Leighton Meester

Meester at Chanel's SoHo store re-opening, September 9, 2010


Leighton Marissa Meester (born April 9, 1986) is an American actress and singer. Meester starred as Blair Waldorf in the CW's teen drama television series Gossip Girl where she garnered attention and critical acclaim. She has also appeared in the 2010 country drama film Country Strong, the 2011 thriller The Roommate, the 2011 romantic-comedy Monte Carlo, and the 2012 comedies That's My Boy and The Oranges.

Early life
Meester was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Constance (née Haas) and Douglas Meester, and lived most of her life in New York City and Los Angeles. Meester's last name is the Dutch word for "master" or "teacher". At the time of her birth, her mother was serving time in a federal prison for her involvement in a drug ring that smuggled marijuana from Jamaica to the USA. She was able to give birth to Leighton in a hospital and nurse her for three months in a halfway house, before returning to prison to complete her sentence, after which Leighton's grandmother cared for her. She has a brother, Alexander, who is 8 years younger. Meester has maintained that her parents gave her a normal upbringing and, despite their criminal past, are good people with experience that has only made Meester more open-minded and non-judgmental, "It made me realize that you can't judge anyone — especially your parents — for what they've done in their past, because people change." Meester has joked, "Look, I could've turned out a lot worse." She has cited her mother as her style icon.

Meester grew up in Marco Island, Florida, where she participated in productions at a local playhouse. When she was 11 years old, Meester and her mother moved to New York City. Meester attended the Professional Children's School and also began working as a model with Wilhelmina, booking a Ralph Lauren campaign shot by Bruce Weber and working with then photographer (now film maker) Sofia Coppola as well as many commercials including Tamagotchi toys and Clearasil. She has also posed for Limited Too campaigns alongside fellow future actress, Amanda Seyfried, in which Seyfried recalls, "Leighton was very confident." Meester made her television acting debut as a murder victim's friend on an episode of Law & Order. At 14, Meester moved to Los Angeles, California, wanting more stable work, and attended Hollywood High School and Beverly Hills High School. She then transferred to a small private school and graduated a year early.

Career

Acting

After her television debut in 1999 playing Alyssa Turner in Law & Order, Meester appeared as a guest in two more series before landing her big role in the movie Hangman's Curse, based on the best-selling book by Frank Peretti. She appeared in Tarzan, which ran for only eight episodes. Meester then started to land guest roles in other series such as Crossing Jordan, 8 Simple Rules, 7th Heaven, Veronica Mars, 24, and Entourage.

In 2005, Meester began a regular role in the series Surface as Savannah Bennet. Meester appeared in two more 2006 movies, Flourish and Inside. She also guest appeared in Numb3rs and in two episodes of House M.D. as Ali, a young girl who has a crush on House. She had guest roles on CSI: Miami and Shark, and played the female lead in the horror film Drive-Thru.

In 2007, Meester was cast in the CW's teen drama series Gossip Girl as Blair Waldorf. The show is based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar about the lives of New York's privileged Upper East Side young adults. Her performance was the most critically acclaimed of the show, with Blair being cited as the series' breakout character, and also garnering much media recognition due to her wardrobe. She dated Gossip Girl co-star Sebastian Stan.

Meester appeared on the television film The Haunting of Sorority Row, and played a part in the ensemble comedy/drama Remember the Daze. She also appeared in the horror/thriller film Killer Movie in 2008.

Meester at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival for the premiere of Killer Movie

Meester starred in three films in 2010 with small roles in the comedies Date Night and Going The Distance and a bigger role in Screen Gems' country drama Country Strong starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Garrett Hedlund. The Boston Globe found the best thing in the film was Meester because "she’s just doing Reese Witherspoon’s June Carter Cash in Walk the Line with dabs of Miley Cyrus and Kellie Pickler. But it’s not an impersonation; it’s a performance with its own comedy and sweetness." USA Today was also positive towards her performance writing "Meester shows she can do more than play one of Gossip Girl's privileged Manhattan socialite."

