Monica Bellucci was born on 30th September 1968, in the village of Citta di Castello, in Umbria, Italy. Her father owned a truck company. Not much is known about her growing up years.
After enrolling at the University of Perugia to study law, in 1987 at 18 years of age, she took up modelling to pay the tuition fees on her own. A year later she left her studies as the glamorous life, travelling, fame etc beckoned.
She relocated to Milan to join the Elite Modelling Agency. Monica Bellucci is one of the few Italian models to have reached the top of her profession, but she decided to study acting, hoping to find parts in films.
Though this sultry icon is a well-established superstar and is at the heights of her career, her one dream remains unfulfilled as yet: that of working with Robert De Niro - the Hollywood Legend.
The Current's Music Blog is your daily note for good music, news, and pop culture. With attempted jokes
Casey Anthony
Casey Anthony was born on 19th March 1986, in Warren, Ohio, Casey Anthony was one of two children of Cindy Anthony and George Anthony, who worked in law enforcement. Casey was a bright, personable young girl, with friends and what many thought was an ordinary American family. However, friends say that a pattern of lying began when Casey was in high school. Cindy and George attended Casey's graduation, along with Casey's grandparents—only to discover that she was several credits short of graduating.
When she was 19, Casey gave her family yet another shock. She had put on weight, and her parents suspected she was pregnant. Casey denied it, claiming she was a virgin. Seven months into her pregnancy, she told her parents the truth. The identity of the baby's father, however, remained a mystery. Casey pointed to different men, including her fiancé, Jesse Grund, as well as a young man she had dated previously, who had died in a car crash.
For the next few years, Casey and Caylee lived with her parents, and Grund acted as the baby's father. Grund even believed Caylee might be his baby, despite knowing that the timing of her conception made it improbable. A DNA test would later find that Grund was not Caylee's father. The identity of Caylee's father is still unknown.
Casey said Caylee was kidnapped in Orlando by her nanny, Gonzales. Casey s friends and family had never heard of Gonzales, and detectives later discovered that, in fact, there was no nanny. The investigators caught Casey in another lie when she told them she worked at Universal Studios, even leading them around the theme park. Casey finally admitted she had been fired from Universal Studios years before.
When she was 19, Casey gave her family yet another shock. She had put on weight, and her parents suspected she was pregnant. Casey denied it, claiming she was a virgin. Seven months into her pregnancy, she told her parents the truth. The identity of the baby's father, however, remained a mystery. Casey pointed to different men, including her fiancé, Jesse Grund, as well as a young man she had dated previously, who had died in a car crash.
For the next few years, Casey and Caylee lived with her parents, and Grund acted as the baby's father. Grund even believed Caylee might be his baby, despite knowing that the timing of her conception made it improbable. A DNA test would later find that Grund was not Caylee's father. The identity of Caylee's father is still unknown.
Casey said Caylee was kidnapped in Orlando by her nanny, Gonzales. Casey s friends and family had never heard of Gonzales, and detectives later discovered that, in fact, there was no nanny. The investigators caught Casey in another lie when she told them she worked at Universal Studios, even leading them around the theme park. Casey finally admitted she had been fired from Universal Studios years before.
Mandy Musgrave
Mandy Musgrave was born on 19th September 1986 in Orlando Florida. Being the granddaughter of actress Rita Ray, Mandy always had someone to look up to when it comes to acting. However, although Mandy started acting at age 6, it wasn’t until high school did she actually become passionate about the art. After graduating in 2004, Mandy Musgrave moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting.
Musgrave easily got the attention of talent agencies and casting directors. Within a year in Hollywood, she landed a guest role in the hit TV show “Malcolm in the Middle.” However, Mandy’s big break came when she won a role in the longtime-running daytime drama “Days of Our Lives,” where she played the role of Chelsea Benson from 2004 to 2005.
To promote the show, she also appeared on several webisodes for “South of Nowhere”, which are still available for viewing at ‘The N’ website. Mandy’s character became a popular icon among teenagers, so much so that she earned her own fan base and received more opportunities, such as the 2009 film “Duck Farm No. 13.” In 2007, Musgrave won the “Favorite Mobile Dramatic Artist Award.
South of Nowhere” ended on the end of 2008, but Mandy Musgrave remained busy in her artwork website, where she plans to sell her paintings to fans. Musgrave has stated that her paintings come at $500 to $2,500 a piece and she will also be accepting custom orders. Samples of her artwork can be viewed on her official fan site, which include paintings of her father, twin sister and her boyfriend Matt Cohen.
Musgrave easily got the attention of talent agencies and casting directors. Within a year in Hollywood, she landed a guest role in the hit TV show “Malcolm in the Middle.” However, Mandy’s big break came when she won a role in the longtime-running daytime drama “Days of Our Lives,” where she played the role of Chelsea Benson from 2004 to 2005.
To promote the show, she also appeared on several webisodes for “South of Nowhere”, which are still available for viewing at ‘The N’ website. Mandy’s character became a popular icon among teenagers, so much so that she earned her own fan base and received more opportunities, such as the 2009 film “Duck Farm No. 13.” In 2007, Musgrave won the “Favorite Mobile Dramatic Artist Award.
