Jennifer Garner Biography

NAME: Jennifer Anne Garner

OCCUPATION: Film Actress, Theater Actress, Television Actress

BIRTH DATE: April 17, 1972 (Age: 39)

EDUCATION: Denison University

PLACE OF BIRTH: Houston, Texas

Actress. Born Jennifer Anne Garner on April 17, 1972 in Houston, Texas. The daughter of a chemical engineer and a retired English professor, Garner was raised in Charleston, West Virginia, with her two sisters. She attended Denison University in Ohio, where she graduated with a degree in theater in 1996. After performing on stage in New York City, she moved to Los Angeles to work in television, landing bit parts on several shows, including Spin City and Law and Order.

In 2000, Garner earned notice for her recurring role on the hit show Felicity, and the show's producer subsequently cast her as the lead in a new ABC drama, Alias. It was her starring turn as CIA agent Sydney Bristow that made Garner into an overnight success, earning her a loyal following of viewers and critical praise. In turn, she was cast in such feature films as the Steven Spielberg film Catch Me If You Can co-starring Leonard DiCaprio; Daredevil co-staring Ben Affleck; and 13 Going On 30 with actor Mark Ruffalo. In January 2005, she starred in the Daredevil spin-off, Elektra.

In 2007, Garner starred in the action film The Kingdom, which addressed U.S. conflicts with the oil industry in Saudi Arabia. That same year, she co-starred with Ellen Page, Michael Cera and Jason Bateman in the indie comedy, Juno. The film won more than 45 awards, including an Oscar for Best Screenplay and a Grammy for the motion-picture soundtrack. Garner's role as an adoptive mother also earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

At elementary school, Jennifer discovered a talent for performing, being a perennial winner in the school talent show. It was also noted that, when performing, she had an abnormal hold over her peers. One teacher recalled how once, clad in green overalls, she read a folk tale to the other kids. Whenever anyone became restless, she drew them back in by dropping one of her shoulder-straps. A canny kid.

Garner, Foley & Vartan

Garner shows up solo as a presenter at the Oscars, fueling talk of a rift with Foley. Ten days later the couple separates after 2½ years of marriage. In October, after months of speculation, Alias costar Michael Vartan puts an end to questions of a romance with Garner: "She's my girlfriend. End of story."

Comedy Chops

Garner escapes her butt-kicking heroine persona, taking on her first starring comedic role as a fashion magazine editor magically transformed into a teenager in 13 Going on 30. The movie earns a solid $57 million at the box office.