Sandra Bullock People's Choice with Awards - H 2014
John Shearer/Invision/APIt’s hard to believe that Sandra Bullock turns 50 this Saturday (just look at those legs!). In honor of her birthday, we look back at some of her most memorable film roles and the lessons we gleaned from them along the way. How to wear a pageant dress, not included (though that was a great lesson, too).
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Miss Congeniality (2000)
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Gracie Hart — a tomboy FBI agent-turned-pageant beauty queen — shows us that ladies can be pretty and badass. Even after her makeover, Bullock’s character still packs heat, while looking like a babe.
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The Proposal (2009)
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Being a socially awkward boss like Margaret Tate is rough. Dancing to Lil Jon‘s “Get Low” in the middle of the woods is not. So when life’s got you down, just dance. Plus, it doesn’t hurt if you’ve got a hot assistant (played by Ryan Reynolds) who witnesses your awesome moves.
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Practical Magic (1998)
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Midnight margaritas are an unbeatable cure all.
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The Blind Side (2009)
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When Leigh Anne Tuohy’s adopted son Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is caught up in trouble, she isn’t afraid to give the gang members and drug dealers an earful for trying to mess with her kid. Lesson learned here? Don’t mess with moms. They’re not afraid of anyone.
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The Heat (2013)
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Uptight FBI agent Sarah Ashburn (Bullock) and foul-mouthed detective Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCartney), are completely different, but after having a couple of beers, the pair develop a close bond and even have a cool dance routine. Besides figuring out that we should always have a go-to dance with friends, we’ve learned not to judge a book by it’s cover because clearly, opposites attract.
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Gravity (2013)
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Bullock’s character Ryan Stone had to overcome a few, uh, out-of-this-world struggles, but there’s one thing that led to her survival: she never gave up. So, whenever you have a moment of panic, take a breath (because you’re on Earth and you can) and know you’ve got what it takes to make it through any obstacle — even one as gnarly as losing George Clooney.