South of Nowhere” ended on the end of 2008, but Mandy Musgrave remained busy in her artwork website, where she plans to sell her paintings to fans. Musgrave has stated that her paintings come at $500 to $2,500 a piece and she will also be accepting custom orders. Samples of her artwork can be viewed on her official fan site, which include paintings of her father, twin sister and her boyfriend Matt Cohen.
Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin was born on 11th February 1964, in Sandpoint, Idaho. At the age of three months, she moved to Alaska when her parents came to teach school in Skagway in southeast Alaska. Sarah Palin's father, Charles, was a science teacher and track coach. Her mother, Sally, was a school secretary. Palin grew up in the small town of Wasilla, about 40 miles north of Anchorage.
In 1982, she played on Wasilla High School's state champion girls' basketball team, picking up the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" for her intense playing style. An outdoors enthusiast, Palin grew up as an avid hunter and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, eating moose hamburgers and riding snowmobiles.
After graduating from Wasilla High in 1982, Sarah Palin wore the crown of Miss Wasilla in 1984 and was the runner-up in the Miss Alaska contest. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987. She also became a television sports reporter in Anchorage.
While running for governor, Palin supported the so-called "bridge to nowhere," a $400 million plan to build a bridge in a remote Alaskan community. Palin said the bridge was essential for local prosperity, but once she became governor she turned against it, citing rising costs and other priorities.
In 1982, she played on Wasilla High School's state champion girls' basketball team, picking up the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" for her intense playing style. An outdoors enthusiast, Palin grew up as an avid hunter and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, eating moose hamburgers and riding snowmobiles.
After graduating from Wasilla High in 1982, Sarah Palin wore the crown of Miss Wasilla in 1984 and was the runner-up in the Miss Alaska contest. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987. She also became a television sports reporter in Anchorage.
While running for governor, Palin supported the so-called "bridge to nowhere," a $400 million plan to build a bridge in a remote Alaskan community. Palin said the bridge was essential for local prosperity, but once she became governor she turned against it, citing rising costs and other priorities.
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel was born on 17 January 1980 in Los Angeles, CA. She and her older actress sister, Emily, were raised by their father, Caleb, an Oscar-winning cinematographer and their mother, actress Mary Jo. Deschanel, whose first name was taken from the male Zooey Glass character of J.D. Salinger's story Franny and Zooey, often spent her young years hanging out on film set locations - despite the fact that deep down, Deschanel wished for a typical, sedentary family home life.
Deschanel attended the elite prep school Crossroads in Santa Monica, CA alongside future co-stars Kate Hudson and Jake Gyllenhaal, where she discovered an interest in singing and musical theater; at one point, considering a career in jazz singing on Broadway. At 16, she appeared as Little Red Riding Hood in the North Hollywood-based Interact Theatre Company's production of "Into the Woods.
On the heels of "Terabithia," Deschanel moved to the Sci-Fi channel, embodying a Dorothy-esque figure named DG in "Tin Man" (2007), a very twisted take on "The Wizard of Oz." Tweaking the beloved Judy Garland model would seem like a cakewalk compared to portraying the life of a real icon, but Deschanel's trademark lower timbre would come in handy as the tragic singer/songwriter Janis Joplin.
The subsequent "Gospel According to Janis" (2008) - one of several competing Joplin films - promised to usher the singer-actress into a new level of recognition. Before that project went into production, she starred in M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening" (2008), a dark apocalyptic thriller about a family that flees a natural disaster threatening humanity's very existence.
Deschanel attended the elite prep school Crossroads in Santa Monica, CA alongside future co-stars Kate Hudson and Jake Gyllenhaal, where she discovered an interest in singing and musical theater; at one point, considering a career in jazz singing on Broadway. At 16, she appeared as Little Red Riding Hood in the North Hollywood-based Interact Theatre Company's production of "Into the Woods.
On the heels of "Terabithia," Deschanel moved to the Sci-Fi channel, embodying a Dorothy-esque figure named DG in "Tin Man" (2007), a very twisted take on "The Wizard of Oz." Tweaking the beloved Judy Garland model would seem like a cakewalk compared to portraying the life of a real icon, but Deschanel's trademark lower timbre would come in handy as the tragic singer/songwriter Janis Joplin.
The subsequent "Gospel According to Janis" (2008) - one of several competing Joplin films - promised to usher the singer-actress into a new level of recognition. Before that project went into production, she starred in M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening" (2008), a dark apocalyptic thriller about a family that flees a natural disaster threatening humanity's very existence.
Bette Midler
Bette Midler was born on 1st December 1945 to a seamstress mother and housepainter father from Paterson, NJ. The couple had moved to Hawaii just prior to Midler's birth, where her father landed a job at a Navy yard. The transplanted Jewish East Coasters were a bit of an oddity in the rural South Pacific sugar cane fields, but Midler developed a quick wit to combat her outsider status, winding up as a well-liked class clown and notorious performer.
After a run as The Acid Queen in a Seattle Opera Association production of "Tommy," Midler returned to New York, determined to focus on her singing career. After rave club reviews which took note of her powerful pipes, she was booked on all the top variety TV shows of the day. She took a 16-week engagement that electrified the towel-clad gay clientele of the Continental Baths, where Barry Manilow backed her on piano. It was at that time, that the larger-than-life persona of 'The Divine Miss M' - not to mention a loyal gay following - was born.
