Let's make this birthday one to remember.

34 years old (Born on March 24, 1990)

actor.

Originally it was thought she was born in New Zealand as she was part Maori and became famous after a New Zealand film. It wasn't until her Oscar nomination that her Australian father revealed that she had in fact been born in Australia. During an interview with Jay Leno, she confessed she didn't know how to swim when she was cast in Whale Rider (2002). She often used to compete in and win speech competitions at school. Has three younger brothers, Rhys (born February 21, 1992), Liam (born 1996), and Quade (born July 2006), and a little sister Maddisyn (born 2001). Stays in contact with her Whale Rider (2002) co-star Cliff Curtis.

Boyfriend Bradley Hull, born January 11, 1987.

She was a fortunate discovery for Whale Rider (2002). The casting director and casting assistant went to her primary school in Mt Wellington, New Zealand and went through a few hundred children to choose their Paikea. They found her, only because she was playing up and being smart to them: she stood out.

One of her biggest challenges in making Whale Rider (2002) was having to go barefoot all the time.

Her parents, Tim Castle and Desrae Hughes, met in Australia, but were never married. They had 3 children together, during their 9 year relationship.

Has been learning Maori dances since she was 6.

Filmed all of her Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) scenes in just one day.

In 2004, at 13 she became the youngest actress ever to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award.

Is a fan of Johnny Depp; was able to meet him at the 76th Academy Awards when they were both nominees.

Spent seven hours in make-up for her cameo in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Her best school subjects used to be maths and science, but now she enjoys drama.

Her younger brother Rhys Castle-Hughes has followed in his sisters footsteps; he is a talented young actor who is appearing in a New Zealand series called "The Lost Children" (2006) and has also appeared in a NZ Short Film.

Moved to New Zealand from Australia when she was four years old. (Her father is Australian and her mother is New Zealand Maori.)

Is a fan of Julia Roberts.

Daughter, Felicity-Amore, born 25 April 2007. She weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz.

Discovered by the same agent who discovered Anna Paquin.

Shares the role of Mary, Jesus' mother, with Pernilla August. She and August have also both appeared in the Star Wars prequels.