Birth name Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon
Born March 22, 1976 (1976-03-22) (age 31)
New Orleans, Louisiana

Spouse(s) Ryan Phillippe[1] (1999-) (filed for divorce)
Children: Ava Phillippe (b.1999), Deacon Phillippe (b.2003)


Awards

2006 | BAFTA Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Walk the Line
2006 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress Motion Picture Musical or Comedy
2005 | Academy Awards | Best Actress | Walk the Line
2005 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role | Walk the Line


Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon (born March 22, 1976), simply known as Reese Witherspoon, is an Academy Award-winning American actress.

Her first role was in the movie The Man in the Moon (1991), followed by several moderately successful family oriented comedies and dramas in the early to mid 1990s, and then the teenage thriller Fear (1996), where she became something of a teen idol. Witherspoon emerged as a young woman in Election (1999), as an obsessive, stressful, vindictive, and overachieving teenage girl determined to win everything she sets out to do. Witherspoon acquired her breakout role in Legally Blonde (2001), as a fun-loving blonde, a role she reprised in a sequel. Witherspoon received worldwide attention for playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line (2005), a role that earned Witherspoon critical praise, media attention and an Academy Award for Best Actress. More recently, Witherspoon starred in Penelope, alongside Christina Ricci, set for an early 2008 release date.


Early life

Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana[2] to John Witherspoon, a Georgia-born lieutenant colonel in the US Army reserves and later an otorhinolaryngologist,[3] and Betty (née Reese), a nurse and college professor from Harriman, Tennessee. Her birth name is Laura Jean Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon is said to be a direct descendant of Scotland-born John Witherspoon,[4] [5][6] who was a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence, the sixth president of Princeton University, and a Presbyterian minister. Witherspoon was raised in the Episcopalian religion.[7] Because her father worked for the US military in Wiesbaden, Germany, she lived there for four years as a small child. After returning to the United States, Witherspoon, an army brat, spent much of her childhood and adolescence in Nashville, Tennessee, where, she says in Interview magazine, "I grew up in an environment where women accomplished a lot. And if they weren't able to, it was because they were limited by society. I grew up with a grandma-my father's mother-who was incredibly intelligent but was limited by the bounds of society and propriety... She was a voracious reader, and she encouraged me to read a lot as a child..." a woman whose "depression" and "disconnect between her capabilities and her lack of fulfillment and achievement" continue to motivate Witherspoon in life. After graduating from the prestigious private all-girls' Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, she attended Stanford University as a literature major. After completing a year of her studies, she left Stanford to pursue her acting career.

Career

Early career (1991-2000)

Witherspoon's first role was in a made-for-TV movie called Wildflower, directed by Diane Keaton and starring Beau Bridges, William McNamara, and Patricia Arquette. That same year, at age 15, Witherspoon attended an open casting call for The Man in the Moon, intending to audition as a bit player. She was instead cast in the lead role, immediately capturing the attention of critics. She has since built up an impressive filmography, playing both comedic and dramatic roles. Following the success of The Man in the Moon, Witherspoon acted in many both lead and supporting roles. In 1993, Witherspoon had a minor role in Jack the Bear. That same year, she portrayed the leading character "Nonnie Parker" in the Disney/Amblin film A Far Off Place. The following year, Witherspoon acted in another leading role as "Wendy Pfister" in the 1994 film S.F.W.. In 1996, Witherspoon starred alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Brooke Shields as Vanessa Lutz in the thriller Freeway. Consequently, Witherspoon won Best Actress at the Cognac Festival du Film Policier.[8]

1998 was a successful year for Witherspoon as she made three films: Twilight, Overnight Delivery, and Pleasantville. In the thriller Twilight, Witherspoon played "Mel Ames," making her first and only nude appearance. Meanwhile, her role as "Jennifer" in Pleasantville garnered her the Young Hollywood Award for the "Best Female Breakthrough Performance."[9]

In 1999, Witherspoon's career continued as she starred as "Lissa" in the drama thriller Best Laid Plans. Meanwhile, she also portrayed "Annette Hargrove" in Cruel Intentions, where she acted alongside her future husband Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Also in 1999, Witherspoon portrayed Tracy Flick in Election. Although the film received good reviews (and her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination) Witherspoon noted in an interview that she struggled to find work after completing the film. When analyzing the reasons behind her difficulty to find work, Witherspoon commented: "I think because the character I played was so extreme and sort of shrewish - people thought that was who I was, rather than me going in and creating a part. I would audition for things, and I'd always be the second choice - studios never wanted to hire me, and I wasn't losing the parts to big box-office actresses but to ones who I guess people felt differently about."[10] Her highly praised performance received a ranking in 2006, at #45 on the list of 100 Greatest Film Performances of All Time by Premiere Magazine.[11]

In 2000, Witherspoon received a supporting role in American Psycho. In addition, she made a cameo appearance as "Angel Holly" in Little Nicky. Witherspoon had small parts as Jill Green, Rachel Green's sister, in season six of "Friends", as well as Debbie Grunds in two episodes of King of the Hill.

Breakthrough (2001-2005)

After struggling to find work for a period of time, in 2001 Witherspoon starred as "Elle Woods", a fashion merchandising major who decided to become a law student to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard, in the film Legally Blonde, resulting in her breakthrough as a leading actress. Critics began referring to Witherspoon as "the new Meg Ryan". The box-office hit helped Witherspoon achieve fame. Meanwhile, critical reviews were generally positive, with Roger Ebert commenting that "Witherspoon effortlessly animated this material with sunshine and quick wit".[12] As a result, Witherspoon garnered her second Golden Globe Best Actress nomination for her role.

Following the success of Legally Blonde, Witherspoon starred in a number of different roles. In 2002, Witherspoon was the voice of the animated character Greta Wolfcastle in The Simpsons episode The Bart Wants What It Wants. Additionally, Witherspoon portrayed "Cecily" in the comedy The Importance of Being Earnest. Witherspoon received a Teen Choice Award nomination as a result of her role. The same year, Witherspoon starred as "Melanie Smooter/Carmichael" in Sweet Home Alabama.

In 2003, Witherspoon followed up the success of Legally Blonde by starring in its sequel Legally Blonde 2, where her character became an environmental lawyer. Reportedly, Witherspoon received a $15 million paycheck for the sequel, making her one of Hollywood's highest paid actresses.

Witherspoon also starred as Becky Sharp in the 2004 film Vanity Fair, an adaptation of the classic novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. In early 2005, Witherspoon acted as "Elizabeth Masterson" in the romantic comedy Just Like Heaven.

Life with Oscar (2005-present)

In 2005, Witherspoon garnered much critical praise and awards for her turn as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line. Carter Cash, who died in 2003, had personally approved of Witherspoon to play her in the 2005 biopic. However, Witherspoon never had the chance to meet Carter Cash, as Witherspoon was filming Vanity Fair when Carter Cash died.[10] For this role, Witherspoon won several critical awards across the globe, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, NYFCC, the FFCC, the SFFCC Award for Best Actress, the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) for best actress in a lead role, the British Academy's BAFTA for best actress in a lead role, the "Favorite Leading Lady" at the 32nd Annual People's Choice Awards, and the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Recently, Witherspoon has been featured as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Her article was written by friend and fellow co-star in the Legally Blonde movies, Luke Wilson.[13]

Witherspoon also runs a production company, Type A Productions. Some believe the company is named after her childhood nickname "Little Miss Type A," but she clarified the misconception in Interview: "People think I named it after myself... But it just isn't who I am at all. It was actually an in-joke with my family because at 7 I understood complicated medical terms, such as the difference between type A and type B personalities. But I just wished I'd named the company Dogfood Films or Fork or something. You carry that baggage all your life."[10]

