Hilary Swank Biography

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Hilary Swank (Hilary Ann Swank) was born on July 30, 1974 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Swank is of Spanish and Native American descent. As a child Hilary grew up near Lake Samish in Bellingham, Washington. Attended a school in Bellingham until she was 16.

In her childhood, Swank spent much of her time in learning athletic. Swank was participated in the Junior Olympics and the Washington State championships in swimming and also ranked 5th in gymnastics.

At the age of 9, Swank made her first performance on stage as a Mowgli in "The Jungle Book". Also later performed in her school and community theater programs. When she was 15, her parents got separated. Swank later lived with her mother. Her mother was very supportive to her, who knows about her acting interest. Both of them moved to Los Angeles, California to fulfill the dream of Swank to become an actress.

In LA, Swank attended South Pasadena High School and also started acting professionally. She appeared in television programs "Evening Shade" and "Growing Pains" during its 1991-92 season. Swank made her debut with a small role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in 1992. Next appeared on a short-lived ABC Show "Camp Wilder" (1992-93) and "Leaving L.A." (1997). Later appeared in "The Next Karate Kid (1994)" as Julie Pierce.

In 1998, Swank was casted in "Beverly Hills 90210" as a single mother Carly Reynolds. It was promised to her that, it would be two-year role, but it was lasted after 16 episodes. This issue overwhelmed Swank, but a best thing was waiting for her. Swank was next casted in "Boys Don't Cry" as Brandon Teena in 1999. By this film, Swank received her first Academy Award as a Best Actress and also awarded by Golden Globe. It was the best female performance of 1999.

After winning Oscar, Hilary appeared in many films including Sam Raimi's psychological thriller "The Gift (2001)", "The Affair of the Necklace (2001)", Jon Amiel's "The Core (2003)". Appeared in a supporting role in "Insomnia (2002)" with Al Pacino. Hilary also co-narrated the Barbra Streisand-produced documentary "Reel Models: The First Women of Film". Also appeared in HBO's "Iron Jawed Angels"(2003) with Anjelica Houston, and Frances O'Connor as leaders in the women's suffrage movement. But failed to impress audiences.

In 2004, Swank came with stunning performance in Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby, where she played a role of Maggie Fitzgerald struggling waitress turned-boxer. The film earned her another Academy Award as a Best Actress. Also the director Eastwood earned the Best Director Award. By winning the second Oscar, Swank joined the ranks of Vivien Leigh, Helen Hayes, Sally Field, and Luise Rainer as they nominated twice and win both times. Also became the third youngest double Best Actress Oscar winner.

In 2006, Swank appeared in "The Reaping" as Ketherine Morrissey, "Freedom Writers ", and in "The Black Dahlia" as Madeline Sprague.

Swank's upcoming movies include "Freedom Writers (2007)" and "P.S., I Love You (2008)". Swank recently (28 Feb, 2006) picked up as muse and the spokesperson for a new women's fragrance "Guerlain".

Hilary's Personal life
Swank was married actor Chad Lowe on September 28, 1997, met at Hollywood Athletic Club party in 1992. Both of them are members of AGAPE Spiritual Center in Culver City, California. But eventually the couple gets separated in January 2006. Swank was hoping that they will reconcile, but later they filed for divorce in May 2006.