Happy Birthday, Gabrielle Union! Gabrielle Monique Union-Wade br turns 47 years old today. Here are five fun facts br about the actress. 1. She only started acting to br pay off her university debts br and later realized she liked it. 2. Her husband, Dwyane Wade, banned her br from sitting courtside at his basketball games. 3. Since college, br she continues to re-read br 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' br every year. 4. Those close to br the actress call br her “Nickie.” 5. Union was on the debut cover br of ‘Savoy Magazine.