Witherspoon has commented on her motivation to act. "Sometimes I think it's about acknowledgement. I always felt like people didn't understand me what I was capable of or what I could accomplish. I was driven to make people understand that I was capable of more... But for me part of the experience of acting is that it is really moving-it's almost meditative, going into a different character. You lose all self-consciousness and self-awareness for that brief moment. It's really magical. Of course, it can also be drudgery if you can't connect with the material or director."[14]

Witherspoon's first post-Oscar role came in the modern-day fairy tale, "Penelope", in which Witherspoon plays the supporting role of Annie, the eccentric best friend of Christina Ricci's pig-nosed character. Filming on Penelope began in March 2006, almost immediately after Witherspoon won her Academy Award, and the film premiered at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. However, the film, which Witherspoon's Type A Films produced, has suffered two release delays and is now set for a February 2008 release[15].

Witherspoon was back in front of the cameras again in November 2006 as shooting began for the political thriller Rendition, in which Witherspoon stars as Isabella El-Ibrahim, alongside Meryl Streep, Alan Arkin, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film is set to be released on October 12, 2007. It will be Witherspoon's first appearance in theatres in two years, since the 2005 release of Walk the Line.

In 2007, Reese Witherspoon made her first move into the world of endorsements as she signed a multiyear agreement to serve as Avon Products Global Ambassador. She will be involved in product development, appear in advertisements, and will serve as the honorary chairwoman of the Avon Foundation. She is also set to star in a Universal Pictures remake of the 1939 comedy Midnight, scripted by Michael Arndt,[16] and is in talks to star in the holiday comedy Four Christmases alongside Vince Vaughn.[17] 2009 may also see Witherspoon take on the horror genre for the first time, as the star of Our Family Troubles, which she and partner Jennifer Simpson will produce under the Type A banner.[18]

Personal life
Witherspoon met American actor Ryan Phillippe at her 21st birthday party in March 1997, where, as she says, "I don't know what came over me - maybe the seven Midori sours - but I told him,'I think you're my birthday present.' He thought it was so flattering, and now that I think about it... how embarrassing!"[19] The pair got engaged in December of 1998. Soon after, the couple starred together in the box office hit Cruel Intentions. They were married on a plantation in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 5, 1999. They have two children: daughter Ava Elizabeth, born September 9, 1999, and son Deacon Reese, born October 23, 2003.

A self-identified Southerner who has credited her family with fomenting her imagination and love for storytelling and privacy, she has said that her parental philosophy has roots in her upbringing. "We weren't the kind of children that were shadowed. We didn't have nannies. We didn't have housekeepers. This whole L.A. culture is so foreign to me, because when I was growing up you wouldn't watch your children every moment. I'm always confused when people bring their children over and then want to sit with them while they play. I think part of the joy of being a child is privacy. Your fantasies and dreams are so important to you at that moment."[10]

Paparazzi incident

In September 2005, Witherspoon and her children were celebrating daughter Ava's sixth birthday at Disney's California Adventure theme park when they were approached by paparazzi photographer Todd Wallace. After Witherspoon declined to pose for photos at close range, police say Wallace became enraged and pushed a child out of the way, while hitting another with his camera, in his efforts to photograph the actress.[20][21]

Wallace also allegedly shoved two theme park employees when they attempted to restrain him, and cursed at Witherspoon, causing several children to cry. As a result of the altercation, Wallace was arrested and faced misdemeanor charges. However, before the case went to trial, Wallace was found dead on 5 February 2006[22] in his apartment in Brentwood. Police are investigating the cause of death, including the possibility he committed suicide so he would not face charges.[23]

Divorce proceedings

On November 10, 2005 Witherspoon responded to critical news reports of receiving marriage counseling. "In what capacity is working on yourself or your marriage a bad thing? What marriage isn't a journey?... Nobody's perfect... We all have our own set of problems," she said on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The next month, she said separately, "We are all on the edge, emotionally or psychologically."[24]

