Kelly Rutherford Actress born November 1968

Kelly Rutherford was born on November 6, 1968, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA, and grew up in both Virginia and California. Her parents divorced when she was a child, and she was raised primarily by her mother, who worked as a model and actress.

Rutherford attended Beverly Hills High School and later went on to study at the University of Southern California. While in college, she began to pursue acting and landed her first professional role in the 1989 movie "Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge".

In the early 1990s, Rutherford appeared in several popular television shows, including "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.", "The Great Defender", and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures". She also had recurring roles in the soap operas "Generations" and "Loving".

In 1996, Rutherford was cast as Megan Lewis in the hit series "Melrose Place". Her character was involved in some of the show's most dramatic storylines, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Rutherford remained on the show until its cancellation in 1999.

Following the end of "Melrose Place", Rutherford continued to work in television and film. She had a recurring role in the NBC drama "The District" and appeared in movies such as "Scream 3" and "Swimming Upstream". In 2006, she joined the cast of the CBS military drama "E-Ring", where she played Samantha "Sonny" Liston for one season.

In 2007, Rutherford was cast as Lily van der Woodsen in the CW series "Gossip Girl". Her performance as the sophisticated and wealthy mother of two was widely praised, and the show became a cultural phenomenon. Rutherford remained on "Gossip Girl" for the show's six seasons, which ended in 2012.

Outside of her acting career, Rutherford has been an active humanitarian. She has supported a number of organizations, including the Children's Defense Fund, the International Rescue Committee, and the Step Up Women's Network. In 2010, she was honored with the Global Promise Award by the International Medical Corps for her work on behalf of children's health and welfare.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Rutherford has also been an outspoken advocate for family court reform. In 2009, she went through a highly publicized divorce and custody battle with her ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, which resulted in her losing custody of their two children. Since then, Rutherford has become a vocal advocate for children's rights and has worked to raise awareness of the flaws in the family court system.

Despite her personal struggles, Rutherford has remained active in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in several television shows, including "Reckless" and "Quantico", and has had recurring roles on "Dynasty" and "Riverdale". She has also continued to pursue her passion for philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for the World Children's Day organization and working with the United Nations on issues related to women and children.

In her personal life, Rutherford has two children with her ex-husband, whom she has continued to fight for custody of over the years. She has been vocal about the toll that the custody battle has taken on her and her family, but has remained committed to fighting for what she believes is right.

Kelly Rutherford's career and personal life have been marked by highs and lows, but she has remained a respected figure in the entertainment industry and an inspiration to many for her resilience and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Resilience and Impact: The Inspiring Journey of Ashley Judd Born 1968

Ashley Judd, born on April 19, 1968, in Granada Hills, California, is an American actress and political activist. She has carved a niche for herself in Hollywood with her powerful performances and her dedication to humanitarian and political causes. The daughter of country music singer Naomi Judd and half-sister to Wynonna Judd, Ashley grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry but faced her own set of challenges before finding her path to success.

Early Life and Education

Ashley Judd's childhood was marked by frequent relocations, as her mother Naomi pursued a career in music. This itinerant lifestyle contributed to a sense of instability, but it also exposed Ashley to a variety of cultures and environments. Despite the challenges, Ashley was an excellent student and showed a passion for learning from a young age. She attended 13 schools before completing her high school education at Franklin High School in Tennessee.

After high school, Judd enrolled at the University of Kentucky, where she majored in French and minored in anthropology, art history, theater, and women’s studies. During her time at the university, she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and spent a semester studying in France. Her academic achievements and exposure to different cultures during her college years helped shape her worldview and laid the foundation for her future humanitarian work.

Struggles and Challenges

Despite being part of a famous family, Ashley Judd faced her share of personal struggles. She has been open about the difficulties she encountered in her relationships and the impact of her mother's fame on her own life. In her memoir, "All That Is Bitter and Sweet," Judd revealed her experiences with depression and the healing journey she undertook to overcome these challenges.

Judd's journey to self-discovery and healing led her to seek therapy and counseling, which she credits with helping her understand and address the root causes of her struggles. Her openness about her mental health journey has made her a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has inspired many others to seek help and support.

Rise to Fame

Ashley Judd's acting career began in the early 1990s, with her first significant role coming in the 1993 film "Ruby in Paradise." Her portrayal of Ruby Lee Gissing, a young woman seeking independence and a fresh start, earned her critical acclaim and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. This breakthrough role opened the doors to more prominent opportunities in Hollywood.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Judd starred in a series of successful films, including "Heat" (1995), "A Time to Kill" (1996), "Kiss the Girls" (1997), and "Double Jeopardy" (1999). Her performances in these films showcased her versatility as an actress and solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Judd's ability to portray strong, complex female characters resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Success and Impact

In addition to her acting career, Ashley Judd has been a dedicated humanitarian and political activist. She has used her platform to advocate for a variety of causes, including women's rights, education, and global health. Judd has traveled to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, and Thailand, working with organizations like Population Services International and the United Nations Population Fund to address issues such as poverty, gender-based violence, and reproductive health.

Judd's commitment to social justice and equality has also led her to become involved in political activism. She has been a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party and has considered running for political office. In 2017, Judd was one of the first women to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, a move that helped ignite the #MeToo movement and brought attention to the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Legacy and Influence

Ashley Judd's influence extends beyond her filmography and activism. She has been a role model for many, demonstrating resilience, courage, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. Her willingness to speak out on difficult issues and her dedication to improving the lives of others have made her a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the global community.

Judd's journey from a tumultuous childhood to a successful acting career and impactful activism is a testament to her strength and determination. She continues to inspire others with her work, both on and off the screen, and remains a powerful voice for change in the world.

As Ashley Judd continues to navigate her career and advocacy, her legacy as an actress and activist will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world. Her journey serves as a reminder that personal struggles can be transformed into a force for good, and that the pursuit of justice and equality is a noble and necessary endeavor.

Lucy Liu born December 1968

Lucy Alexis Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress. She became known for her role in the television series Ally McBeal (1998–2002) as the vicious and ill-mannered Ling Woo, and has also appeared in several notable film roles, including Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill and Kung Fu Panda.

Lucy Liu was born and was raised with her brother John in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, by Taiwanese immigrant parents. Liu has said that she grew up in a "diverse" neighborhood. Her family spoke Mandarin at home and she did not learn English until she was five years old. Her father, Tom, was a civil engineer and her mother, Cecilia, a biochemist, but they sacrificed those careers in Taiwan to come to the United States. Liu, at her parents' insistence, devoted her spare time to studying. She attended the Joseph Pulitzer Middle School (I.S.145) and she graduated from New York City's prestigious Stuyvesant High School in 1986. She attended New York University for one year, before transferring to the University of Michigan, where she joined the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Asian Languages and Cultures. At one point, Liu worked as a waitress in Michigan.