Although turning 50 might be the birthday in which the reality of old age begins to creep in, it’s definitely a milestone age that should be celebrated. Why not, it’s a fabulous age! And when you’re sexy and successful like Lenny Kravitz and some of these other celebrities, hitting the halfway century mark isn’t so bad after all. In fact, some celebs turning 50 in 2014 look damn good — putting some of these younger celebs to shame. Take a look at a few celebrities that will be turning the big 5-0 this year.
Blair Underwood – Born August 25, 1964
Then: Making his film debut in the 1985 Hip Hop movie, Krush Groove this swoon-worthy actor has since been featured in over 20 films, like Asunder, Set It Off, and Something New, as well as even more television series like “L.A. Law,” “A Different World,” and “Sex and the City.” Remember when he played Denise Huxtable’s cute boyfriend on “The Cosby Show”?
Now: Still handsome as ever, in 2012 the award-winning Blair Underwood made his Broadway debut as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire. He will continue his acting journey this summer at The Old Globe Theatre in the role of Shakespeare’s Othello.
Holly Robinson Peete – Born September 18, 1964
Then: This actress and singer began her career on “Sesame Street,” long before one of her most notable roles as Sergeant Judy on the ’80s drama series, ”21 Jump Street.” Finding success in acting, her singing career never quite catapulted past singing the theme songs for a couple of TV shows she appeared in, ”21 Jump Street” and ”Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.”
Now: This mother of four now spends her time spreading the word for her HollyRod Foundation, autism, and being the spokesperson for Nestlé’s Carnation Breakfast Essentials, of which she can be seen in commercials for daily.
Robin Givens – Born November 27, 1964
Then: Beginning her acting career with a small appearance on ”The Cosby Show,” Robin found her way in many other roles both on the big and small screens, like ”Head of the Class.” But her most infamous and noted role (although short-lived) has probably been as the ex-wife of legendary boxer Mike Tyson.
Now: Still looking just as great as she did over 20 years ago, the sultry actress and now mother of two continues acting in small roles and stage plays. She’s has recurring roles on the popular BET sitcom ”The Game” and Tyler Perry’s ”House of Payne.”
Lenny Kravitz – Born May 26, 1964
Then: Multifaceted musician Lenny Kravitz hasn’t missed a beat since landing on the scene with music hit after hit. The sexy rocker went on to marry actress Lisa Bonet and father daughter Zoe Kravitz. The two separated, but are still great friends.
Now: The award winner not only continues to rock stages in a major way, but can often be seen making appearances in supporting roles on the big screen, like in Precious, The Hunger Games, and The Butler. And he’s still hot—wouldn’t you want to be his American woman?
Rosie Perez – Born Sep 06, 1964
Then: She made her film debut playing Mookie’s girlfriend in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, danced her way into our hearts on “Soul Train,” and choreographed routines for the Fly Girls on “In Living Color.” And with plenty of roles in between, we simply can’t forget Rosie’s most memorable role in film, White Men Can’t Jump.
Now: This Brooklyn born three-time Emmy-nominated choreographer is still making her acting rounds and has recently penned a memoir Handbook for an Unpredictable Life, which details traumatic experiences of her childhood and sheds light on her beef with Jennifer Lopez.
Wendy Williams – Born Jul 18, 1964
Then: This bold media personality made her mark on radio, starting from humble beginnings in the Virgin Islands to landing on some of New York’s top radio stations, like Hot 97 and WBLS. And since then she hasn’t stopped climbing to the top.
Now: Although she’s no longer dishing and serving up drama on the radio, Wendy continues to keep her millions of fans in the loop on her highly-rated syndicated talk show, “The Wendy Williams Show.” Between being a mom, writing novels, acting, hosting, and more, she has definitely garnered the title, Queen of all Media. How you doing?
RELATED: The Side of Wendy Williams You’ve Never Seen Before
Barry Bonds – Born Jul 24, 1964
Then: One of baseball’s most notable players with a career spanning 20-plus years, Barry Bonds is considered one of the best all-time players in sports. And after a long career tainted by steroid use and legal issues, Bond’s jersey number has not been retired and remains in circulation.
Now: Recently Bonds became a roving spring training instructor for the San Francisco Giants.
Vivica Fox – Born June 30, 1964
Then: Getting her acting start on soap operas and playing the legendary Patti Labelle’s daughter on the ’90s sitcom “Out All Night,” this on-screen diva catapulted to fame with two of her biggest movie roles in Set It Off and Independence Day, alongside Will Smith.
Now: After much success with her roles in the Kill Bill saga and other movie and television roles, Vivica has expanded her resume with producing many television shows. She’s even gone on to create a hair extension line. And she can now be seen on the latest season of “Celebrity Apprentice.”
Biz Markie – Born April 8, 1964
Then: The “Just a Friend” rapper’s claim to fame came about in the early ’80s, as a superb beat-boxer for many of rap’s pioneers. But he also became a hip hop legend himself.
Now: With a few studio albums and hits under his belt, Biz continues his music career as a well sought after celebrity DJ. With such an expansive record collection—well over 50,000 records—he has spun at parties for the likes of Will Smith, Diana Ross, Kobe Bryant, and many more.
Djimon Hounsou – Born Apr 24, 1964
Then: This Beninese American model and actor began his modeling career in Paris and then appearing in music videos with Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. He later went on to acting in many shows, even picking up a Golden Globe nomination for his work in the Steven Spielberg movie, Amistad.
Now: While stepping into the role of fatherhood, Djimon continues to capture the hearts of women on-screen. He was most recently in the 2013 comedy, Baggage Claim with Paul Patton, and will be in the seventh installment ofFast & Furious with the late Paul Walker.
Cedric the Entertainer – Born April 24, 1964
Then: This King of Comedy got his start on talent shows like “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” and later on BET’s “Comic View,” making the audience laugh.
Now: After a successful run on the hit sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show,” his acting career took off and landed him many movie roles like Barbershop, Barbershop 2, Johnson Family Vacation, and Street Kings. He is currently the latest to host the syndicated game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
Don Cheadle – Born November 29, 1964
Then: This seasoned actor began his career with supporting roles on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Golden Palace,” a “Golden Girls” spin-off show. He later grabbed major attention in films like Devil in a Blue Dress, Hotel Rwanda, and Iron Man 2 and 3.
Now: With numerous award nominations and wins as both an actor and a producer under his belt, it’s safe to say this guy is a true movie star. He’s currently starring in the Showtime comedy-drama series “House of Lies,” which has been renewed for a fourth season. And we’ll be seeing him back on the big screen in the action film Avengers: Age of Ultron next year.