Happy birthday, Jessica Biel!

Jessica Biel turns 31 today!

The American actress, whose real name is Jessica Claire Biel, was born in Minnesota to a family with German, French, English, Irish, and Choctaw descent.

Before acting, Biel was initially trained to be a vocalist. She played in some musical productions in her hometown, such as the remake of Annie, The Sound of Music, and Beauty and the Beast.

She attended The International Modelling and Talent Association in L.A., discovered and signed on to Judith Fontaine Modeling and Agency. She then started to appear in commercials.

At the age of 14, she auditioned for TV series 7th Heaven, and got the role of Mary Camden, a role that greatly impacted her acting career.

While shooting for 7th Heaven, Biel debuted her role in feature film as Peter Fonda's granddaughter in critically acclaimed flick, Ulee's Gold. She earned the Young Artist Award for it.

The actress, who was named one of the sexiest women alive by Esquire in 2005, appeared in more movies, such as Summer Catch, I'll Be Home for Christmas, and the poorly criticized, but commercial success movie, Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Other than those mentioned, some of her more recent credits include the romantic comedy Elizabethtown, The Illusionist, Next, Valentine's Day, and Powder Blue.

Her performance in a 2008 movie entitled Easy Virtue, screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, was critically acclaimed. Veteran actor Colin Firth praised her performance, calling it sparkling.

She is currently ma! rried to singer/actor Justin Timberlake. The pair were married last year.

image source: INFDaily