Despite initially positive reviews, ratings were so-so and negative gossip about behind-the-scenes problems plagued the series' image. After dabbling in the executive producer role when she helped bring "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" (2002) to the big screen, Midler reunited with former collaborator Barry Manilow to record Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook for Columbia Records. The album was a bit of a surprise hit and went gold, in addition to earning the pair a Grammy nod.
Midler and Manilow recreated their previous album success with 2005's Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook and Midler returned to the studio in 2006 to record Cool Yule, a Grammy-nominated album of pop holiday classics. Helen Hunt lured Midler back to the big screen to star as her biological mother in Hunt's pet project, the comedic drama "Then She Found Me" (2008). That same year, the 62-year-old powerhouse began a two-year run of "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On" at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
After a run as The Acid Queen in a Seattle Opera Association production of "Tommy," Midler returned to New York, determined to focus on her singing career. After rave club reviews which took note of her powerful pipes, she was booked on all the top variety TV shows of the day. She took a 16-week engagement that electrified the towel-clad gay clientele of the Continental Baths, where Barry Manilow backed her on piano. It was at that time, that the larger-than-life persona of 'The Divine Miss M' - not to mention a loyal gay following - was born.
Despite initially positive reviews, ratings were so-so and negative gossip about behind-the-scenes problems plagued the series' image. After dabbling in the executive producer role when she helped bring "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" (2002) to the big screen, Midler reunited with former collaborator Barry Manilow to record Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook for Columbia Records. The album was a bit of a surprise hit and went gold, in addition to earning the pair a Grammy nod.
Midler and Manilow recreated their previous album success with 2005's Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook and Midler returned to the studio in 2006 to record Cool Yule, a Grammy-nominated album of pop holiday classics. Helen Hunt lured Midler back to the big screen to star as her biological mother in Hunt's pet project, the comedic drama "Then She Found Me" (2008). That same year, the 62-year-old powerhouse began a two-year run of "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On" at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough was born on 20th july 1988 in Cancer.Although she has been winning world dance titles since her early teens, Julianne’s ultimate goal has always been a career in country music. Her self-titled debut album, released by Universal Music Group Nashville in 2008, hit the Billboard Country charts at #1 and entered the Billboard 200 at #3, marking the highest debut for a country artist since 2006.
Her first two singles from the album, “That Song in My Head” and “My Hallelujah Song,” soared up the country charts and she earned her first two 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards for Top New Female Vocalist and Top New Artist. Hitting the road for the first time as a recording artist, Julianne opened for superstar Brad Paisley and later toured with George Strait, playing over 100 shows in 2009.
Her second album, The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection, became an instant holiday classic for her legions of fans, distributed exclusively at Target. Her much-anticipated follow-up album will be released by Mercury Nashville later this year. Julianne has written multiple tracks for the new album, working with Dann Huff, one the hottest producers in country music today (Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, among others).
Produced once again by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie and recorded in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier, the new video (directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis) debuted on February 12, 2010, during the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics featuring such music legends as Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Celine Dion and Gladys Knight and contemporary superstars including Will.I.Am, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, Fergie and Kanye West, amongst countless other artists from virtually every musical genre.
Her first two singles from the album, “That Song in My Head” and “My Hallelujah Song,” soared up the country charts and she earned her first two 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards for Top New Female Vocalist and Top New Artist. Hitting the road for the first time as a recording artist, Julianne opened for superstar Brad Paisley and later toured with George Strait, playing over 100 shows in 2009.
Her second album, The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection, became an instant holiday classic for her legions of fans, distributed exclusively at Target. Her much-anticipated follow-up album will be released by Mercury Nashville later this year. Julianne has written multiple tracks for the new album, working with Dann Huff, one the hottest producers in country music today (Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, among others).
Produced once again by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie and recorded in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier, the new video (directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis) debuted on February 12, 2010, during the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics featuring such music legends as Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Celine Dion and Gladys Knight and contemporary superstars including Will.I.Am, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, Fergie and Kanye West, amongst countless other artists from virtually every musical genre.
larisa oleynik
larisa oleynik was born on 7th June1981,with her bright smile and Everygirl aura, Larisa Oleynik became the darling of the pre-teen set playing the title role in "The Secret World of Alex Mack" (Nickelodeon, 1994-98). Her character was a typical teenager on whom some experimental chemicals were spilled causing her to develop telekinetic powers and the ability to "morph" into objects.
A quiet, almost unassuming series, "Alex Mack" was a twist on the long-time standard plot of a common person put in extraordinary circumstances, albeit at a younger age and with a charming sweetness. The series became Nickelodeon's most popular and when its star decided to concentrate on her studies and end its run in 1998, fans were disheartened.
The only child of medical professionals from Northern California, Oleynik broke into show business at age eight when she survived a cattle call audition and won the role of young Cosette in the San Francisco production of "Les Miserables". During the year-long run, the youngster showed her dedication by taking acting lessons and later proved how serious she was by landing roles in a 1993 episode of "Dr. Quinn.
