‘Hardly Recognized Her’: Sandra Bullock Looks ‘Different’ after Turning 60 in Latest Appearance That Sparked Buzz

Sandra Bullock sent Hoda Kotb a heartwarming birthday message filled with love and laughter as the beloved TV host celebrated her 60th birthday.

Celebrated actress, Sandra Bullock added a star-studded touch to Hoda Kotb’s 60th birthday celebration, which aired on the “Today with Hoda and Jenna” show on August 12.

A fan comment dated August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hodaandjenna

A fan comment dated August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hodaandjenna

In the video, Bullock, dressed in a chic black outfit, delivered a touching message to Kotb. Although the actress initially planned a host of clever and amusing comments, she humorously admitted to being a bit worn out.

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock speaking in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock speaking in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

The Oscar-winner began with, “Hoda, Hoda, Hoda, Hoda. I had so many brilliant and funny things prepared for you, for this message…but you know, girl, I’m just too tired!”

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock wishing Hoda Kotb a happy birthday in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock wishing Hoda Kotb a happy birthday in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

She went on to explain her fatigue, saying, “Tired because I had to make my way up that mountain before you got there so I could check out the terrain and see what things look like and get the feel so I could fill you in.”

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock sharing a sweet birthday message to Hoda Kotb in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock sharing a sweet birthday message to Hoda Kotb in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

Bullock added, “It’s weird, because people seem to want us to be afraid of what it might look like when we get there. It turns out it’s pretty damn great, it’s pretty awesome.”

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock speaking in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock speaking in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

In her heartfelt video message to Kotb, Bullock humorously admitted that one of the perks of aging is the freedom to swear on television. According to Bullock, this newfound liberty comes from a place of embracing oneself. Kotb, who smiled during the celebration, reflected on Bullock’s profound impact on her own life.

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock sharing a sweet birthday message to Hoda Kotb in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

A screenshot of Sandra Bullock sharing a sweet birthday message to Hoda Kotb in a video posted on August Aug 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

She credited Bullock with inspiring her decision to adopt her two daughters. Kotb explained that when she was contemplating motherhood later in life, Bullock’s example was a guiding light.

Hoda Kotb and Sandra Bullock on "TODAY" onTuesday, May 22, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Hoda Kotb and Sandra Bullock on “TODAY” onTuesday, May 22, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

The talk show host recalled reaching out to Bullock for advice and was deeply moved by the actress’ enthusiastic endorsement of motherhood.

A photo of Hoda Kotb and her daughters posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hodaandjenna

A photo of Hoda Kotb and her daughters posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hodaandjenna

Bullock had told her that becoming a mom was the best decision she had ever made. This led Kotb to follow suit and adopt her daughters, Haley and Hope.

Bullock’s heartfelt video message to Kotb has not only warmed hearts but also ignited a flurry of reactions across social media. Fans were quick to share their appreciation expressing their enthusiasm about the video.

A screenshot inside Hoda Kotb birthday celebration from a video posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

A screenshot inside Hoda Kotb birthday celebration from a video posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna

One fan praised Bullock’s appearance, writing, “Sandra, your hair looks terrific—I’ve never seen it like that; it looks great!” Another admirer echoed this sentiment, expressing amazement at Bullock’s age and style, “I am mind blown that Sandra is 60!!”

Sandra Bullock attends the UK screening of "The Lost City" at Cineworld Leicester Square on March 31, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock attends the UK screening of “The Lost City” at Cineworld Leicester Square on March 31, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

However, not all reactions were entirely positive. Some netizens were taken aback by Bullock’s age and commented on her appearance. One person asked, “Sandra is 60!?!” to which another responded with a touch of skepticism.

The person suggested that Bullock’s youthful look might be due to “a highly paid facelift and well-planted Botox = Beautiful results.” Meanwhile, a critic weighed in with concerns about Bullock’s use of Botox, saying, “Too much Botox in her upper lip.”

A fan comment dated August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hodaandjenna

A fan comment dated August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hodaandjenna

Additionally, a few viewers were less impressed by Bullock’s informal tone. One noted, “The beautiful message was ruined by some unladylike words.”

Bullock marked her 60th birthday on July 26, and the celebration was filled with heartfelt tributes and moments of reflection. Her sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado, took to social media to celebrate the milestone.

Sandra Bullock attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount Pictures'

Sandra Bullock attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “The Lost City” at Regency Village Theatre on March 21, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

She shared a nostalgic throwback photo of Bullock as a baby alongside a touching message. She wrote, “Birthday love to the best Schwester ever. #happybirthdaysandyb.”

This birthday was particularly poignant for Bullock. It came a year after the death of her partner, Bryan Randall, who passed away at 57 after a courageous three-year battle with ALS.

Randall and Bullock had been together since 2015, and his passing was a significant loss for the actress. The news of Randall’s death followed Bullock’s public decision to take a career break to focus on her family.

: Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall are seen at 'Oceans 8' World Premiere on June 5, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

: Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall are seen at ‘Oceans 8’ World Premiere on June 5, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

At the time, she mentioned needing to take a pause to spend more time with her children, who are now 11 and 14. Since then, Bullock’s public appearances have been relatively low-key, though she was recently spotted in July enjoying some sightseeing.

Dressed in a vibrant outfit, she was seen walking towards her car, exuding a renewed sense of energy. A close source revealed that Bullock is doing well and remains focused on cherishing time with her children.

Sandra Bullock and son Louis Bullock are seen on the streets of Manhattan on March 20, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock and son Louis Bullock are seen on the streets of Manhattan on March 20, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In April, Bullock, who generally keeps her family out of the limelight, was seen out and about in Los Angeles with her kids, Louis and Laila. The actress and her kids donned casual outfits that looked stunning.

Sandra Bullock and Louis Bullock are seen on the streets of Manhattan in New York City, on March 20, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock and Louis Bullock are seen on the streets of Manhattan in New York City, on March 20, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

Bullock looked stylish and relaxed in a white T-shirt, jeans, and a lengthy beige coat paired with Birkenstock Boston clogs in a similar color. She neatly tied her hair in a low bun, complementing the chic ensemble, with sunglasses and a black crossbody bag.

Sandra Bullock leaves her Soho home in New York City, on November 5, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock leaves her Soho home in New York City, on November 5, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, her children appeared relaxed in athleisure attire, with Laila, 11, sporting a white Nike tracksuit and Air Jordan sneakers. Louis, 14, wore gray sweatpants, a black graphic hoodie, and snug slippers. He looked mature, towering over his mother.

Bullock’s fans were excited to see the pictures of the actress and her kids on this rare public sighting. The fans commented on the kids’ clothing, “Nice to see age appropriate clothing on kids. Lovely family.”

Sandra Bullock's son Louis Bullock is seen on the streets of Manhattan in New York City, on March 20, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock’s son Louis Bullock is seen on the streets of Manhattan in New York City, on March 20, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

More people agreed that the actress has a “Beautiful family.” An individual expressed, “Those are some lucky black kids.” Fans gushed over the “Nice basic clothes” Bullock and her kids had on. “I love it,” noted a fan.

In March 2024, Sandra Bullock was also photographed with her kids at Cool Kicks, a store that sells streetwear. Cook Kicks’ Instagram page shared a picture of the three with an employee. The actress and her kids looked magnificent in casual and comfy outfits, and smiled as they posed for the camera.

As much as Bullock has experienced deep loss after Bryan’s demise, she is determined to show up for her kids. As fans have noted, she protects them from the public eye and ensures they put on age-appropriate clothing on their rare public outings.