In 2011, she played the role of Rebecca, an obsessive bipolar girl in the thriller The Roommate. Though the film mainly received negative reviews, Meester's portrayal was praised by critics. Entertainment Weekly found she was the only one to bring "the slightest trace of something fascinating to her role" while Los Angeles Times wrote "her performance often has the feeling of a sports car in neutral. When she punches it for quick changes of tone from manic to wounded or around the bend, she shows how much more she is capable of." Meester's second film of the year was the young femme comedy Monte Carlo, loosely based on Jules Bass's young-adult book Headhunters, in which she plays Selena Gomez's sister and Katie Cassidy's friend. Movieline noted that "As in Country Strong, Meester's crack timing and irresistible poignancy illuminate a part that would leave other actresses simpering themselves off the screen." Her last film of 2011 was the indie dramatic comedy The Oranges opposite Hugh Laurie, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The San Francisco Chronicle felt that she embodied well her character Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly thought she was "charming", and Newsday called her "radiant".

Meester starred in the comedy That's My Boy, alongside Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and Milo Ventimiglia, which was released in June 2012. The film received mainly negative reviews and is nominated for eight Golden Raspberry Awards. The film was also a box office failure as it only grossed over $57 million, failing to recoup its production budget of $70 million. In August 2012, Meester appeared alongside Wilmer Valderrama and Vanessa Curry in the house music group Nomads' music video "Addicted to Love". She recently finished filming the movie God Only Knows alongside Ben Barnes and is now working on Any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

Music

In April 2009, Meester signed a recording contract with Universal Republic. Meester's first official single, "Somebody to Love", featuring R&B singer Robin Thicke, was released for airplay on October 13, 2009, and became available for digital download on October 14, 2009. In November 2009, Meester revealed that Lil Wayne had worked with her on one of her songs titled "Make It Rain", which hasn't been released. Her second single, "Your Love's a Drug", was digitally released on March 30, 2010.

Meester performing at The Troubadour in Hollywood, California in June 2011

Meester is featured on Cobra Starship's song "Good Girls Go Bad", which reached the Top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 peaking at #7, and on Stephen Jerzak's song "She Said". She recorded a cover of the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" for the compilation album A Very Special Christmas 7. For her 2010 country drama film Country Strong, she recorded a cover of the song "Words I Couldn't Say" by Rascal Flatts as well as "A Little Bit Stronger" by Sara Evans featured on the film's soundtrack; a promotional single titled "Summer Girl"; and a duet with Garrett Hedlund titled "Give In To Me".

In October 2010, Meester said she had been working with a band called Check in the Dark and had been writing for the last six months after being inspired by Country Strong. "I've just been having fun and writing from my heart". She revealed her influences, "I love Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, that style of music, and as far as songwriting I think that's where my heart is." On April 22, 2012, Meester announced via Twitter a five-city tour with Check in the Dark, which started on May 29 and ended on June 4.

Endorsements

Meester has fronted many charity as well as advertising campaigns. In 2008, she was a spokesperson for Sunsilk's "Life Can't Wait" campaign to motivate women to pursue their dreams and collaborated with Safe Horizon to raise awareness about and prevent domestic violence. Early in 2009, Meester partnered with Reebok to model their new Top Down sneakers. Outside of Gossip Girl, Meester has worked with co-star Ed Westwick in a Nikon Coolpix series camera advertisement and both were faces for a Korean clothing line called ASK Enquired. In 2010, Meester signed on to be the spokesperson for Herbal Essences hair products. In the same year, Meester took part in Bulgari's humanitarian efforts for the Save the Children organization with Isabella Rossellini and Maribel Verdútaken. Vera Wang has also chosen Meester to be the face of her newest scent Lovestruck, breaking in summer of 2011, stating that the actress's "beauty, talent and spirit will inspire all the young women that I hope will enjoy this passionate, new young fragrance." In 2011, Italian fashion house Missoni revealed they have tapped Meester to be part of their Spring/Summer 2011 campaign. She fronts another South Korean brand, this time a beauty campaign, called eSpoir. In May 2012, she became an endorser for Philippine clothing brand Penshoppe's campaign "All Stars".

In the media

Meester was named one of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People along with the cast of Gossip Girl in 2008 and 25 Beauties (and Hotties) at 25 in 2011. She was also listed several times in Maxim's Hot 100 list, starting #48 in 2008, #12 in 2009, #17 in 2010 and #16 in 2011. BuddyTV ranked her #32 on its TV's 100 Sexiest Women of 2010 list. She was ranked #75 by AskMen.com readers in the list "Top 99 Women of 2010" and #53 in 2011. Men's Health ranked her #30 in its "Hottest Women in 2011" list. Glamour ranked her #5 among the Most Glamorous Celebrities of 2011.

Personal life

In July 2011, she and her mother filed lawsuits against each other regarding Meester's financial support of her younger brother, who has multiple health problems. Meester's suit claims the money she sent was used by her mother for "cosmetic procedures"; her mother's suit makes a cross-claim alleging breach of contract and physical abuse. In November 2011, Constance Meester dropped the $3 million claim for damages against her daughter. As a result, Leighton obtained a default judgment on December 7, 2011. She may also seek custody. In June 2012, Meester subsequently won the lawsuit, with the judge rejecting her mother's claims from her previous counter-suit.

Following Gossip Girl's ending, Meester moved from New York City to Los Angeles.

She is currently dating Remember the Daze co-star Aaron Himelstein, after meeting and briefly dating in 2007.

Filmography

Meester at the 2009 CW Upfront presentation.

Film

Year	Film	Role	Notes
2003	The Big Wide World of Carl Laemke	Tanni
2003	The Jackalope	Lorraine
2003	Hangman's Curse	Elisha Springfield
2004	Hollywood Division	Michelle	TV film
2006	Flourish	Lucille "Lucy" Covner
2006	Inside	Josie
2007	Drive Thru	Mackenzie Carpenter
2007	Remember the Daze	Tori
2007	The Haunting of Sorority Row	Samantha Willows	TV film
2008	Killer Movie	Jaynie Hansen
2010	Date Night	Katy
2010	Going the Distance	Amy
2010	Country Strong	Chiles Stanton
2011	The Roommate	Rebecca Evans
2011	Monte Carlo	Meg Kelly
2012	The Oranges	Nina Ostroff
2012	That's My Boy	Jamie	Previously titled "I Hate You Dad"
2012	Unity	Narrator
2013	God Only Knows	Ali Matazano
2013	Any Tom, Dick, or Harry	Barbara

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1999	Law & Order	Alyssa Turner	Episode "Disciple"
2001	Boston Public	Sarah Breen	Episode "Chapter Twenty-Eight"
2002	Once and Again	Amanda	Episode "Gardenia"
2002	Family Affair	Irene	Episode "No Small Parts"
2003	Tarzan	Nicki Porter	Series regular; 5 episodes
2004	Crossing Jordan	Marie Strand	Episode "Missing Pieces"
2004	7th Heaven	Kendall	2 episodes
2004	North Shore	Veronica Farrell	Episode "Pilot"
2004–2008	Entourage	Justine Chapin	3 episodes
2005	24	Debbie Pendleton	4 episodes
2005	8 Simple Rules	Nikki Alcott	Episode "The After Party"
2005	Veronica Mars	Carrie Bishop	2 episodes
2005–2006	Surface	Savannah Barnett	Series regular; 12 episodes
2006	Monster Allergy	Poppy	Episode "House of Monster"
2006	Secrets of a Small Town	Kayla/Kelly Rhodes	Episode "Pilot"
2006	Numb3rs	Karen Camden	Episode "Dark Matter"
2006	House M.D.	Ali	2 Episodes "Informed Consent" and "Lines in the Sand"
2007	CSI: Miami	Heather Crowley	Episode "Broken Home"
2007	Shark	Megan	3 episodes
2007–2012	Gossip Girl	Blair Waldorf	Main role; 121 episodes

Discography

Singles

Year	Single	Chart positions		Album
		US	US Heat
2009	"Somebody to Love" (featuring Robin Thicke)	111	13
2010	"Your Love's a Drug"	119	—

Featured Singles

Year	Single	Artist	Peak chart positions									Album
			US	AUS	AUT	BEL	CAN	FIN	NL	NZ	UK
2009	"Good Girls Go Bad"	Cobra Starship	7	5	37	4	7	13	61	2	17	Hot Mess
2010	"She Said"	Stephen Jerzak	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Miles and Miles

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Nominated work	Result
2008	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress Drama	Gossip Girl	Nominated
2008	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Breakout Star Female	Gossip Girl	Nominated
2009	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress Drama	Gossip Girl	Won
2009	MTV Video Music Awards	Best Pop Video	"Good Girls Go Bad" (with Cobra Starship)	Nominated
2010	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress Drama	Gossip Girl	Won
2010	Hollywood Awards	Spotlight Award	Country Strong	Won
2011	MTV Movie Awards	Best Villain	The Roommate	Nominated
2011	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Movie Actress Drama	Country Strong	Nominated
2011	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Movie Villain	The Roommate	Nominated
2012	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress: Drama	Gossip Girl	Nominated
2012	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Summer Movie Star Female	That's My Boy	Nominated
2013	Golden Raspberry Awards	Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple	That's My Boy	Pending
2013	Golden Raspberry Awards	Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Ensemble	That's My Boy	Pending

Source: Wikipedia

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Kim Kardashian

NAMe: Kim Kardashian

REAL NAME
Kimberly Noel Kardashian

DATE OF BIRTH
October 21, 1980

BIRTH PLACE
Los Angeles, Calif.

RELATIONSHIPS
Kanye West, boyfriend (2012 to present) 
Kris Humphries, husband (Dec. 2010 to present; divorce pending) 
Gabriel Aubry (linked in 2010) 
Miles Austin (dated briefly in 2010) 
Reggie Bush, ex-boyfriend (2007 to 2010; off and on)
Nick Lachey (dated briefly in 2006) 
Ray J (Willie Norwood), ex-boyfriend (2004 to 2006) 
Damon Thomas, ex-husband (2000 to 2004) 
T.J. Jackson, ex-boyfriend (mid-1990s)

A sex tape (that derriére!) put socialite Kim Kardashian in the spotlight, but it was the self-described princess' savvy that parlayed her stint in pornography into her own E! reality series, Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

The daughter of O.J. Simpson defense attorney, the late Robert Kardashian, L.A.-bred Kardashian first made her mark in Hollywood as stylist to stars like Brandy and Lindsay Lohan and now owns the Calabasas, Calif. boutique, Dash, with her sisters Kourtney and Khloé. 

The bodacious babe, who dated New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush for years, eventually found love again with NBA player Kris Humphries. Kardashian was the epitome of a princess bride at her fairy tale wedding to Humphries in August 2011 – only to file for divorce 72 days later.

Kim Kardashian: Five Fun Facts
1. Kim Kardashian's first boyfriend was Tito Jackson's son T.J. of the boy band 3T. "We became extra close when my mom passed away," T.J. told PEOPLE in 1995. "She dropped everything to be with me."

2. Deep-fried Oreos are among Kim Kardashian's splurges. "If I like a food, I'll eat it, even if I know it's not good for me," she told PEOPLE.

3. In Fall Out Boy's music video "Thnks fr th Mmrs," Kim Kardashian canoodled with bassist Pete Wentz – and a monkey!

4. Kim Kardashian had her 14th birthday party at family friend Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

5. Kim Kardashian is the well-behaved one in her family. "I do not drink alcohol at all. My sisters drink, so when they get a little crazy, I am there to pull them down," she told PEOPLE.

