Iconic Celebrities Who Embody the Year of the Horse

Today, Feb. 17, 2025, marks the first day of the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Horse. We think this is the beginning of a truly special year.

It’s the Year of the Fire Horse, reflecting the horse with a period of power, abundance, freedom and loyalty—and seeing all of those traits made even stronger by the growth of fire. It’s a season to embrace change and focus on the goals that drive you in the name of reaping big rewards.

This year is bound to go by in a flash, much like a rapidly galloping racehorse, but before it’s gone, we want to celebrate some of our favorite iconic celebrities who were born during the Year of the Horse. This lunar zodiac sign is known for its success, endurance and grace even under the greatest of pressures. They’re active, energetic and dynamic, with creative and decisive personalities and always keep them moving forward. Curious about those born during the Year of the Horse? Discover a few of the greats below.

(Wednesday via Netflix)

At the age of 23, Jenna Ortega has achieve what many other actors accomplish in a lifetime. She was just a young teenager when she first won our hearts on Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, and his since become one of the biggest names of both film and the small screen, from big Hollywood roles in Scream VI, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Death of a Unicorn to becoming the iconic Wednesday Addams on Netflix’s Wednesday. Her rapid ascension is the hallmark of the horse, and she’s just getting started.

Finn Wolfhard is another 23-year-old actor born in 2002 who’s been a star from a young age. He was just 13 when he first appeared as Mike Wheeler on Stranger Things, joining an impressive cast of young stars that have all since become household names. Plus, in addition to being a staple of both television and movies over the last decade, he’s also the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band Calpurnia, proving he’s anything but a one-trick pony.

Also read about: Here’s What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Says About You, Based on the Lunar Calendar

Finding fame in youth seems a common factor among many born in the Year of the Horse, and that definitely includes actress Emma Watson. She was just 11 when the first Harry Potter film released, instantly making her one of the biggest films stars in the world. Since then, she’s taken a step away from acting, but she’s put that fame and success to good use, advocating for gender equality and environmental sustainability.

Gordon Ramsay (1966)

We wouldn’t just say that Gordon Ramsay is a celebrity chef—he is the celebrity chef. The British celebrity chef, TV host and restauranteur has made a name for himself with his delicious food, Michelin-starred restaurants and fiery temper. He’s known for being strict, but fair, and also for his desire to pass along what he knows to the next generation, with a mission of making restaurants better with both improved food and customer experiences. Those are definitely Year of the Horse traits.

Denzel Washington (1954)

Denzel Washington is among America’s most famous and well-respected actors, with two Academy Awards for his work and more than 60 credits to his name. From Glory to Malcolm X, Training Day, Flight and Fences, he’s never put in a performance that wasn’t instantly captivating, truthful and incredible to watch, and at 71, he’s still at it. To date, his films have grossed more than $5 billion, cementing his place as one of the greatest actors working today.

Also read about: 7 Iconic Celebrities Who Perfectly Represent the Year of the Snake

Catherine O’Hara (1954)

Tragically, Canadian and American actress, writer and comedian Catherine O’Hara passed away earlier this year, but her legendary career spanned decades, starting in the ’70s, and touched generations of fans everywhere. Whether you knew her best as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, the voice of both Sally and Shock in The Nightmare Before Christmas, as the mom from Home Alone or from her work in one of Christopher Guest’s hilarious mocumentaries, her talent and warmth were undeniable, and will go on to keep us laughing for many decades to come.

Paul McCartney (1942)

The Beatles were one of the biggest bands of all time, with a cultural impact that’s still felt more than 55 years after the band broke up, and it could never have been what it was without the talents of Sir Paul McCartney. Born in 1942, the bassist, guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter was half of the famous Lennon-McCartney duo that put the band on the map and inspired Beatlemania, selling over 100 million records in his time—and the wild thing is that he’s still making music at touring at the age of 83.

Eager to learn more about the lunar new year? Click HERE to discover the symbolically meaningful traditional foods of the lunar new year.