enroll at “The Arts Educational Schools” in Chiswick, West London.