The Swan Princess" (1994) and made a memorable acting debut as the environmentalist Dawn in "The Babysitters' Club" (1995), Oleynik also guested starred on two 1996 episodes of "Boy Meets World" (ABC), playing a girlfriend to Shawn (Rider Strong, who also appeared in the San Francisco production of "Les Miserables"), though she at first, would rather pair with the more stable Cory (Ben Savage). Oleynik's popularity with "tweens" led to an advice column published in TIGER BEAT magazine.
A quiet, almost unassuming series, "Alex Mack" was a twist on the long-time standard plot of a common person put in extraordinary circumstances, albeit at a younger age and with a charming sweetness. The series became Nickelodeon's most popular and when its star decided to concentrate on her studies and end its run in 1998, fans were disheartened.
The only child of medical professionals from Northern California, Oleynik broke into show business at age eight when she survived a cattle call audition and won the role of young Cosette in the San Francisco production of "Les Miserables". During the year-long run, the youngster showed her dedication by taking acting lessons and later proved how serious she was by landing roles in a 1993 episode of "Dr. Quinn.
The Swan Princess" (1994) and made a memorable acting debut as the environmentalist Dawn in "The Babysitters' Club" (1995), Oleynik also guested starred on two 1996 episodes of "Boy Meets World" (ABC), playing a girlfriend to Shawn (Rider Strong, who also appeared in the San Francisco production of "Les Miserables"), though she at first, would rather pair with the more stable Cory (Ben Savage). Oleynik's popularity with "tweens" led to an advice column published in TIGER BEAT magazine.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani was born on 3rd October 1969 in a Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, fashion designer and occasional actress. Stefani made her debut in 1992 as the frontwoman of the third wave ska band No Doubt. The group's album Tragic Kingdom (1995) propelled them to stardom and sold more than fifteen million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and the airplay number-one "Don't Speak".
Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album contains pop and dance tracks and influence from hip hop and R&B. Its third single "Hollaback Girl" became the first U.S. digital download to exceed sales of one million and "Cool" was one of 2005's most popular radio singles. The Sweet Escape (2006), Stefani's second solo album, was preceded by the single "Wind It Up".
She was born in Fullerton, California, and grew up in nearby Anaheim. She was named after a stewardess in the best-selling 1968 novel Airport, which her mother read during her pregnancy; her middle name, Renee, was inspired by the song "Walk Away Renée".[4] Her father, Dennis Stefani, a Yamaha marketing executive, [5] is Italian American, and her mother Patti Flynn is of Irish and Scottish descent. She has a sister, Jill, and two brothers, Eric and Todd.
On May 26, 2006, their son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born via caesarean section at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Kingston weighed 3.4 kilograms (7 pounds, 5 ounces).[16][17] Stefani raised concerns about her rapid weight loss following her pregnancy. She stated she lost the weight through diet and exercise but admitted to obsessing over her weight due to the size zero trend.
Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album contains pop and dance tracks and influence from hip hop and R&B. Its third single "Hollaback Girl" became the first U.S. digital download to exceed sales of one million and "Cool" was one of 2005's most popular radio singles. The Sweet Escape (2006), Stefani's second solo album, was preceded by the single "Wind It Up".
She was born in Fullerton, California, and grew up in nearby Anaheim. She was named after a stewardess in the best-selling 1968 novel Airport, which her mother read during her pregnancy; her middle name, Renee, was inspired by the song "Walk Away Renée".[4] Her father, Dennis Stefani, a Yamaha marketing executive, [5] is Italian American, and her mother Patti Flynn is of Irish and Scottish descent. She has a sister, Jill, and two brothers, Eric and Todd.
On May 26, 2006, their son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born via caesarean section at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Kingston weighed 3.4 kilograms (7 pounds, 5 ounces).[16][17] Stefani raised concerns about her rapid weight loss following her pregnancy. She stated she lost the weight through diet and exercise but admitted to obsessing over her weight due to the size zero trend.
Wendi Deng
Wendi Deng was born 1969 in china and has 2 sisters and one brother. Deng’s father was president of a Chinese factory with her family being relatively wealthy compared to most Chinese residents at the time. After schooling Deng attended Medical Colldge and in 1987 at age 18, she met Jake Cherry a former UNICEF executive, and his wife, who started teaching Deng English.
In 1988 Mr. and Mrs Cherry sponsored a student visa for Deng and she moved to America to live with the Cherry’s and to study at the California State University.In 1990 Jake Cherry left his wife to marry Deng after his wife found photos her husband had taken of Deng in a hotel room. Five months through their marriage, Deng started seeing another man, Cherry and Deng then divorced after two years and seven months of marriage.
Wendi Deng went on to apply and was accepted by Yale University where she pursued her Master of business administration degree. After receiving her degree in 1996, Wendi Deng moved to Hong Kong. On the flight over she met Bruce Churchill from Star TV and obtained a position as an intern through him.
In 1998 Deng met Rupert Murdoch the managing director of Star TV's parent company News Corporation which led to Deng and Murdoch having an affair despite Deng being almost 40 years younger. In 1999 Murdoch divorced his wife of 31 years and married Deng 17 days later. Deng and Rupert Murdoch have since had 2 children.
