Nicolas Cage, the iconic actor known for his eclectic roles and Hollywood legacy, turns 61 on January 7, 2025, celebrating another year of remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry. Born on this day in 1964, Cage has been captivating audiences with performances ranging from the emotionally charged 'Leaving Las Vegas' to action-packed blockbusters like 'National Treasure' and 'Face/Off.'
Among the many celebrations of Cage's birthday this year, fans are especially interested in his developments, both personally and professionally. Recently, Cage has been making headlines not just for his cinematic achievements but also for his heartwarming personal milestone—his marriage to Riko Shibata.
Cage tied the knot with Riko on February 16, 2021, at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. The couple's wedding was described as "very small and intimate" and was significant not only because of their love but also because the date held special meaning—it was chosen to honor the birthday of Cage's late father. "It's true, and we are very happy," Cage emailed to TODAY, confirming the joy surrounding his latest venture.
Riko, who was 26 at the time, wore a beautiful handmade Japanese bridal kimono, contributing to the cultural richness of the occasion. The couple exchanged traditional Catholic and Shinto vows and added personal touches with poetry from Walt Whitman and Haiku during the ceremony, showcasing the blend of their cultural backgrounds. According to Cage's representative, the couple was introduced through friends and met during Cage's visit to Japan. Riko walked down the aisle to her favorite song, "Winter Song" by the pop duo Kiroro.
For Cage, this union marks his fifth marriage, but it seems different than his past relationships, as he continues to maintain warm connections with his ex-wives. He remains good friends with Alice Kim, with whom he shares one of his three children, Kal. Cage's children reflect another layer of complexity to his life, with each bearing different family dynamics from their mothers—Kristina Fulton, Lisa Marie Presley, and Alice Kim.
This year also celebrates significant and possibly nostalgic moments for Cage’s fans, as talks mount about continuing the legacy of the cult classic 'Face/Off.' Alessandro Nivola, who starred alongside Cage, recently reminisced about their filming experience, sharing his initial reaction to the film's premise. He humorously recalled, "Okay. Yeah. You know, I started off strong. It was my first movie. It was all downhill from there (laughs)." The enduring legacy of 'Face/Off' has attracted attention again with plans for 'Face/Off 2,' rumored to include Cage and John Travolta reprising their roles. Perhaps it's the thrilling combination of action and campy humor, topped with the commitment of its actors, that's kept fans clamoring for more.
Currently, Cage is also riding high with his latest adrenaline-inducing performance as the sinister dollmaker in the horror film 'Longlegs.' Released recently, the movie has been capturing the attention of horror fans and showcasing Cage's talent for weaving between genres effortlessly. Critics are already hailing his performance as one of his standout works, marking 'Longlegs' as must-see viewing this season. The project exemplifies Cage's fascination with unique roles and his dedication to character transformation.
Cage's eclectic filmography serves as a backdrop against the complex persona he has woven through years of fame, marriage, fatherhood, and the extraordinary lengths he’s gone to find diverse characters to portray. From his upbringing as the nephew of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola to the multifaceted life he leads now, Cage continues to reinvent himself and captivate audiences.
His reflections on parenting have also offered insights on his relationships with each of his children, emphasizing, "They're all different experiences. Each one has a different mother," during interviews. He admits it's not the traditional family path he envisioned, yet it's proven to be fulfilling. Cage embraces the joy and challenges of fatherhood, creating distinct bonds with each child as they grow.
For fans, Cage's birthday offers not just well-wishes but also reminders of his enduring legacy—one rich with history, heart, humor, and unpredictability. Capturing both his exuberant public persona and personal growth, the past year alone lays another layer of depth to his life as he continues developing both as an actor and as a family man.