On June 21, 2006 Witherspoon sued the tabloid Star for running a "fictional" story on a third pregnancy that claims she is hiding the news from producers of her upcoming films.[25]On October 30, 2006, Witherspoon and Phillippe announced that they decided to formally separate after seven years of marriage.[26] On November 8, 2006, Witherspoon filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In her petition she sought joint legal custody of their two children and sole physical custody, with visitation for Phillippe.[27] Although the couple have no pre-nuptial agreement and Phillippe is entitled to half of Witherspoon's assets by California law, she requested that the court not grant spousal support for Phillippe. On May 15, 2007, Phillippe filed for joint physical custody of the couple's children. He did not ask for spousal support, and did not make any move to block Witherspoon from seeking support from him.[28]

Rumored Relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal

In November 2006, photographs of Witherspoon talking and laughing with co-star Jake Gyllenhaal (an acquaintance and former jogging buddy of her husband Ryan Phillippe) on the set on their film Rendition sparked rumors that the pair were dating.[29] A flurry of sightings followed in winter and spring 2007, though paparazzi failed to capture a photograph of the elusive stars together. The supposed couple's elusiveness led to reports in June 2007 that Witherspoon and Gyllenhaal had broken up.[30] However, on July 31, 2007, paparazzi photographs of Witherspoon and Gyllenhaal laughing in Witherspoon's car as they drove around Los Angeles emerged and were interpreted by the media as confirmation that the actors are indeed a couple.[31]

However, on September 7, 2007 on E!'s Daily 10, Ben Lyons asked Witherspoon about the rumors and she replied "don't believe everything you read", implying that the relationship is simply a rumor.

Filmography

Year | Title | Role | Other notes

1991 | The Man in the Moon | Danielle'Dani' Trant | Young Artist Award Nominee (Best Young Actress)

1991 | Wildflower | Ellie Perkins

1992 | Desperate Choices: To Save My Child | Cassie Robins

1993 | A Far Off Place | Nonnie Parker

1993 | Jack the Bear | Karen Morris | Young Artist Award Winner (Best Youth Actress Co-star)

1995 | S.F.W. | Wendy Pfister

1996 | Freeway | Vanessa Lutz | Best Actress, Cognac Festival du Film Policier

1996 | Fear | Nicole Walker

1998 | Twilight | Mel Ames

1998 | Overnight Delivery | Ivy Miller

1998 | Pleasantville | Jennifer | Young Hollywood Award Winner (Breakthrough Performance - Female)

1999 | Cruel Intentions | Annette Hargrove

1999 | Election | Tracy Flick | Golden Globe Nominee (Actress)
National Society of Film Critics Awards Winner (Best Actress)
Independent Spirit Award Nominee (Best Actress)
Best Laid Plans Lissa

2000 | Little Nicky | Holly

2000 | American Psycho | Evelyn Williams

2001 | The Trumpet of the Swan | Serena (voice)

2001 | Legally Blonde | Elle Woods Golden Globe Nominee (Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)
MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance Winner

2002 | The Importance of Being Earnest | Cecily Teen Choice Awards Nominee (Choice Actress Comedy)

2002 | Sweet Home Alabama | Melanie Smooter/Carmichael

2003 | Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde | Elle Woods

2004 | Vanity Fair | Becky Sharp

2005 | Walk the Line[32] | June Carter Cash | BAFTA Award For Best Actress
Academy Award for Best Actress
Screen Actors Guild Award
Golden Globe Winner
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award
National Society of Film Critics Awards
Teen Choice Awards for Choice Actress Drama/Action Adventure
People's Choice Award for Favorite Leading Lady
Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress
Just Like Heaven Elizabeth Masterson

2006 | Penelope | Annie

2007 | Rendition | Isabella El-Ibrahim

2008 | Our Family Troubles | TBA | Pre-production


Awards

2006 | BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Walk the Line
Preceded by Imelda Staunton for Vera Drake
Succeeded by Helen Mirren for The Queen

2006 | Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Walk the Line
Preceded by Annette Bening for Being Julia
Succeeded by Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada

2005 | Academy Award for Best Actress for Walk the Line
Preceded by Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby
Succeeded by Helen Mirren for The Queen

