Marvel fans are ringing in the New Year by wishing Thunderbolts star Florence Pugh a happy birthday. Pugh plays Yelena Belova, the sister of Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yelena debuted in 2021’s Black Widow and had a guest appearance in the Disney+ series Hawkeye, but will soon take on a larger role in this year’s Thunderbolts. With Black Widow gone, it’s up to her sister the White Widow to carry on the good fight of redeemed Red Room operatives.
On January 3, 2025, fans around the world took to social media to celebrate Pugh's 29th birthday. Born on January 3, 1996, she is now just one year shy of reaching the significant milestone of 30. Many fans shared their favorite moments from her filmography, acknowledging the impact she has made over her relatively short but impressive career.
The upcoming Thunderbolts film will now be her chance to shine as the leading star within the Marvel universe. Before this role solidified her status as a household name, Pugh first garnered acclaim for her standout performances in films like Midsommar, Lady Macbeth, and Fighting with My Family. Indeed, her portrayal of Yelena Belova brought both humor and depth to the character, showcasing her range as an actress.
Social media was filled with well-wishes and photos of Pugh from various projects. “Happy 29th birthday to Florence Pugh!” exclaimed Film Updates on X (formerly Twitter), with post images highlighting moments from Midsommar, Don’t Worry Darling, Dune: Part Two, and the upcoming Thunderbolts. Fans eagerly shared their favorite roles, applauding her performances and expressing admiration for her versatility.
Florence Pugh spent the last day of her 28th year doing something surprisingly relatable – deep cleaning. On her Instagram Stories, she humorously detailed her cleaning day, explaining, “You know when you start cleaning and basically tip out your life… it’s all too overwhelming.” This personal glimpse connects her to fans who understand the trials of tidying up large messes.
But as she turns 29, Pugh isn’t just celebrating with friends and fans—she is also reflecting on the significant strides she has made within Hollywood. Recently on the Reign With Josh Smith podcast, she discussed the challenges of being a young woman in the industry, admitting, “It's very hard. It's exhausting as well. It's really, really tiring.”
Recognizing the struggles young women face, she emphasized the importance of standing up for oneself. “Young women in this industry have so much to fight for and to protect and to defend,” she said. “It makes you have to figure yourself out. I’ve always been proud of the way I defended myself.”
Pugh's candid remarks resonate especially well, coming from someone who launched her career during the Me Too and Time's Up movements—entities advocating for equality and respect within the industry. “The time I came [into the industry] was really important,” she reflected, noting the continuous necessity for women to fight for the things they believe to be right.
This experience has only solidified her resolve. “Now I get to just look after myself, I look after my heart and that's where I am right now,” she stated proudly, underscoring her commitment to personal well-being and empowerment.
Looking back at her career, Pugh is not just known for her phenomenal acting abilities but also for her relatable personality and signature bold style. From witty Instagram posts to her adventurous spirit—illustrated by her whimsical desire to have a Giant African Snail as a pet—she continues to be both entertaining and inspiring.
The excitement continues to build around her role as Yelena Belova, especially as fans anticipate the premiere of Thunderbolts on May 2, 2025. David Harbour, who stars alongside her, teased fans by hinting at some intriguing details about the movie. “I think it relates to the whole movie,” he shared at D23 Expo Brazil, shedding some light on the mysterious nature of the film’s title.
Simultaneously, Pugh's ability to connect with her audience has never been more apparent. This birthday marks another year of her engaging with fans and sharing snippets of her life, including those quirky moments of cleaning. It’s evident – whether captivating audiences with her performances or simply amusing them on social media – she is loved for both her talent and authenticity.
Florence Pugh’s 29th birthday is not just about her age; it is about the recognition she earns for being fierce and tenacious both on and off the screen. Happy 29th birthday, Florence! We hope you have your Giant African Snail someday and continue to shine!