The fine and talented actress Kate Beckinsale turns 39 today. The sultry and beautiful star of a British origin has come a long way with success and respect. Her elegance and charming personality rules the screen with great performance.

She was born as Kathrin Romary Beckinsale, in London to parents who were celebrites too. Hence the skills and talents came to her naturally as it was always in her genes. As a toddler she lost her dad and was raised by a step-father who treated her like her own. This made her a stronger person to walk on any path.

While Kate was growing up, she was caught between writing and acting. No doubt she was a brilliant student and she was described as 'whip-clever, slightly nuts and very charming', but she also knew that acting would take her a long way.

Hence, she finally made the decision, left university and started concentrating on her acting career. She also made this quote stating, "It was getting to the point where I wasn't enjoying either because both were very high pressure. I was burning out and I knew I had to make a decision."

Kate's acting career started off with television serials like 'Devices and Desires', 'One Against the Wind' and more. She later got onto films starting with 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'Uncovered' and some more. But the fame and recognition she garnered was in 'Pearl Harbour' with Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett and 'Serendipity' with John Cusack.

Beckinsale is also very well known as an action star after making an appearance in the movie 'Underworld', after which she starred in 'Van Helsing', 'Underworld: Evolution', 'Underworld: Awakening' and many more.

Besides acting, Kate had also worked occassionally as a model in television and print campaigns for Gap denim, Diet Coke, Absolute Vodka and more.

She has been repeatedly included in many magazines as the world's sexiest and beautiful women.

With so much to look onto, we wish this lovely actress a Beautiful Birthday!!!