NEED TO KNOW
Taika Waititi is basking in the glow of a new decade of life, thanks in large part to wife Rita Ora.
The New Zealand actor, comedian and filmmaker turned 50 at a star-studded bash held once again on the Spanish island of Ibiza, and shared a collection of snapshots from the event to Instagram alongside a heartfelt caption on Tuesday, Aug. 19.
“Yes, it’s true, your hero, mentor, and god-figure has finally turned 50,” Waititi joked in the text. “Grateful to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people who made me feel pretty special by turning up to my birthday party in Ibiza.”
As seen in his photo carousel, other big-name stars in attendance included Matt Damon, Sebastian Stan, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kate Moss and Jemaine Clement, who appeared in one snap to be giving a speech as the guest of honor let out a huge laugh.
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Waititi credited Vas J Morgan and Michael Braun for their “huge effort in organizing it all – under the supervision of the supreme leader in my life and ultimate party event guru, my wife, @ritaora.”
“You really went all out on this one darling. And of course, you outshone everyone with your hair, face, outfit, and usual charm and radiance,” he addressed the singer, 34, adding, “I was showered with gifts and booze, but overall LOVE.”
After thanking many of the vendors who helped pull off the nighttime celebration, the Thor: Ragnarok director wrote that “the best surprise of all was when my cousins @robruhamusic and @riahallnz flew out to perform and honor me with haka and my own mere pounamu.”
“Fifty feels so good. I feel loved and happy. And young. And hot. Also my knee hurts,” he joked. “Thank you to everyone for the lovely messages of love, this world truly is mine and you’re all living in it, innit.”
Waititi concluded, “PS. In true Leo form I will be celebrating until the end of the year so if you have traditionally had a birthday from now until December — get out the way.”
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Among those who sent well wishes to Waititi in the comments included several Marvel Cinematic Universe stars, like Thor: Love and Thunder’s Natalie Portman and Hawkeye himself Jeremy Renner.
“Happy birthday Taika!” wrote Portman, 44, while Renner, 54, chimed in, “50 looks good on you my brother.”
“Happy birthday @taikawaititi ya huge beautiful bugger. Some major fomo missing this one. 🥹,” Luke Hemsworth added.
Ora herself shared a smattering of photos from the bash, which she captioned, “Happy 50th birthday hubby. I know it’s a big milestone for you. I’m so proud of everything you’ve achieved and all the endless dreams you still have and want to accomplish I’m inspired by you everyday.”
“Thank you to all our family and friends who flew out from all over the world and came out to celebrate with us! I’m not crying you are! I’ve finally recovered and can post about it. 🤓🍒,” she added in part.
