12 Famous Cancer Women Who Perfectly Embody the Generous Zodiac Sign

Regardless of how "busy" we all are, it's important to feel connected and supported by loved ones — whether that's friends (aka chosen family), relatives, or a partner. Without those foundational, meaningful bonds and the sense of security we derive from them, everything else in life might fall a bit flat. That's something Cancers could teach a master class on.

Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is ruled by the moon, otherwise known as the emotional compass of astrology. Because the celestial body exudes maternal, heartfelt energy, so will those born under the sign it governs. Cancers are pros at being devoted friends, dutiful family members, and romantic lovers. And like their fellow water signs, these sentimental homebodies are wired to be in their feelings in a major way. As a cardinal sign, they're often able to use their emotions to fuel big-picture ideas. That said, there's much we can learn from the sign of the Crab, under which plenty of inspiring, tenderhearted, entertaining stars were born.

Here, we're honoring some of our favorite famous Cancer women who are all about giving back, caring for others, and making us laugh with their signature goofy, endearing sense of humor.

Mindy Kaling

From cooking masala dosa to creating one successful show after the next, it's clear that actress and comedian Mindy Kaling, born on June 24, pours her heart into everything she does. It's also no surprise she first stole America's hearts by showcasing her Cancerian wit as Kelly Kapoor on The Office. The Why Not Me? author and mom of two has gone on to be nominated and win various awards for her acting, writing, producing, and achievement in comedy. Kaling has also opened up about how motherhood shaped her life and informed her heartfelt activism — all of which is super lunar terrain.

Kristen Bell

Beloved by kids for her role as Anna of Arendelle in 2013's Frozen and adored by adults who couldn't get enough of Veronica Mars and The Good Place, Kristen Bell was born on July 18. Often reassuring other parents and married people that they're not alone in their struggles, the bighearted, compassionate star has discussed what it's like raising her two daughters alongside actor-husband Dax Shepard, the highs and lows of their marriage, and her mental health struggles.

The actress, singer, and entrepreneur also pours her Cancerian compassion into various causes close to her heart — from fighting malnutrition as a co-founder of This Saves Lives bars to working with People Assisting the Homeless (PATH).

Priyanka Chopra

After winning the Miss World 2000 pageant, Priyanka Chopra, born on July 18, went on to become one of India's highest-paid, most beloved actresses and entertainers. The family-oriented international star, who has been lauded for her portrayal of an FBI agent in training on Quantico, has also lent her voice to the conversation on gender equality, the gender pay gap, and feminism.

She has dedicated her time to social causes like the environment and women's rights. Chopra has worked with UNICEF since 2006 and was appointed the national and global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for child rights in 2010 and 2016, respectively. 

Selena Gomez

From starring on Barney & Friends to the Emmy-winning Disney series The Witches of Waverly Place as a kid, Selena Gomez, born on July 22, later transitioned to a successful career in music. 

To see her inner Cancerian vibes shine, look no further than her romantic, deeply self-aware lyrics from the 2014 track "The Heart Wants What It Wants" and the 2020 song "Lose You to Love Me." Over the years, the multi-hyphenate entertainer has been candid about about her mental health and bipolar diagnosis. Proving that Cancers' nearest and dearest mean the world to them, Gomez's close bond with her mom, romantic relationships, and friendships with fellow stars such as Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift have also been front and center throughout her time in the spotlight.

Ariana Grande

Rising to fame as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious, Ariana Grande has become one of the most successful pop stars, documenting her love life in tracks like "Thank U, Next" (2019) and "Positions" (2020). Showcasing Cancer's respect for and connection to maternal energy, Grande has also opened up about and created work around her close relationship with her grandmother, Marjorie Grande. The Wicked actress and singer has also devoted her time, energy, and money to several charities, such as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and PETA.

Solange Knowles

Born on June 24, Solange Knowles — singer-songwriter, actress, mom, and younger sister of Beyoncé — is passionate about pouring her heart into her music, art, and activism. Knowles has been involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, using her platform to call fans and followers to fight racial injustice. She's also a fashion icon known for rocking bold colors, retro styles, and other cutting-edge looks in her music videos and on the red carpet.

Tess Holliday

Supported and encouraged by her mom to follow her dreams from the time she was young, Tess Holliday is an inspiring example of a sensitive but strong Crab. Born on July 5, the model, influencer, and mother of two has channeled her emotional experiences into her art and messaging around self-love and acceptance. 

Known for her #effyourbeautystandards campaign on social media, Holliday became the first model of her size to be signed to a mainstream modeling agency in 2015. Since then, the body-positive activist has spoken out about postpartum depression and relationship abuse in an effort to reassure others who might be grappling with the same issues that they're not alone.

Malala Yousafzai

Born on July 12, survivor and education activist Malala Yousafzai's humanitarian work was inspired by her father. As the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the Malala Fund, Yousafzai has asserted her maternal Cancerian energy on the global stage. She is considered one of the greatest — not to mention youngest — international forces to be reckoned with on women's and children's rights. 

The We Are Displaced author once famously said during a speech at the United Nations on her 16th birthday in 2013, "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world."

Lana Del Rey

Born just as the sun shifted from Gemini into Cancer on June 21, the singer-songwriter and author has made her mark with a unique, on-Cancer-brand musical style marked by melancholy, romantic lyrics, and a retro twist. Her dreamy, poetic aesthetic is in tune with the intuitive, in-your-feelings vibe of the moon-ruled sign. Over the years, Del Rey has dedicated herself to multiple humanitarian causes, like the Dig Deep Water project to provide clean water for some of the most vulnerable communities of the Navajo Nation and working at a homeless shelter.

Sandra Oh

Born on July 20, the Killing Eve and Grey's Anatomy alum — and cardinal water sign — is a natural go-getter. It should come as no surprise, then, that Sandra Oh was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2019. Oh boasts an impressive decades-long acting career that has earned her two Golden Globes, making her the first woman of Asian descent to win the award twice. To keep with her Cancerian trait of giving back, the Quiz Lady (2023) star has become a prominent voice in the Stop Asian Hate movement.

Margot Robbie

Barbie star Margot Robbie was born on July 2. The actress and producer was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time in 2017, and in 2019, the Oscar nominee was ranked among the world's highest-paid actresses by Forbes. She's been applauded for producing the critically acclaimed 2020 film Promising Young Woman, written and directed by Emerald Fennell. 

The charitable but typically private entertainer also raised money for people affected by the brushfires in her native Australia by sharing family photos. Robbie has also supported Youngcare, an organization focused on helping young people with a disability by providing greater choices in housing and care options.

Busy Philipps

Anyone who grew up in the late '90s and early '00s knew and loved actress Busy Philipps for her breakout roles on Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek. Born on June 25, the celebrated author and Girls5Eva star went on to host the now-defunct late-night talk show Busy Tonight in 2018. Embodying the Cancerian trait of being a reliable and nurturing friend, Philipps makes up one-half of Hollywood's most aspirational friendships with BFF and former Dawson's Creek co-star Michelle Williams.

She's also known for documenting her relatable home life on social media and is a vocal pro-choice activist. Philipps launched the hashtag #youknowme to encourage women to share their abortion stories and testified before Congress in 2019. 

The mom of two shared a clip from the hearing on Capitol Hill and a post on Twitter (now X), writing, "This was one of the scarier things I have done in my life. But I am willing to use my platform and voice to speak for the overwhelming majority of Americans who believe that abortion care is health care and needs to remain safe & legal & accessible."