In 1988 Mr. and Mrs Cherry sponsored a student visa for Deng and she moved to America to live with the Cherry’s and to study at the California State University.In 1990 Jake Cherry left his wife to marry Deng after his wife found photos her husband had taken of Deng in a hotel room. Five months through their marriage, Deng started seeing another man, Cherry and Deng then divorced after two years and seven months of marriage.
Wendi Deng went on to apply and was accepted by Yale University where she pursued her Master of business administration degree. After receiving her degree in 1996, Wendi Deng moved to Hong Kong. On the flight over she met Bruce Churchill from Star TV and obtained a position as an intern through him.
In 1998 Deng met Rupert Murdoch the managing director of Star TV's parent company News Corporation which led to Deng and Murdoch having an affair despite Deng being almost 40 years younger. In 1999 Murdoch divorced his wife of 31 years and married Deng 17 days later. Deng and Rupert Murdoch have since had 2 children.
kristin cavallari
kristin cavallari was born on 14th January 1987. Contrary to popular belief, the actress was not born in Orange County, California. She grew up in Denver, CO until her parents divorced, then relocated to Illinois with her mother. A few years later, she joined her father in Laguna Beach, CA in the OC. She attended a private Catholic school until transferring to Laguna Beach High her sophomore year of high school.
It was while attending this school that Cavallari and several schoolmates were picked to be in a reality show for MTV that documented Orange County teens’ everyday lives – not unlike “The O.C.” – a fictionalized drama series on Fox (2003- ) that had enjoyed a tremendous following and made stars of its cast, including Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson. MTV marketed “Laguna Beach” as a reality series where the characters and situations were real, but some critics and audiences wondered whether plotlines and conversations were actually scripted.
Cavallari was in her junior year of high school when the first season of “Laguna Beach” taped. At the time, she had a romantic interest in Stephen Coletti, a senior at Laguna Beach High, and a rivalry with senior girl, Lauren Conrad. The love triangle became the show’s central plotline. The second season showed a more mature and confident Cavallari. The bubbly blonde flirted her way into everyone’s hearts on and off the show and seemed poised for reality TV icon status.
The press made something of a feud between the two blondes, but if indeed it did exist, the rumored fling with Lachey was over before it started and the press moved on to meatier stories – one of which involved Cavallari and her confirmed boyfriend, “The Princes of Malibu” (Fox, 2005) star, Brody Jenner. Everywhere the extremely handsome couple went, shutterbugs followed.
It was while attending this school that Cavallari and several schoolmates were picked to be in a reality show for MTV that documented Orange County teens’ everyday lives – not unlike “The O.C.” – a fictionalized drama series on Fox (2003- ) that had enjoyed a tremendous following and made stars of its cast, including Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson. MTV marketed “Laguna Beach” as a reality series where the characters and situations were real, but some critics and audiences wondered whether plotlines and conversations were actually scripted.
Cavallari was in her junior year of high school when the first season of “Laguna Beach” taped. At the time, she had a romantic interest in Stephen Coletti, a senior at Laguna Beach High, and a rivalry with senior girl, Lauren Conrad. The love triangle became the show’s central plotline. The second season showed a more mature and confident Cavallari. The bubbly blonde flirted her way into everyone’s hearts on and off the show and seemed poised for reality TV icon status.
The press made something of a feud between the two blondes, but if indeed it did exist, the rumored fling with Lachey was over before it started and the press moved on to meatier stories – one of which involved Cavallari and her confirmed boyfriend, “The Princes of Malibu” (Fox, 2005) star, Brody Jenner. Everywhere the extremely handsome couple went, shutterbugs followed.
Linda Hamilton
Leading lady of film and TV who gained notice with her role as a waitress hunted by a robotic Arnold Schwarzenegger in James Cameron's successful and influential sci-fi adventure, "The Terminator" (1984). Her previous film credits include her feature debut "TAG: The Assassination Game" (1982) and a supporting role in "The Stone Boy" (1983), a drama starring Robert Duvall.
Hamilton acquired a devoted cult following with a part written expressly for her: the spunky New York lawyer who falls in love with an underground-dwelling freakish outcast on TV's wildly romantic "Beauty and the Beast" (CBS, 1987-90). She fared less well with other forgettable big-screen assignments, such as "Black Moon Rising" (1986), "King Kong Lives" (1986) and "Mr. Destiny" (1990).
Her greatest success came with "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), an awesomely popular sequel that depicted the relationship between a young John Connor (Edward Furlong) and the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent to protect him. Between installments, Hamilton’s character had metamorphosed from a wan waitress to a feisty warrior woman.
After a supporting role in the dramatic feature “Smile” (2005), about an American teenager (Mika Boorem) who travels to China as part of a charitable organization to meet her Chinese counterpart who receives corrective facial surgery, Hamilton made an appearance in “The Kid & I” (2005), about a down-and-out actor (Tom Arnold) hired to write a sequel to the action movie that made him famous over a decade ago.
Hamilton acquired a devoted cult following with a part written expressly for her: the spunky New York lawyer who falls in love with an underground-dwelling freakish outcast on TV's wildly romantic "Beauty and the Beast" (CBS, 1987-90). She fared less well with other forgettable big-screen assignments, such as "Black Moon Rising" (1986), "King Kong Lives" (1986) and "Mr. Destiny" (1990).
Her greatest success came with "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), an awesomely popular sequel that depicted the relationship between a young John Connor (Edward Furlong) and the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent to protect him. Between installments, Hamilton’s character had metamorphosed from a wan waitress to a feisty warrior woman.
After a supporting role in the dramatic feature “Smile” (2005), about an American teenager (Mika Boorem) who travels to China as part of a charitable organization to meet her Chinese counterpart who receives corrective facial surgery, Hamilton made an appearance in “The Kid & I” (2005), about a down-and-out actor (Tom Arnold) hired to write a sequel to the action movie that made him famous over a decade ago.
Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara was born on 10th July 1972 in Barranquilla, Colombia, an industrial city on the Caribbean coast, as well, the birthplace of pop singer Shakira. Her father ran a cattle farm while her stay-at-home mother raised the future star and her five brothers and sisters. Vergara married her childhood sweetheart at the age of 18 and gave birth to her son Manolo Gonzalez-Ripoll Vergara two years later. After her marriage ended in divorce, she returned to school and took up dentistry at a Colombian university.
She decided to quit dental school and, hoping to provide financially for her family, pursued a show business career. It did not take long for the beautiful actress to make her mark in her native country. She began hosting the travel and lifestyle program "Fuera de Serie" ("Out of the Ordinary") (Univision, 1995-98). The show was telecast on Univision, one of the largest Spanish-language networks airing worldwide, including the United States. She also made her acting debut in the ensemble series "Acapulco, cuerpo y alma" (Televisa S.A. de C.V., 1995).
Sadly, her career was well on its way to taking off when tragedy struck Vergara's family. Her older brother was shot and murdered during an attempt to kidnap him in 1998. Feeling unsafe in her own home and country, the actress left Colombia and moved to Miami, FL with her son, mother and sister.Her new surroundings gave Vergara a fresh start in life and an opportunity to focus on her family and career.
In July 2010, as she announced the 2010 Emmy nominations in an early morning press conference, she was elated to discover that she was one herself, receiving the nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her stellar work on "Modern Family." At the end of the year, Vergara received more accolades after earning Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, as well as another Emmy nod the following year.
She decided to quit dental school and, hoping to provide financially for her family, pursued a show business career. It did not take long for the beautiful actress to make her mark in her native country. She began hosting the travel and lifestyle program "Fuera de Serie" ("Out of the Ordinary") (Univision, 1995-98). The show was telecast on Univision, one of the largest Spanish-language networks airing worldwide, including the United States. She also made her acting debut in the ensemble series "Acapulco, cuerpo y alma" (Televisa S.A. de C.V., 1995).
Sadly, her career was well on its way to taking off when tragedy struck Vergara's family. Her older brother was shot and murdered during an attempt to kidnap him in 1998. Feeling unsafe in her own home and country, the actress left Colombia and moved to Miami, FL with her son, mother and sister.Her new surroundings gave Vergara a fresh start in life and an opportunity to focus on her family and career.
In July 2010, as she announced the 2010 Emmy nominations in an early morning press conference, she was elated to discover that she was one herself, receiving the nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her stellar work on "Modern Family." At the end of the year, Vergara received more accolades after earning Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, as well as another Emmy nod the following year.
Jorja Fox
Jorja Fox was born on 7th July 1968 in New York. Fox began the 1990s with roles in TV productions including the specials "Summer Stories: The Mall", an installment of "ABC Afterschool Specials" and "Dead Drunk: The Kevin Tunell Story", one of HBO's "Lifestories: Families in Crisis". A 1993 episode of "Law & Order" (NBC) marked Fox's transition to primetime series, where she would land a regular role as an investigator for the Chicago police on ABC's "Missing Persons" (1993-94).
In 1996, Fox began her portrayal of Dr. Maggie Doyle, a gun-toting vegetarian lesbian who was in residency at the "ER" (NBC). A recurring character from 1996 through 1999, Doyle had some powerful scenes and storylines in the course of her run, and Fox handled her character with a combination of grace, reserve and vulnerability. Known to a wide audience for her portrayal of Maggie, Fox was featured in the groundbreaking 1997 "coming out" episode of ABC's "Ellen".
In 1999, Fox began a recurring role on the acclaimed NBC drama "The West Wing" playing Gina Tuscano, the Secret Service agent in charge of protecting the daughter (Elisabeth Moss) of the President of the United States (Martin Sheen). Leaving in 2000 to work full-time on "CSI", Fox and Tuscano could feasibly return to "The West Wing" thanks to an open-ended exit, but the success of "CSI" would seem to make such insurance unnecessary.
Though television has hosted her greatest successes to date, Fox has appeared in several films since her debut. A supporting role as Alan Arkin's love interest in the unimpressive comedy "The Jerky Boys" was one of three of the actress' big screen appearances in 1995, including black comedy "Dead Funny" and the romance "Alchemy". In 1997, in addition to a featured role in the NBC miniseries "House of Frankenstein 1997", Fox added to the less-seen but far more critically acclaimed independent feature "How to Make the Cruelest Month".
In 1996, Fox began her portrayal of Dr. Maggie Doyle, a gun-toting vegetarian lesbian who was in residency at the "ER" (NBC). A recurring character from 1996 through 1999, Doyle had some powerful scenes and storylines in the course of her run, and Fox handled her character with a combination of grace, reserve and vulnerability. Known to a wide audience for her portrayal of Maggie, Fox was featured in the groundbreaking 1997 "coming out" episode of ABC's "Ellen".
In 1999, Fox began a recurring role on the acclaimed NBC drama "The West Wing" playing Gina Tuscano, the Secret Service agent in charge of protecting the daughter (Elisabeth Moss) of the President of the United States (Martin Sheen). Leaving in 2000 to work full-time on "CSI", Fox and Tuscano could feasibly return to "The West Wing" thanks to an open-ended exit, but the success of "CSI" would seem to make such insurance unnecessary.
Though television has hosted her greatest successes to date, Fox has appeared in several films since her debut. A supporting role as Alan Arkin's love interest in the unimpressive comedy "The Jerky Boys" was one of three of the actress' big screen appearances in 1995, including black comedy "Dead Funny" and the romance "Alchemy". In 1997, in addition to a featured role in the NBC miniseries "House of Frankenstein 1997", Fox added to the less-seen but far more critically acclaimed independent feature "How to Make the Cruelest Month".
Melora Hardin
Hardin was born on 29th June 1967, in Houston, TX and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Her father, Jerry Hardin, was a prolific character actor who appeared in over 100 films and TV shows; her mother, Diane Hardin, was the acting coach behind young stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Hilary Swank, Kellie Martin, and River Ph nix. Young Melora didn't need any encouragement to go into show business, however, as she seemed born to entertain.
Inspired by Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Hardin was singing and writing songs from the start, even before she began taking ballet lessons at the age of five. She begged her parents to let her audition for acting roles, and when she was eight, scored a toothpaste ad on her very first outing. Her first television role, in a Little Rascals-inspired show called "Cliffwood Avenue Kids" (NBC, 1977) came at the age of 10, followed by a string of appearances on seventies guest star staples like "The Love Boat" (ABC 1977-1986) and "Diff'rent Strokes"(NBC, 1978-1985).
She took some time off to return to the East Coast, studying at Sarah Lawrence College, before heading to Europe for months of solitary world travel that would be sure to inform her future as a well-rounded actress. In 1991, the avid song-and-dance gal landed the dream role of a vintage-era nightclub singer in "The Rocketeer," contributing several songs to the film's soundtrack. Throughout the nineties, she maintained an impressive schedule as a working actress - steady appearances on shows like "Quantum Leap" (NBC, 1989-1993) and "Caroline in the City" (NBC, 1995-99) and several juicy, memorable character moments like getting Ross to talk dirty on "Friends" (NBC, 1994-2004).
Being part of an award-winning cast opened new doors for Hardin, who appeared in the Golden Globe winning film "Thank You for Smoking" (2006) and made her film directorial debut with "You" (2007).In addition to impressive work on film and TV, Hardin released two CDs of original, theatrical-tinged vocal stylings - Meloradrama and Purr. She also performed at the Globe Theater in San Diego. In 2007, she directed the play "Strip Search," which enjoyed successful runs at the White Fire Theater and the Acme Comedy Theater, both in Los Angeles.
Inspired by Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Hardin was singing and writing songs from the start, even before she began taking ballet lessons at the age of five. She begged her parents to let her audition for acting roles, and when she was eight, scored a toothpaste ad on her very first outing. Her first television role, in a Little Rascals-inspired show called "Cliffwood Avenue Kids" (NBC, 1977) came at the age of 10, followed by a string of appearances on seventies guest star staples like "The Love Boat" (ABC 1977-1986) and "Diff'rent Strokes"(NBC, 1978-1985).
She took some time off to return to the East Coast, studying at Sarah Lawrence College, before heading to Europe for months of solitary world travel that would be sure to inform her future as a well-rounded actress. In 1991, the avid song-and-dance gal landed the dream role of a vintage-era nightclub singer in "The Rocketeer," contributing several songs to the film's soundtrack. Throughout the nineties, she maintained an impressive schedule as a working actress - steady appearances on shows like "Quantum Leap" (NBC, 1989-1993) and "Caroline in the City" (NBC, 1995-99) and several juicy, memorable character moments like getting Ross to talk dirty on "Friends" (NBC, 1994-2004).
Being part of an award-winning cast opened new doors for Hardin, who appeared in the Golden Globe winning film "Thank You for Smoking" (2006) and made her film directorial debut with "You" (2007).In addition to impressive work on film and TV, Hardin released two CDs of original, theatrical-tinged vocal stylings - Meloradrama and Purr. She also performed at the Globe Theater in San Diego. In 2007, she directed the play "Strip Search," which enjoyed successful runs at the White Fire Theater and the Acme Comedy Theater, both in Los Angeles.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon was born on 22th March 1976, in New Orleans, LA. Her mother was a professor with numerous degrees, including a PhD in pediatric nursing, while her father was a surgeon as well as a lieutenant in the Army Reserves. His military post led the family to relocate to Weisbaden, Germany, shortly after Witherspoon was born. She spent her infancy overseas before the family returned to the United States and settled in Nashville, TN.
The youngest of two kids as well as the only daughter, Witherspoon was bookish and ambitious, simultaneously planning to go into medicine like her parents, but also telling the girls in the schoolyard at the private Harding Academy that she was going to be the next Dolly Parton. A family friend recruited the perky blonde for a local TV commercial when she was seven; thus marking the humble beginnings of the girl who would one day find herself among the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.
Inspired by her brush with local fame, Witherspoon began taking acting lessons, and when she was 11 years old, took first place in a multi-state talent competition. For the next several years, Witherspoon maintained her focus on schoolwork and cheerleading, as well as absorbing her traditional Southern upbringing, which she would later credit with her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Her accomplished mother and grandmother instilled self-respect and high moral standards, which probably came in handy sooner than expected when their 14- year-old daughter inadvertently landed the lead role in a Hollywood film.
Though vehemently denied by both camps, Witherspoon was soon spotted with CAA talent agent, Jim Toth, in early 2010. Toward the end of the year, Witherspoon and Toth were a confirmed couple, complete with numerous photos ops with her children, while Gyllenhaal had reportedly moved on to actress Rachel Bilson. Back on the big screen, Witherspoon starred as a female professional softball player torn between a corporate executive (Paul Rudd) and a Major League Baseball pitcher (Owen Wilson) in James L. Brooks' love triangle comedy, "How Do You Know" (2010).
The youngest of two kids as well as the only daughter, Witherspoon was bookish and ambitious, simultaneously planning to go into medicine like her parents, but also telling the girls in the schoolyard at the private Harding Academy that she was going to be the next Dolly Parton. A family friend recruited the perky blonde for a local TV commercial when she was seven; thus marking the humble beginnings of the girl who would one day find herself among the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.
Inspired by her brush with local fame, Witherspoon began taking acting lessons, and when she was 11 years old, took first place in a multi-state talent competition. For the next several years, Witherspoon maintained her focus on schoolwork and cheerleading, as well as absorbing her traditional Southern upbringing, which she would later credit with her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Her accomplished mother and grandmother instilled self-respect and high moral standards, which probably came in handy sooner than expected when their 14- year-old daughter inadvertently landed the lead role in a Hollywood film.
Though vehemently denied by both camps, Witherspoon was soon spotted with CAA talent agent, Jim Toth, in early 2010. Toward the end of the year, Witherspoon and Toth were a confirmed couple, complete with numerous photos ops with her children, while Gyllenhaal had reportedly moved on to actress Rachel Bilson. Back on the big screen, Witherspoon starred as a female professional softball player torn between a corporate executive (Paul Rudd) and a Major League Baseball pitcher (Owen Wilson) in James L. Brooks' love triangle comedy, "How Do You Know" (2010).
Sophie Monk
Sophie Monk was born in England, but her parents moved to Australia's Gold Coast in Queensland. She also spent time at Somerset College and MacGregor State High School . Whilst at MacGregor State High School, she was a School Captain in her senior year (1997), and was enlisted in the school's CAD (Center of Artistic Development) Program. Prior to, during and after her experience as a member of Popstars, Monk dated Chris Cooper from Tasmania, with whom she split shortly before moving to the United States.
Her professional music career began in 1999 when she responded to an advertisement at the recommendation of her mother which requested girls with vocal and dance experience. The advertisement was for the Australian television series, Popstars, a TV talent show which aimed to create a successful new girl group. Monk, who has been trained in classical and pop singing and has been performing since she was eight years old, drove all night to audition.
She began work on her solo career, re-signing a solo contract with Warner Music. She travelled overseas to work with some well-known producers including hit maker Rob Davis (famous for co-writing Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head") and this resulted in two tracks, "Inside Outside", Monk's debut solo single and the album track "Don't Push It". Sophie performed her new single for the very first time in September on the grand final edition of the AFL Footy Show at Rod Laver Arena.
Sophie Monk has since established herself in Hollywood. Although most of her roles have been reasonably small, she did play Marilyn Monroe for a high-budget telemovie The Mystery Of Natalie Wood (2004) and starred in the music video "Always" for rock group blink-182.
Her professional music career began in 1999 when she responded to an advertisement at the recommendation of her mother which requested girls with vocal and dance experience. The advertisement was for the Australian television series, Popstars, a TV talent show which aimed to create a successful new girl group. Monk, who has been trained in classical and pop singing and has been performing since she was eight years old, drove all night to audition.
She began work on her solo career, re-signing a solo contract with Warner Music. She travelled overseas to work with some well-known producers including hit maker Rob Davis (famous for co-writing Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head") and this resulted in two tracks, "Inside Outside", Monk's debut solo single and the album track "Don't Push It". Sophie performed her new single for the very first time in September on the grand final edition of the AFL Footy Show at Rod Laver Arena.
Sophie Monk has since established herself in Hollywood. Although most of her roles have been reasonably small, she did play Marilyn Monroe for a high-budget telemovie The Mystery Of Natalie Wood (2004) and starred in the music video "Always" for rock group blink-182.
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