Biography

1980 
October 21

Kimberly, Paris...and O.J.
Defense attorney Robert Kardashian and wife Kris Houghton welcome their second child, Kimberly Noel, to their posh L.A. lifestyle. The growing brood already includes 1-year-old Kourtney and will add Khloé in 1984 and Robert Jr. in 1987. By pre-school, Kim is palling around with Paris Hilton, and by 1994, her father is in the media spotlight when he houses and later defends O.J. Simpson (right) following the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

1990s

Dangerous Curves Ahead

After her parents' divorce – her mother remarries Olympian Bruce Jenner in 1991 – Kardashian hits puberty and is ashamed of her growing body. "I used to say my prayers before bed and pray I would stop developing," she tells Playboy. With time, Kardashian grows confidence in her curves: "I always laugh when it says on the Internet that I have fake boobs or butt implants or injected lips, because it's so not true."

2000

Kim's First Husband

Kardashian, 20, marries music producer Damon Thomas, 30, who works with the likes of Pink and Faith Evans. But death doesn't do them part, as Kardashian and Thomas endure a messy divorce in 2004. According to PEOPLE, Thomas calls Kardashian a "compulsive shopper."

2003 
September 30

A Tragic Goodbye

Just eight weeks after learning he had esophagus cancer, Kardashian's father, Robert, dies at age 59. Kardashian, 22, speaks at her father's funeral, which she later says is "probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do in life."

2004 

Stylist to the Stars

After singer Brandy appears on a worst-dressed list, Kardashian is hired as her personal stylist. The stint parlays into a full-time business for Kardashian as a stylist and personal shopper to stars like Lindsay Lohan. Around this time, she begins dating Brandy's brother, R&B singer Ray J. In 2006, business is booming and, with sisters Khloé and Kourtney, Kardashian opens Dash, a boutique in Calabasas, Calif.

2006 
May

A 'Newlywed' Rebound

Six months after the breakup of his famous marriage to Jessica Simpson, singer, Nick Lachey, 32, is spotted with Kardashian, 25. PEOPLE reports that they were photographed on May 24 at an afternoon showing of The Da Vinci Code, where they held hands.

2007 
February

Up Close & Personal

While rumors of a sex tape involving Kardashian and ex-boyfriend Ray J swirl, Kardashian denies any such tape exists. "There is no amount of money that could ever convince me to release any tape, even if I had one," she tells Complex. But the tape eventually surfaces on the Internet, and Kardashian sues Vivid Entertainment to suppress its distribution, saying, "It would humiliate me and ruin my family." By April, Kardashian settles with Vivid to distribute the tape. 

The Family Business

Kardashian gets her own E! reality series, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which documents her career and family life, with sisters Khloé and Kourtney, momager Kris, and stepdad Bruce Jenner. "At the heart of this series – despite the cat fights and endless sarcasm – is a family that truly loves and supports one another," says Ryan Seacrest, executive producer of the series.

Playing the Field

Kardashian begins dating New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush. "I'm not really a sports girl," Kardashian tell the AP. "But I sit with all the wives and they know everything and I don't so they are teaching me, and I'm learning a lot about it, so I'm loving it." They split in July 2009, before reuniting after Khloé's wedding that September. 

December

Kim Bares All for Playboy

Kardashian appears on the cover of Playboy – and bares all inside. "Of course you're nervous and want more time to work out. But I'm proud to show people who I am," she tells Men's Fitness about the shoot. "You always see the typical skinny models and I'm not that and I'm proud not to be that." In 2008, she inks a deal to be the latest face of Bongo Jeans.

2008 
September 22

Kim's Dancing Shoes

Kardashian appears as a contestant on the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, paired with pro Mark Ballas. But Kardashian's time on the show is short-lived, as she's eliminated early in October.

2009

Year of the Kardashians

The Kardashian sisters take over the headlines with their ever-evolving life changes: Khloé has a quickie marriage with Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom in September; Kourtney welcomes her son Mason on Dec. 14 with Scott Disick; and Kim finds herself busier than ever with her new perfume, endorsement deals (Carl's Jr., QuickTrim) and, of course, her top-rated reality show.

2010 
February 07

The Super-Bowler's Girl

"I am so proud of Reggie and the Saints!" Kardashian tells PEOPLE after Bush and the New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17, in the Super Bowl. "Reggie has waited his whole life for this moment." In March, though, the pair takes a step back from their relationship.

