Let's make this birthday one to remember.

45 years old (Born on April 12, 1979)

American actress; She is famous from My So-Called Life, Romeo + Juliet, Stardust and Homeland.

Once said in a Vanity Fair article that at university, she is interested in psychology, philosophy, and art history. Grew up in SoHo. Auditioned for the role of Lisa in Girl, Interrupted (1999). Loves watching "The Golden Girls" (1985) reruns. She turned down the role of "Rose" in Titanic (1997) as she had just finished working with Leonardo DiCaprio on Romeo + Juliet (1996). Though she described working with him on that film as a "treat", she admitted in an interview later that if she had accepted the role in Titanic (1997), she would not have been able to get away from him.

Completed 2 years at Yale University pursuing a degree in psychology but never finished (2002)

Has an older brother, Asa.

Started studying modern dance at the age of six.

Baz Luhrmann, Danes' director for Romeo + Juliet (1996), referred to her as "the Meryl Streep of her generation".

She and Billy Crudup became a couple during the filming of Stage Beauty (2004).

The most frequently used title for articles about her has been "Great Danes".

Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world. [1997]

Auditioned and was the first choice for the role of Rose in Titanic (1997).

Briefly attended the junior high section of the New York City Lab School from 1991-1992. Nick Valensi (guitarist, The Strokes), Charlie Hofheimer (actor, Black Hawk Down (2001)), and Max Lugavere (self, Current TV) graduated from the high school section of the same school in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively. It is a small public school.

Has at least 4 songs written about her. The Ataris' "My So Called Life" (album: "Look Forward to Failure" EP), Size 14's "Claire Danes Poster" (self-titled album), The Five Mile Line's "Claire Danes" ("Busride Home" demo) and "Claire Danes", a low fi indi ballad by John Parker Music which was released on Subversive Records Limited in 2004.

Parents are Chris & Carla Danes.

Attended the Professional Performing Arts High School in New York City. Other alumni include singer/dancer/actress Britney Spears, actor Lee Thompson Young and actor/singer/dancer Chris Trousdale.

Dated actor Matt Damon. [1996]

Her mother is an artist while her father is a photographer.

Broke up with Ben Lee after beginning a relationship with Billy Crudup

Attended the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute.

Her older brother is a corporate lawyer.

Her mother ran a daycare center out of their Soho loft called Danes Tribe.

Was considered for the title role in Lolita (1997).

Is the younger of 2 children.

Flew to L.A. for the casting of Schindler's List (1993), after she was discovered for the role in "My So-Called Life" (1994). Steven Spielberg finally gave her the role but had to turn it down, because they weren't willing to give her tutoring in Poland.

Her letter of recommendation to Yale University was written by Oliver Stone, her director on U Turn (1997).

Awarded the Nova Award at the 2007 Maui film Festival.

Is mentioned in actor Canyon Prince's song "Life" from his 2003 album "Live and Funked Up".

Was banned from the Philippines in Sept 1998, for making derogatory remarks about the country. The President of the Philippines condemned her publicly.

Very close friends with actor Jason Schwartzman.