One of the brightest young stars around, Jennifer Garner first gained significant attention via the hit show 'Alias', where she portrays double agent Sydney Bristow. A role which has already won her a Golden Globe in 2001 in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series category after only its first season, and a further nomination in the same category in 2002.
Currently in its second successful season, the show has seen her adopt a variety of accents, costumes and unusual hairstyles, as well as battling it out with such super villains as the criminal network The Alliance, various international terrorists and even special guest star Quentin Tarantino. All while Sydney juggles life as a grad student, her complicated relationship with her father and her involvement with both the CIA and the twisted organisation of SD-6. The main reason for the success of Alias is Jennifer's ability to jump seamlessly from some of the most exciting and dramatic action sequences on TV, into the human drama that is the heart of the show. If you haven't seen 'Alias', or aren't a regular viewer yet, then you really should start now, if only to see Jennifer and her remarkable acting range.
For all you trivia buffs, Jennifer Anne Garner was born on April 17, 1972, in Houston, Texas, and as a child was raised in Charleston, West Virginia. She is the middle of three sisters and in her early years was an aspiring and dedicated ballerina who would practice for several hours every day, though she would eventually trade ballet for drama, for which she had a greater passion.
Following school she enrolled at Denison University in Ohio as a Chemistry major, although she soon changed her mind and opted instead to become a Drama major, a subject closer to her heart and a decision which we're all grateful for! Following her graduation in 1994 with a Theater degree, she first moved to New York, where she worked as a waitress while trying to launch her acting career. Following this early spell in the Big Apple she moved to L.A. and used to work as a hostess at Isabella's restaurant while gaining a steadier stream of TV roles, before getting her first significant break on the WB TV show 'Felicity', where she also met future 'Alias' creator J.J. Abrams.
This was followed by supporting roles in the movies 'Pearl Harbor' and 'Dude Where's My Car?'. However, although Alias has been her first really successful leading role, her role as Elektra in the upcoming comic book adapted action film Daredevil is sure to be the first of many memorable film appearances. Jennifer's ability to play both dramatic and action roles is further illustrated by her appearance in not only Daredevil, but also the latest Steven Spielberg film 'Catch Me If You Can'.
Last year she was named one of People Magazine's 'Breakthrough Stars of 2001', and most recently in December Maxim Online named her as a Girlfriend of the Day, although considering she married former 'Felicity' star Scott Foley in October 2000, it's fair to say that was pretty wishful thinking on their part.
Despite the rising level of fame, Jennifer and her husband continue to live in the San Fernando Valley in California with their cat and two dogs, and outside of acting Jennifer enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, and inspired by her role on Alias, kickboxing.
