Aug 15, 1990
Leo
Indian Hills, KY
35 years old
N/A
N/A
Movie Actress
Introduction
Jennifer Shrader Lawrence, born on August 15, 1990, in Indian Hills, Kentucky, is an acclaimed American actress renowned for her versatility and compelling performances. At 34 years old, she has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, and has become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood.
Early Life and Family Background
Jennifer is the daughter of Gary Lawrence, a construction company owner, and Karen (née Koch), who managed a children's camp. She has two older brothers, Ben and Blaine, and was raised in a suburban environment in Louisville, Kentucky. During her youth, Jennifer was actively involved in sports such as cheerleading, field hockey, and softball. Despite her athletic pursuits, she harbored a deep passion for acting, participating in church plays and local theater productions.
Discovery and Early Career
At the age of 14, during a family trip to New York City, Jennifer was discovered by a talent scout who recognized her potential. This pivotal moment led to her decision to pursue acting professionally. She convinced her parents to allow her to stay in New York to attend auditions, eventually leading to her early roles in television. Jennifer's first significant acting job was a lead role on the TBS sitcom "The Bill Engvall Show" (2007–2009), where she portrayed Lauren Pearson.
Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim
Jennifer's breakthrough came with her performance in the independent film "Winter's Bone" (2010), where she played Ree Dolly, a determined teenager searching for her missing father. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at the age of 20, making her the second-youngest actress to be nominated in that category at the time.
In 2012, Jennifer gained international fame by starring as Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" series. Her depiction of the dystopian heroine resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. The same year, she starred in "Silver Linings Playbook" alongside Bradley Cooper, portraying Tiffany Maxwell, a complex young widow. This role earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress at the age of 22, making her one of the youngest recipients of the award.
Subsequent Notable Works
Following her Oscar win, Jennifer continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. In "American Hustle" (2013), she played Rosalyn Rosenfeld, a performance that earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She reprised her role as Raven/Mystique in the "X-Men" series, appearing in "X-Men: First Class" (2011), "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014), "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016), and "Dark Phoenix" (2019).
In 2016, Jennifer starred in "Passengers" alongside Chris Pratt, portraying Aurora Lane in a sci-fi romance set in space. She also took on the titular role in "Mother!" (2017), a psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky. In 2018, she played Dominika Egorova, a Russian spy, in "Red Sparrow."
After a brief hiatus, Jennifer returned to the screen with "Don't Look Up" (2021), a satirical comedy where she played Kate Dibiasky, an astronomer attempting to warn humanity of an impending comet collision. The film featured an ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep.
Personal Life
Jennifer began dating art gallery director Cooke Maroney in 2018. The couple became engaged in early 2019 and married in October 2019 in Rhode Island. They welcomed their first child, a son named Cy, in February 2022. In April 2025, it was reported that Jennifer and Cooke had welcomed their second child, though details regarding the baby's name and birth date have not been publicly disclosed.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her acting career, Jennifer is known for her philanthropic efforts. She established the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, which supports various charitable organizations focusing on arts, education, and children's welfare. Additionally, she serves as a board member of RepresentUs, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for anti-corruption laws in the United States.
Conclusion
Jennifer Lawrence's journey from a young girl in Kentucky to an Academy Award-winning actress is a testament to her talent, determination, and versatility. Her diverse body of work, coupled with her commitment to philanthropy, has solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most influential and respected figures.