June - September

Summer Lovin'

Fresh off her breakup with Bush, Kardashian moves on with another NFL pro, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin. "He's not quite her boyfriend," a source tells PEOPLE of the pair, adding that Austin "thinks Kim is his dream girl." But the dream ends in September when the romance fizzles. 

Winter

Looking for Love

With Khloé happily married and Kourtney enjoying motherhood, Kim admits that being alone at 30 is a surprise for her. "Is it weird that I'm now the single one? It's definitely a change for me," she confesses in her first PEOPLE cover story. But the recovering romantic isn't giving up on love: "I know I'll find love. I have no fear. When it's meant to be, everything will fall into place." A few weeks later, she continues to play the field, stepping out with Halle Berry's ex Gabriel Aubry and New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries.

2011 
May 18

An Engaging Courtship

After just six months of dating, Humphries surprises Kardashian at her Beverly Hills home with a 20.5-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond sparkler and the message "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" written in red rose petals. "I didn't expect this at all," Kardashian, 30, tells PEOPLE of the 26-year-old NBA star's proposal. "I was in such shock. I never thought it would happen at home, and I never thought now." As for the custom-designed ring, Humphries adds, "I just knew I wanted it to be big." 

August 20

Kim & Kris Tie the Knot

In a custom-designed Vera Wang gown, Kardashian, 30, marries Humphries, 26, at a private estate in Montecito, Calif., in front of 440 guests and E! cameras, which captured her lavish ceremony for a four-hour TV special. 

October 31

Fast-Track Divorce

Just 72 days after tying the knot in a much-publicized wedding, Kardashian files for divorce from Humphries, citing "irreconcilable differences." Days before taking steps to end her marriage, Kardashian told PEOPLE that newlywed life with the NBA player was "not ideal."

2012 
April

On the Rebound

Shortly after saying she isn't ready to date, Kardashian is linked to Kanye West, who sings about the reality star in his new song "Theraflu." "I admit I fell in love with Kim ... 'Round the same time she fell in love with him," the rapper says, referring to Kardashian's soon-to-be ex Kris Humphries. "Kanye and I have been friends for years...You never know what the future holds," Kardashian coyly says of their relationship on the Today show.

June 16

Meeting Oprah

Kardashian joins her family in a revealing sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, opening up about her infamous sex tape and the impact it's had on her career. "I think that's how I was definitely introduced to the world," she admits. "It was a negative way, so I felt like I really had to work 10 times harder to get people to see the real me." She also discusses her 72-day marriage and how she found clarity in her new relationship with Kanye West. "I love that I'm with someone who is a couple years older than me," she says. 

December 30

Baby Bliss

And baby makes three! Kardashian ends the year with a pregnancy announcement, after beau Kanye West reveals on stage during a concert that the pair are expecting. "It's true!! Kanye and I are expecting a baby," she confirms in a blog post. "We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us."

2013 
January

Nesting Instincts

Before the arrival of their first child, Kardashian and West purchase an $11 million home in Bel Air, Calif., to call their own. The 9,000-square-foot Italian-style villa features a gym, movie theater, hair and makeup salon, bowling alley, basketball court and indoor and outdoor pools. "The house is gorgeous," a source tells PEOPLE. "And they really wanted and needed the privacy."

Source: People

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Christian Bale

Birth Name: Christian Charles Philip Bale
Birth Place: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 01/30/1974, Aquarius
Profession: Actor

