Happy birthday, Matthew Broderick!

Matthew Broderick turns 51 today!

Born in Manhattan, Matthew Broderick came into a family of actor and actress. His father was a World War II veteran and an actor, and her mother was a playwright, artist, and an actress.

Broderick's first significant acting role was playwright Horton Foote's On Valentine's Day. This role landed him a supporting role in an off-Broadway production Torch Song Trilogy.

He made his on-screen debut in the science fiction movie WarGames as David Lightman, the hacker.

This was followed by a groundbreaking role in Ferries Bueller's Day Off, as a slacking, but charming and clever teenager.

His leading role in Ferris Bueller's Day Off landed him roles in more movies, such as Glory, Torch Song Trilogy, and Project X.

Broderick then lent his voice for The Lion King, as Simba, and The Thief and the Cobbler.

The half-English actor's other movie credits included The Cable Guy with Jim Carrey, and Election, with Reese Witherspoon.

Broderick then made it back to Broadway as a musical star for the Tony Award-nominated How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Mel Brooks' stage version The Producers.

Broderick is married to Sarah Jessica Parker and they have three children together.