Celebrities born in the Year of the Horse • PhilSTAR Life

Jackie Chan (April 7, 1954)

Who doesn’t know Jackie Chan? He has been a major Asian and Chinese martial arts representative in movies from the 70s to the early 2000s. His slapstick comedy, paired with astonishing stunts, has been a big-screen delight to those who have seen his work.

In 2012, the prolific actor earned two Guinness World Records for Most Stunts Performed by a Living Actor and Most Credits in One Movie for the film Chinese Zodiac. In 2025’s Karate Kid: Legends, he has shown that he never lost his acrobatic moves, even with age. Chan has established himself as Hong Kong’s lucky charm in Hollywood through the years.

Sharon Cuneta (Jan. 6, 1966)

@reallysharoncuneta / Instagram

Sharon Cuneta is a powerhouse on her own, having been dubbed the Megastar whose claim to fame is a soothing Mr. DJ in the 70s. 

Just recently, the veteran actress celebrated a remarkable 48-year career in show business. “God has blessed me with an only-He-could’ve-given unbelievable career, an amazing life, AWESOME and LOYAL and LOVING SHARONIANS,” the Megastar penned in an Instagram post. This Horse seems as fulfilled as ever.

Adam Sandler (Sept. 9, 1966)

A multi-awarded American comedy actor, Adam Sandler has been memorable in early 90s and 2000s movies such as The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, and Click.

Today’s generation may remember him as the voice of Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania movies since 2012. This Horse continues to star in some films to this day, with his most recent work being Happy Gilmore 2, released in 2025.

Gordon Ramsay (Nov. 8, 1966)

@gordongram / Instagram

A British chef, restaurateur, and television presenter for countless cooking shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef, Gordon Ramsay has been one of the most influential voices in the world’s kitchen. His restaurant group, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, has received 17 Michelin stars so far.

Ramsay is well respected for his craft. In 2024, he opened Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in the Philippines, followed by two more restaurants in Cebu. We can only expect a culinary empire to continue to thrive with a hardworking Horse like Ramsay.

Judy Ann Santos (May 11, 1978)

Judy Ann Santos PH / Facebook

Judy Ann Santos, the Queen of Pinoy Soap Operas, has proven her acting skills in both the big and small screens, accumulating numerous local and international awards from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and MMFF.

She is now a chef and restaurateur. Her cookbook Judy Ann’s Kitchen received the Gourmand International’s Cookbook Award for Best Authors and Chefs Outside Europe. She also has a YouTube channel eponymous with her book.

John Legend (Dec. 28, 1978)

Not many people knew John Legend until his hit single All of Me in 2013.

Since then, the American artist-producer has collaborated with well-known artists like Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande. His most remarkable achievement is being an EGOT member—a recipient of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award—and he was the first black male to achieve this feat.

Aljur Abrenica (March 24, 1990)

@ajabrenica / Instagram

Aljur Abrenica rose to fame as the “Ultimate Hunk” in the fourth season of GMA’s talent reality show StarStruck. After a hiatus, he returned strong to show business with different roles in ABS-CBN projects. He’s currently part of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

Recently, Abrenica made the rounds online when he reunited with his former onscreen partner Kris Bernal, also a StarStruck alumna, on a noontime show. 

Matteo Guidicelli (March 26, 1990)

Matteo Guidicelli / Facebook

Matteo Guidicelli has been focusing on his business ventures, including a restaurant in Alabang as well as his own studio. He also takes up short courses at Harvard Business School when his schedule allows.

From acting on TV and film, he now hosts a newcast of Bilyonaryo News Channel.

Kristen Stewart (April 9, 1990) 

Known for supporting roles as a child actress at age 12, Kristen Stewart‘s career never skyrocketed as high as it did since 2008’s Twilight Saga where she played the beloved Bella Swan.

From being a multi-awarded actress, she has now shifted into being an independent movie director. Here’s to hoping nothing but the best for this Horse.

Emma Watson (April 15, 1990)

Since starring as an English child actress in the Harry Potter movies, Emma Watson has been one of the most influential and highest-paid actresses of all time, per Forbes and Time Magazine.

In 2014, she became a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and has been a strong advocate for women’s rights. From the popular Belle in 2017’s Beauty and the Beast to the classy Meg in 2019’s Little Women, this Horse always proves how good she is at her craft.

Kim Chiu (April 19, 1990)

Kim Chiu / Facebook

Kim Chiu is the definition of survivor—rising unscathed from an assassination attempt from a “mistaken identity” in 2020, turning around social media backlash for her “Bawal Lumabas” gaffe into an encouraging pop song, and bouncing back from a breakup after being in a 12-year relationship.

Following the success of her 2024 series Linlang, 2025 movie My Love Will Make You Disappear, and a thriving hosting stint at ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime, we’re excited to see what’s next for this Horse.

Rhian Ramos (Oct. 3, 1990)

@whianwamos / Instagram

From being Richard Gutierrez‘s leading lady in 2006’s Captain Barbell to pushing boundaries with a Girls’ Love role in 2015’s The Rich Man’s Daughter, on top of other movie and hosting roles, Rhian Ramos has continually proven to be a talented and versatile talent.

Her most recent role is the ice mage antagonist of GMA’s Sang’gre, Mitena. What character do you want the local star to portray next?

Belle Mariano (June 10, 2002)

Belle Mariano / Facebook

Belle Mariano blossomed her way to stardom, starting as a Goin’ Bulilit child star in 2012 at 9 years old. Since her pairing with Donny Pangilinan in 2021 in teleseryes He’s Into Her and Can’t Buy Me Love, this beloved star has become a household name for Gen Z romance offerings.

While she has yet to appear in a new series or film, Mariano remains a sought-after endorser and a mainstay host on ASAP. Last January, she revealed that she recently bought her dream house, a product of her hard work and dedication as an actress. We hope that good things will continue to go her way.

Jenna Ortega (Sept. 27, 2002)

Dubbed as the Gen Z scream queen, Jenna Ortega has elevated herself to the mainstream world with slasher movies since 2022’s Scream, X, and Scream VI. But what made her an international name is playing the grim and nonchalant Wednesday in the Netflix series of the same name.

With unfinished science fiction movies Klara and The Sun and The Great Beyond lined up for her, headlined by big-time directors Taika Waititi and J.J. Abrams, respectively, the future is looking bright for this Gen Z Horse. 

Sofia Laforteza (Dec. 31, 2002)

sofia_laforteza / Instagram

Sophia Laforteza—the daughter of theater actress Carla Guevara Laforteza and chef Godfrey Laforteza—is making a mark for herself in the global music scene. She joined the international competition Dream Academy in 2023 before debuting as member and leader of the international rookie girl group KATSEYE. 

Just three years since their debut, Laforteza has proven that she could hold her own and even lead a group of different nationalities on the international stage with hits like Gabriela and Gnarly. She never forgets her roots, though—last year, she spent Christmas with her family in the Philippines.