A reluctant movie megastar, the Wales-born Christian Bale got his big break at age 13 when he landed the role of a spoiled British boy who comes of age in a World War II internment camp in Steven Spielberg's 1987 gem Empire of the Sun. His transformative performance was a harbinger of his chameleon-like work to come. However, Bale temporarily backed off from acting because he was uncomfortable with his newfound fame. In the 1990s, Bale reemerged with impressive supporting performances in a series of dramatic films (Little Women, The Portrait of a Lady), but 2000's American Psycho was the movie that put him back on the Hollywood map. Bale became a cult heartthrob thanks in part to his disarming smile and newly chiseled physique. The buff actor spent the next few years reinventing himself for every role. He lost a shocking amount of weight to play an insomniac in 2004's The Machinist before bulking back up the next year to take on the title role in the blockbuster Batman Begins. Other solid roles followed in prestige pictures (The New World, Rescue Dawn) and interesting indies (Harsh Times, I'm Not There), and in the 2008 Caped Crusader hit sequel The Dark Knight. In 2009 Bale rebooted another dormant film franchise when he took on the iconic role of John Connor in Terminator Salvation. The movie was a disappointment, and a profanity-laced diatribe aimed at the film's cinematographer became an Internet sensation that briefly sullied Bale's reputation; he eventually apologized. (His reputation also took a hit the previous year when he was arrested over an incident involving his mother and sister, though, ultimately, no charges were brought.) Despite his A-list status, Bale continues to keep a low profile off-screen believing the less an audience knows about an actor's private life, the more believable he is on-screen. Certainly his intense nature serves his film work quite well.


Christian Bale Fast Facts:

At age 10 in 1984, made his London stage debut as Thor in The Nerd with Rowan Atkinson.

Born in Wales, he split his childhood between London, California and Portugal.

For his performance in 1987's Empire of the Sun, the 13-year-old Bale won Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor from the National Board of Review, an honor created specifically for his work in the film.

Trained for 10 weeks to sing and dance in the 1992 musical Newsies.

Became the stepson of Gloria Steinem, one of the pioneers of the feminist movement, when she married his father in 2000.

Lost more than 60 pounds for 2004's The Machinist, dropping his weight to 120.

Despite taking the lead role in the hugely successful 2008 action classic The Dark Knight, Bale is not fond of promoting himself. In 2009, he told USA Today: "I don't pay attention to box office or numbers. I just do movies that I'd like to work on and see."

Active in Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.  

Christian Bale Relationships:

• Rex Bale - Great-uncle
• Emmeline - Daughter
• Gloria Steinem - Stepmother
• Louise Bale - Sister
• David Bale - Father
• Jane Bale - Mother
• Erin Bale - Sister
• Sibi Blazic - Wife
• Sharon Bale - Sister 

Christian Bale Awards:

• 2009 People's Choice Awards: Favorite On Screen Match Up - Winner
• 2009 People's Choice Awards: Favorite Superhero - Winner
• 2007 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Nominee
• 2011 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Winner
• 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Nominee
• 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role - Winner
• 2010 BAFTA Awards: Best Supporting Actor - Nominee
• 2010 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Winner

Pictures:

 

Christian Bale and wife Sibi Bale - The 83rd Annual Academy Awards, February 27, 2011

Christian Bale and Maggie Gyllenhaal - "The Big Pictures 08" at ShoWest in Las Vegas, March 13, 2008

Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Christian Bale and Maggie Gyllenhaal - "The Dark Knight" New York City premiere at AMC Loews Lincoln Center, July 14, 2008



Christian Bale and wife Sibi Bale - The Los Angeles premiere of "3:10 to Yuma" at Mann National Theatre, August 21, 2007



Christian Bale and Russell Crowe - The Los Angeles premiere of "3:10 to Yuma" at Mann National Theatre, August 21, 2007



Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan - "The Prestige" premiere, October 17, 2006



Christian Bale, Kate Bosworth and Brandon Routh - The 2006 MTV Movie Awards, June 3, 2006



Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Christian Bale and Morgan Freeman - The "Batman Begins" Paris photocall in France, June 14, 2005

Michael Caine and Christian Bale - The "Batman Begins" Los Angeles premiere, June 6, 2005

Christian Bale - The "Reign of Fire" premiere, July 9, 2002

Christian Bale - A Midsummer Night's Dream premiere, April 26, 1999

Christian Bale - The "Little Women" premiere, December 11, 1994

Christian Bale with his mother Jenny and his sister - The 'Empire of the Sun' movie premiere at Mirabelles in London, March 21, 1988

Christian Bale with his mother Jenny and his sister - The "Empire of the Sun" Movie cast photocall in London, March 20, 1988





Source: tvguide

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