2005 | Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture for Walk the Line
Preceded by Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby
Succeeded by Helen Mirren for The Queen

2005 | First Annual AFCA Awards for Best Actress for Walk the Line
Preceded by None
Succeeded by Ellen Page for Hard Candy

2005 | NYFCC Award for Best Actress for Walk the Line
Preceded by Imelda Staunton for Vera Drake
Succeeded by Helen Mirren for The Queen


References


1. ^ Marriage certificate (#1999002007), name spelling = Jeanne
2. ^ Interview with father, birthplace = New Orleans
3. ^ http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800018812/bio
4. ^ http://www.agirlsworld.com/rachel/hangin-with/reesewitherspoon_legally2.html
5. ^ The Descendants of The Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Vol 3., however does not support Reese's claim of direct descendency. The last known male Witherspoon is Henry Kollock Witherspoon, Jr.
6. ^ Sturges, Fiona. " Reese Witherspoon: Legally blonde. Physically flawed?", The Independent, August 7, 2004. Accessed September 22, 2007. "Laura Jean Reese Witherspoon is in fact a descendant of the Scottish Calvinist John Knox and John Witherspoon who left Scotland for America to become one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence."
7. ^ http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=18040&pageIndex=3
8. ^ Reese Witherspoon - Awards. IMDB.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
9. ^ 1999 Young Hollywood Awards. IMDB.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
10. ^ a b c d That's Reese: stepping into the ring of fire. December 2005. Retrieved 13 February 2007.
11. ^ 100 Greatest Movie Performances of All Time. filmsite.org. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
12. ^ Ebert, Roger.Reviews: Legally Blonde. The Sun Times. 13 July 2001. Retrieved 23 February 2007.
13. ^ Wilson, Luke. Reese Witherspoon. TIME Magazine. 30 April 2006. Retrieved 13 February 2007.
14. ^ Ingrid Slschy (December, 2005). That's Reese: stepping into the ring of fire. Retrieved on 2006-10-30.
15. ^ Eugene Hernandez. At IFC Films, "Penelope" Shift Points To A Change in Focus; Company Emphasizing First Take Slate. indiewire.com. Retrieved on August 22, 2007.
16. ^ Michael Fleming. Witherspoon to star in'Midnight'. Variety.com. Retrieved on May 31, 2007.
17. ^ Dave McNary. Vaughn, Witherspoon set for comedy. Variety.com. Retrieved on August 22, 2007.
18. ^ Michael Fleming. Reese might find'Family'. Variety.com. Retrieved on August 22, 2007.
19. ^ Suzan Colon (November 1998). The Nine About-to-Be Biggest Stars. Retrieved on 2006-10-30.
20. ^ IMDb News:Reese Witherspoon in Paparazzi Attack. Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on December 18, 2006.
21. ^ WENN News. Witherspoon Photographer Found Dead. Hollywood.com. Retrieved on December 18, 2006.
22. ^ Paparazzo facing charges found dead. Retrieved on February 13, 2007.
23. ^ IMDb News:Body of Witherspoon Paparazzo Identified. Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on December 18, 2006.
24. ^ Reese Witherspoon on the benefits of therapy. Retrieved on 2006-10-30.
25. ^ Reuters (June 21, 2006). Reese Witherspoon sues Star magazine. Retrieved on 2006-10-30.
26. ^ Reese Witherspoon & Ryan Phillippe Split (October 30, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
27. ^ AOL (November 8, 2006). Reese Witherspoon Files for Divorce. Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
28. ^ People (May 18, 2007). Ryan Phillippe Seeks Joint Custody of Kids. Retrieved on 2007-08-22.
29. ^ People (April 5, 2007). Reese Witherspoon & Jake Gyllenhaal Get Close. Retrieved on 2007-08-22.
30. ^ US Weekly (June 20, 2007). Reese & Jake: Is This the End?. Retrieved on August 22, 2007.
31. ^ US Weekly (August 1, 2007). First Pic: Reese and Jake as a Couple!. Retrieved on August 22, 2007.
32. ^ IMDb Awards listing



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