Christina Hendricks commanded the screen as Joan Holloway in the hit series Mad Men. Her sharp wit and classic style made her an instant icon of sixties fashion. However, she struggled for years in Hollywood before landing her breakout role. Surprisingly, she worked as a model and a music video actress while waiting for her big chance. Today, she continues to dazzle audiences with her range in both comedy and drama. Prepare to meet the woman behind the red lipstick.
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Christina Hendricks served as the hand model for the American Beauty poster. She held the rose on the iconic stomach image. Therefore, her hand became famous long before her face did.
Naturally, she is actually a blonde, not a redhead. She began dyeing her hair at age ten after reading Anne of Green Gables. Consequently, she kept the fiery look for her entire career.
She plays the accordion in real life. The writers of Mad Men added this skill to her character, Joan. Thus, she performed the French song “C’est Magnifique” herself on the show.
Christina Hendricks went through a heavy goth phase in high school. She dyed her hair black and purple while wearing leather jackets. Unfortunately, other students bullied her relentlessly for her alternative style.
She holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. Her father came from England, which gave her this status. Therefore, she feels a strong connection to British culture.
Professionally, she worked as a shampoo girl before she became a model. She washed hair in a salon during her teenage years. Eventually, she entered a cover contest for Seventeen magazine that launched her career.
She voiced the villain Gabby Gabby in Toy Story 4. Pixar cast her because they wanted a voice that sounded welcoming yet creepy. Thus, she brought the vintage doll character to life perfectly.
Christina Hendricks starred in the music video for “One Hit Wonder” by Everclear. She appeared as a game show contestant in the nineties clip. Consequently, rock fans recognized her long before she reached prime time.
She loves to knit on movie sets to pass the time. In fact, she often brings her needles and yarn to her trailer. This hobby helps her relax between intense scenes.
Interestingly, she was voted “Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine. The publication gave her the title in 2010 after a reader poll. However, she always focused more on her acting skills than her looks.
She played a con artist named Saffron in the sci-fi show Firefly. Fans loved her performance as the deceptive wife of Captain Mal. Therefore, the character returned for another episode due to popular demand.
Originally, her agency dropped her for taking the Mad Men role. They claimed a period piece about an ad agency would never succeed. Luckily, Christina Hendricks ignored their bad advice and took the job anyway.
She keeps a fully stocked bar in her home. She appreciates fine scotch and whiskey. Furthermore, she even served as a brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker.
She acted as a judge in the architecture movie The Neon Demon. She played a modeling agent who ruthlessly judged young girls. Thus, she channeled her own early experiences in the fashion industry.
Finally, she possesses a massive collection of hats. She loves to wear vintage headwear in her daily life. Consequently, her personal style often reflects the classic eras she portrays on screen.
Angelina Jolie captivates the world with her extraordinary talent, bold roles, and passionate humanitarian efforts. The actress and filmmaker’s journey from Hollywood star to global advocate inspires millions. Explore the remarkable facets of Angelina Jolie’s life and accomplishments.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie was born June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. Her birth name was Angelina Jolie Voight.
She began her acting career young, debuting alongside her father, Jon Voight, in the film Lookin’ to Get Out (1982).
Moreover, Jolie won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Girl, Interrupted (1999), which boosted her career.
She is famous for playing Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), performing many of her own stunts.
Furthermore, Jolie explored directing with films like In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011), which raised awareness of war survivors.
Angelina is also a dedicated humanitarian. She has worked closely with the UNHCR since 2001, visiting refugee camps worldwide.
In 2012, she became a Special Envoy for the UNHCR, focusing on protecting displaced people and advocating for their rights.
Jolie has six children, including three she adopted internationally, showing her commitment to family and diversity.
She is left-handed and even had guns specially made for her to use comfortably in action films.
Additionally, Jolie wrote a revealing Op-Ed about her preventative double mastectomy to raise cancer awareness.
Angelina played strong, complex characters in films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), and Maleficent (2014).
She won a Tony Award as a producer of the Broadway musical The Outsiders (2024), expanding her creative reach.
Jolie supports conservation efforts, notably as the “Godmother” of the Women for Bees initiative, empowering female beekeepers globally.
Despite facing personal challenges early in life, including a rebellious youth, she transformed into one of the world’s most admired actresses.
Lastly, Jolie’s combination of beauty, talent, and activism has landed her on many “most powerful” and “most beautiful” lists worldwide.
Emma Thompson stands out as a multi-talented talent in acting and screenwriting. With two Oscars and a lifelong commitment to drama, she inspires audiences worldwide. Discover little-known facts about her career, activism, and iconic roles that highlight her unique presence in Hollywood and British theatre.
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson is the only person to win Academy Awards for both acting and screenwriting.
She wrote the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility (1995) in just six weeks, which won her an Oscar.
Her two Oscars were presented by her frequent co-star Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Emma’s parents were actors Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law, giving her a theatrical upbringing.
She is a skilled member of the Cambridge Footlights, where she honed her comedy early in her career.
In the late 1980s, she gained attention for her performances in the BBC series Tutti Frutti and Fortunes of War.
Emma declined an offer to star in James Bond films multiple times, preferring to focus on dramatic roles.
She won a BAFTA for Best Actress for her role in Howards End (1992), a role that solidified her film career.
Emma Thompson famously reprised her role as Professor McGonagall in multiple Harry Potter films, becoming a favorite among fans.
She has a distinct voice and narrated the film Nanny McPhee (2005) while also starring in it.
Emma’s environmental activism includes voicing strong support for climate change initiatives and sustainable living.
She adapted and starred in the dark comedy Nanny McPhee based on a children’s book by Christianna Brand.
Emma Thompson won an Emmy for her guest role on Ellen in 1998, a rare comedic foray for the dramatic actress.
She has played roles in multiple Shakespearean films, including Much Ado About Nothing and Love Actually.
In 2018, Emma was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire for her contributions to drama.
