When asked if "Double Jeopardy" (with Tommy Lee Jones) turned her into an "A" list actor, she replied, "I hear that, and it makes me feel like "Kiss the Girls" or "Norma Jean" and "Marilyn" or all the hard work I've done in other films are not as important," Judd said. "[It's like they're) diminished by this being a movie with broad, commercial appeal."
One thing is certain: there is no underestimating Judd's growing star power, even if the scene-stealer won't admit it. Judd says she enjoys every part of filmmaking just as much now as she did when she was working for scale. Her latest release, "Where the Heart is," is due for wide release April 28th.
Ashley Judd "It's other people who make those distinctions," Judd said. "Everything I've done has personally been so fun or meaningful to me, from 'Ruby in Paradise' on. The intensity on 'Smoke' was equally as important."
The daughter of country-music superstar Naomi Judd and the younger half-sister of singer Wynnona Judd, Ashley was born in Los Angeles on April 19, 1968. A single parent, her mother supported Judd and her sister by taking odd jobs in California and Kentucky. The actress spent her first 13 years shuttling between the two states and attended 12 different schools, often living in poverty in remote areas of Kentucky.
With no external sources of entertainment, Judd read books and amused herself by pretending to be various characters while her sister and mother wiled away the time singing. Their talent paid off-after Judd's mother and half-sister became country music sensations, allowing the family to finally leave their financial hardships behind them.
Judd went on to attend the University of Kentucky, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1990 with a degree in French. It was Wynnona who suggested Ashley become a Hollywood actress. Judd took the suggestion, and with her outgoing, forthright nature, was able to secure an agent on her first try and in 1987 won a part on the television series StarTrek: The Next Generation." She went on to do a recurring role as Swoosie Kurtz's daughter on "Sisters", staying with the show until 1994. The following year, she made her film debut with a small part in "Kuffs" (1992); Judd was originally meant to have a larger part, but rejected the role upon learning of a nude scene.
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd
