One of the most successful female stars of her generation, Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, La., on March 22, 1976. Her family spent the first four years of her life living on an Army base in Germany and eventually settled in Nashville.

After years of acting locally, Witherspoon was cast in her first film, Man in the Moon (1991). Following roles in low-budget, independent films, she had her first mainstream successes with Pleasantville and Cruel Intentions.

Her work as the dangerously driven Tracy Flick in Election garnered Witherspoon her critical praise and launched her into box office hits showcasing her comedic talents, such as Legally Blonde (and its sequel), Sweet Home Alabama and the period piece The Importance of Being Earnest. She transcended comedic and girl-next-door roles by playing (and singing) the part of June Carter in Walk the Line to the beat of her first Oscar win. ... - from Netflix