February 29 is a rare date that only comes around every four years, thanks to the leap year.
First introduced by Julius Caesar, leap days are thought to be lucky in some places and unlucky in others. But what happens if you’re born on one?
Also known as leapers, people who were born on leap days do, unfortunately, age at the same rate as everyone else, even if they technically don’t have a birth date every year.
Some people celebrate with lavish parties every four years when the leap day does come round, leaning into the fact that birthdays are rarer for them than everyone else.
Others simply celebrate on February 28 or March 1, making do with the approximate date.
That includes some famous faces who have their birthdays on February 29. Here’s a list of some celebrities who hold the lucky/unlucky title of leapers.
Ja Rule
The hip-hop artist was born on February 29, 1976, meaning he will turn 48 this year.
Ja Rule rose to fame in the 2000s, for his unique blend of gangsta rap and commercial-facing pop. He was also caught up in the Fyre Festival controversy, as a co-founder alongside con artist Billy McFarland.
Prime minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain
The prime minister of Spain since 2018, Pedro Sanchez will turn 52 this year.
He began his career in 2004 as a city councillor in Madrid before quickly climbing the ranks of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party.
Dennis Farina
As a police detective turned actor, Dennis Farina is best known for his roles as FBI agent Jack Crawford in Manhunter, mobster Jimmy Serrano in the comedy Midnight Run, Ray "Bones" Barboni in Get Shorty, Cousin Avi in Snatch, and Walt Miller in New Girl.
He has also used his police knowledge to play Lieutenant Mike Torello on Crime Story and NYPD Detective Joe Fontana on Law & Order.
Dinah Shore
Famed actress and television personality Dinah Shore died in 1994, almost exactly 78 years after her February 29 birthday.
She was best known for her powerful vocals in the 1940s, coming up as a recording artist during the Big Band era and then moving into acting and TV appearances.
Tony Robbins
Turning 64 today, Anthony Jay Robbins, better known as Tony, is an American author, coach, and motivational speaker.
He is well-known for his infomercials and self-help books, such as Unlimited Power and Awaken the Giant Within.
Pope Paul III
Moving much further back in time, a former church leader was born on February 29, 1468.
He was a prominent patron of artists, including Michelangelo, but is also remembered for his nepotism, often seeking to raise the fortunes of those in his family, such as his illegitimate son, Pier Luigi Farnese.
Tyrese Haliburton
Nicknamed Hali, Tyrese Haliburton is an American basketball point guard for the Indiana Pacers.
He is 24 years old this year and was drafted by the Sacramento Kings 12th overall in the 2020 NBA draft.
Eric Kendricks
Another sportsman to make the list, Eric Kendricks is an American football linebacker, playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL.
Turning 32 this year, Kendricks proved himself with his performance at the 2015 NFL Combine, where his 4.61 40-yard dash was one of the fastest times among linebackers.
Superman
While Superman is a fictional character, he is also believed to be born on a leap year.
The DC Comics calendar confirmed that his birthday is actually on February 29, although he has also celebrated June 10 as Earth Day, the day he first came to Earth.
