Jennifer Lynn Connelly was born on December 12, 1970, in Catskill Mountains, New York. Her father, Gerard Karl Connelly, was a clothing manufacturer, and her mother, Ilene Schuman, was an antique dealer. She was raised in Brooklyn Heights, near the Brooklyn Bridge, and later moved to Woodstock, New York. She attended Saint Ann’s School, a private school known for its arts program, and later Yale University for two years before transferring to Stanford University, where she studied drama.
Connelly began her career as a child model, appearing in print advertisements and television commercials. Her film debut was in 1984 with a small role in the British crime film “Once Upon a Time in America.” She subsequently starred in the Italian horror film “Phenomena” (1985) and the fantasy film “Labyrinth” (1986), which gained her wider recognition.
Connelly’s career gained momentum in the 1990s with roles in films like “The Rocketeer” (1991) and “Dark City” (1998). However, it was her performance as Marion Silver in Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream” (2000) that brought her significant critical acclaim. This role marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.
Connelly won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alicia Nash in Ron Howard’s biographical drama “A Beautiful Mind” (2001). She also won a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award for the same role. Following this success, she continued to appear in a variety of prominent films, solidifying her position as a leading actress.
Some of Jennifer Connelly’s most popular and critically acclaimed films include: