Name: Shailene Diann Woodley
Birthdate: November 15, 1991
Birthplace: Simi Valley, California
Claim to fame: She played the lead on the hit ABC family series The Secret Life of the American Teenager for five years, from 2008-2013. But she hit mainstream popularity when she played George Clooney’s daughter in 2011’s Oscar-nominated film The Descendants.
What we can see her in next: She plays the lead role of Tris Prior in the newly released Divergent, which is the first installment of a Hunger Games esque trilogy series. She also has another movie coming out on June 6th, which is a film adaption of the New York Times best selling book, The Fault in our Stars.
Interesting fact: She auditioned for the role of Lucy in 2001’s I am Sam, as well as for the role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games series, but was beat out by Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Lawrence for the roles.
Best quote: “Another thing I like to do is give my vagina a little vitamin D. I was reading an article written by an herbalist I studied about yeast infections and other genital issues. She said there’s nothing better than vitamin D. If you’re feeling depleted, go in the sun for an hour and see how much energy you get, or if you live in a place that has heavy winters, when the sun finally comes out, spread your legs and get some sunshine.” – talking about vitamin D and her lady parts.
Why we love her: Up until a few years ago, the name Shailene Woodley probably didn’t ring a bell to most people. That’s because she only recently shot to mainstream fame in 2011 when she played George Clooney’s sarcastic daughter, Alexandra King. It was in this film where it became evident to audiences that this young actress was someone to keep an eye on in Hollywood: there was the famous underwater crying scene, as well as numerous scenes where she went toe-to-toe with Clooney. She not only held her own against Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor, but she even outshined him in many of their scenes together. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for an actress in a supporting role for her work.
While this might have been her most notable role to date, Shailene was already a veteran of the small screen and a long-time actress well before. She started acting at the age of five for commercials and print modeling. From here she booked several reoccurring roles on numerous TV shows throughout her younger years. Then in 2008, at the age of 15, she booked the lead role of Amy Juergens on the ABC family series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. It was this show where she developed a loyal fan base, as well as had the opportunity to showcase her emerging talent and star appeal. Then in 2011, it was the big break with The Descendants, and after that, came several other starring roles. Most recently there was The Spectacular Now, which she starred opposite fast-talking Miles Teller. As well as the recently released Divergent, which she plays the lead heroine, Tris Prior. Much like Jennifer Lawrence did with The Hunger Games, Shailene Woodley is expected to rise to the top of the pyramid of young leading ladies in Hollywood with her first big blockbuster-starring role. Film critics are even considering her the second coming of Jennifer Lawrence, and considering her mass popularity, you won’t find many people losing sleep over that idea.
That’s probably a big part of her appeal to casting directors, young female fans, and smitten male admirers – there’s something very real and genuine about her. She comes across as just your average young American woman, with her natural good looks and humble demeanor. Not to mention the fact that she’s extremely quirky, outspoken, and often blunt in interviews (hence her outrageous quote shown above). That’s definitely a reason why she’s probably going to have huge sticking power in Hollywood – she’s not just that ‘it girl’ of the moment, but a very real talent that is just getting started on making her mark. I’m sure we’re all very excited to catch her in more candid and inappropriate moments of public over share as she continues to win us over with her talent, beauty, and personality.
