Gabrielle Union is heading into her 53rd birthday with a mindset shift that feels as significant as the milestone itself.
The actress and entrepreneur turns 53 on October 29, and while she’ll be overseas working, she’s choosing to mark the day by embracing self-acceptance.
Speaking to People earlier this month at the Peabody Trailblazer Award ceremony honoring Questlove, Union revealed she will be in Italy filming when her birthday arrives.
Despite this, she’s not expecting a quiet evening in. “Hopefully my husband takes me out on the town,” she said, referring to Dwyane Wade, who will be by her side in Europe.
For Union, celebrating in Italy feels right. She called the prospect “iconic,” imagining a night filled with cocktails, romance, and the energy of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
But beyond the plans, Union was reflective about what this birthday means. When asked how it feels to still be recognized as “that girl,” she responded with humor before pivoting to something more grounded. “Am I that lady now? I am proud,” she said, noting that she’s been learning to give her younger self more compassion.
“I’m proud of myself and I’m finally giving my younger self grace for not being perfect and still being open to learning,” Union explained. She added that longevity runs in her family. “My grandmother lived to be 110 years old, so I got a good 60-plus years to continue to make myself proud.”
This year has also carried personal meaning for Union outside of her career. On October 15, she honored her father, Sylvester, with a post marking his 81st birthday. He has been in memory care since 2023 following a dementia diagnosis. “It’s my Dad’s 81st birthday and I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful to be his daughter,” she wrote, reflecting on the joy of still being able to feel his love and connection.
As she steps into her 53rd year, Gabrielle Union is balancing the glamour of international celebrations with the grounding presence of family. Whether it’s raising a glass in Italy or cherishing quiet moments with her father, she’s clear about one thing: this season of her life is about pride, grace, and the space to keep growing.