Famous Birthdays·October 21·Glen Powell
Glen Powell

USGlen Powell

A charismatic Hollywood leading man who climbed from scene-stealing sidekick roles to become a master of modern charm and blockbuster appeal.

Born 1988 (age 38)·American actor·Birthday: October 21·Millennials

Photo: Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0

Biography

Glen Powell's trajectory in Hollywood is a textbook case of persistence paying off. The Austin native spent over a decade as a recognizable 'that guy,' delivering sharp, memorable performances in supporting roles that showcased his natural wit and screen presence. His turn as the cocky frat boy in 'Everybody Wants Some!!' and the charmingly scheming coworker in 'Set It Up' demonstrated a specific, appealing brand of modern masculinity—confident but not toxic, funny without being a clown. This groundwork laid the foundation for his ascent. He leveraged this into co-creating and starring in the hit rom-com 'Anyone But You,' proving his bankability as a leading man. Powell has skillfully navigated between crowd-pleasing comedies, historical dramas like 'Devotion,' and big-budget spectacles, all while maintaining a reputation as a shrewd, hands-on creative force in shaping his projects.

Millennials

1981–1996

The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.

Glen was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.

#1 When Glen Was Born

The biggest hits of 1988

#1 Movie

Rain Man

Best Picture

Rain Man

#1 TV Show

The Cosby Show

Glen's Life & Times

The world at every milestone

1988Born

Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie

Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school

European Union officially established

Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager

September 11 attacks transform the world

Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive

Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000

Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote

Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet

Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21

Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created

Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30

Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting

Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump

Key Achievements

  • Co-created and starred in the 2023 romantic comedy 'Anyone But You,' which became a major global box office success.
  • Portrayed astronaut John Glenn in the Oscar-nominated film 'Hidden Figures'.
  • Played a leading role in the 2022 aerial war drama 'Devotion' as naval aviator Tom Hudner.
  • Starred as a series regular in the first season of the Fox comedy-horror series 'Scream Queens'.

Did You Know?

He was a competitive debater in high school and initially attended the University of Texas at Austin for radio-television-film.

He worked as a pizza delivery driver while auditioning for early roles in Los Angeles.

He performed many of his own flying stunts for his role in the film 'Devotion'.

He turned down the role of Finn in the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy.

“The best piece of advice I ever got was from my dad, who said, 'Don't be an actor, be a movie star.' And what he meant by that was, don't wait for the phone to ring.”

— Glen Powell

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