The Coolest Throwback Photos of Sandra Bullock, in Honor of Her 61st Birthday

American actress Sandra Bullock, wearing a white t-shirt with a nametag — Sandra Bullock in 1995.Credit : Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

The definition of America’s Sweetheart, the beloved actress cut her teeth in films and TV shows such as Hangmen, A Fool and His Money, Lucky Chances and Working Girl, before she made a splash at the box office with 1994’s Speed, alongside Keanu Reeves.

From then on, she churned out box office hit after box office hit with films like While You Were Sleeping, The Net, In Love and War, Practical Magic and many (many!) more.

She won even more hearts when she played rough-and-tumble cop-turned-beauty-queen, Gracie Heart, in Miss Congeniality and Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous. She gave us more classic performances in The Lake House and The Proposal before snagging an Oscar for her riveting performance in The Blind Side.

As she celebrates another year around the sun on Saturday, July 26, 2025, see the actress’ best throwback pictures.

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Girl Next Door

Sandra Bullock in 1993.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

The budding superstar appeared shy and a little nervous at the premiere of 1993’s Demolition Man.

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Taking the Reins

A fresh-faced and rosy-cheeked Sandra Bullock aptly took the driver’s’ seat during a promotion for Speed in this undated shot.

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Friends Forever

Sandra Bullock & Keanu Reeves hollywood 06 07 94 — Sandra Bullock & Keanu Reeves in 1994.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves — now longtime friends — looked super sweet in this pic from the 1994 premiere of Speed.

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Simple Elegance

Sandra Bullock was in good spirits while attending the premiere of The Net in a little pink dress back in 1995.

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Award-Winning Glee

Sandra Bullock during The 1995 MTV Movie Awards at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, United States — Sandra Bullock in 1995.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Sandy won big for Speed at the 1995 MTV Movie Awards, nabbing the award for Best Female Performance. She also walked away with three other popcorn bucket trophies: Best Kiss and Best Onscreen duo with Reeves, as well Most Desirable Female.

06of 16

Star Girl

Sandra Bullock during 22nd Annual People's Choice Awards at Universal Studios in Universal City, California, United States — Sandra Bullock in 1996.SGranitz/WireImage

The actress posed with her award during the 22nd Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1996.

07of 16

Fashion Girl

Sandra Bullock during The 68th Annual Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, United States — Sandra Bullock in 1996.SGranitz/WireImage

She didn’t win her own Oscar until 2010, but Sandra Bullock was certainly one of the night’s winners when she arrived at the 68th Annual Academy Awards in 1996. The actress stunned in this floor-length Calvin Klein dress accentuated with silver accessories and big hair.

08of 16

Sharing the Spotlight

Sandra Bullock & Jason Patric during Speed 2: Cruise Control - Press Junket in Catalina, California, United States — Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric in 1997.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric goofed around during a press junket for Speed 2: Cruise Control back in 1997.

09of 16

Night on the Town

Sandra Bullock during APLA's "Ten-Year Commitment to Life" Gala Benefit at Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, United States — Sandra Bullock in 1998.SGranitz/WireImage

The superstar seemed to be having a good time while attending the APLA’s “Ten-Year Commitment to Life” Gala Benefit at Universal Amphitheatre back in 1998.

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Fun on Set

1998 Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. star in Hope Floats. — Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. in ‘Hope Floats’.Getty

The same year, she starred in the classic film, Hope Floats, opposite Harry Connick Jr. Above, the two were captured having some fun while filming.

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Cute Date

Sandra Bullock and Mae Whitman during "Hope Floats" Los Angeles Premiere at Mann's Village Theater in Westwood, California, United States — Sandra Bullock and Mae Whitman.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

For the film’s premiere, Sandra Bullock took this adorable picture with a young Mae Whitman — who also starred in the film — at Mann’s Village Theater in Westwood, California.

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Fire in Her Eyes

Sandra Bullock in 'Practical Magic'. — Sandra Bullock in ‘Practical Magic’.Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

She played one half of the spell-binding Owens sisters, opposite Nicole Kidman, in the 1998 fantasy film Practical Magic (and she’ll reprise the role in the upcoming sequel!).

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In Her Gothic Era

For the 1999 premiere of Forces of Nature, the actress went with a deep red ensemble complemented by a dark makeup look.

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Set Snuggles

1999 Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck star in the new movie "Forces of Nature." — Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck in ‘Forces of Nature’.Getty

A box office hit, it seems Forces of Nature was as thrilling to make as it was to watch. Sandra Bullock and her costar Ben Affleck were pictured goofing around on set back in 1999.

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Serving Face

Sandra Bullock Arrives At The 25Th Annual People's Choice Awards In Pasadena, Ca., January 10, 1999. Bullock's Mother, Helga Bullock, Died On Tuesday, April 4, 2000, After A Long Illness — Sandra Bullock in 1999.Dan Callister/Getty

Bullock showcased her beautiful facial features in this romantic makeup look she rocked at the 25th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1999.

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Heaven Sent

Sandra Bullock during 76th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals by Gregg DeGuire at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States — Sandra Bullock at the 76th Annual Academy Awards in 2004.Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

The Miss Congeniality actress looked angelic in this pristine, white Oscar de la Renta gown at the 76th Annual Academy Awards in 2004.