Jessica Biel was born in Ely, Minnesota in 1982 to Jonathan Edward Biel and Kimberly Conroe. Jessica (and her younger brother Justin) grew up in Boulder, Colorado. She initially took woice lessons with the intent of performing in musical theater.
Jessica first gained notice at the International Modeling & Talent Association Convention in Los Angeles in 1994. Her big break came when she landed the role of Mary Camden on the WB TV Series 7th Heaven at age 14. Jessica’s film career began at age 15 when she played alongside Peter Fonda in Ulee’s Gold in 1997. In 2002, Jessica became a spokesmodel for L’Oreal cosmetics.
In 2000, Jessica shook things up by posed topless in Gear magazine; she was only 17 at the time of the shoot. She was frustrated by being typecast due to her role on 7th Heaven and blamed it for limiting her film career, including losing a lead role in American Beauty. It accomplished that and more – ot also got her out of her 7th Heaven contract. Jessica returned to 7th Heaven full time however, for the 2001—2002 season. Since then she has focused on movies and has made minimal TV appearances.
After leaving 7th Heaven, she went on to appear in Summer Catch in 2001, The Rules of Attraction in 2002, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 2003, Blade: Trinity in 2004 and Stealth in 2005.
After a nearly 3 year absence, Jessica made one final appearance in the series finale of 7th Heaven in May 2006. The series was later renewed, at last minute, for an 11th season, but so far Jessica hasn’t made any future appearances.
Her film career finally received notice when she played a turn-of-the-century duchess in The Illusionist in 2006, which received good reviews and generated a profit at the box office. Home of the Brave, about soldiers returning from Iraq, premiered in Los Angeles in December 2006.
In Next, she stars opposite Nicolas Cage and Julianne Moore. Next is a science fiction action film based on The Golden Man, a short story by noted author Philip K. Dick. She’s also in the comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and A Woman of No Importance.
Jessica attended the exclusive private Lycée Français de Los Angeles for high school. In fall 2000, she enrolled in undergraduate study at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. She completed her fall 2000, spring 2001 and fall 2002 semesters before leaving to concentrate on her acting career.
In her off time, Jessica enjoys ballet, soccer, running, yoga and hiking. She has a dog named East and recently bought a house close to her parents in Colorado. She’s the co-founder of Make the Difference Network and supports several non-profit groups, including PETA and the home rehabilitation organization Rebuilding Together, as well as GLAAD. She is also a vegan.
Biel currently lives in Los Angeles. In July 2006, Jessica auctioned herself for a charity event to help raise money for medical expenses for Colorado teen Molly Bloom, who lost her leg and part of her pelvis in an auto accident. The winning bid for the lunch date was $30,000 paid by 28-year-old John Schiffner.
Current Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Filmography:
- Next (2007) …. Liz Cooper
- The Illusionist (2006) …. Sophie
- Stealth (2005) …. Lt. Kara Wade
- Blade: Trinity (2004) …. Abigail Whistler
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) …. Erin
