Ashley Judd is a Golden Globe-nominated American actress who, over the past decade, has become just as known for her devotion to humanitarian work and political activism as for her 30-year film career.
A few of Judd’s most-well-known movies include “Ruby in Paradise,” “Natural Born Killers,” “Norma Jean & Marilyn,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Double Jeopardy,” “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” “Crossing Over,” and “Tooth Fairy.” She also appeared in the mystery thriller series, “Missing,” for which she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. Judd has been a vocal advocate for the #MeToo movement and was one of the first actresses to speak out against sexual predator Harvey Weinstein.
Judd was born in Los Angeles to country music singer Naomi Judd and a marketing analyst for the horse racing industry. Her sister, Wynonna, is also a country music singer. Judd attended 13 schools before college. While at the University of Kentucky, she majored in French and minored in anthropology, art history, theater, and women's studies. After graduating, she studied with acting teacher Robert Carnegie at Playhouse West. After a few small roles, Judd’s breakthrough came in 1993 in the Victor Nunez film, “Ruby in Paradise.”
Apart from her acting, Judd has been involved in global humanitarian efforts and political activism. Her work has focused on gender equality and the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. She has spent time with marginalized communities in unsafe areas like war zones, refugee camps, brothels, hospices, and orphanages. She has traveled to Cambodia, Kenya, and Rwanda with YouthAIDS to advocate for preventing poverty and promoting awareness.
Judd was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund in 2016. She has also been involved with Women for Women International and Equality Now. Last year, Judd tripped over a fallen log and shattered her leg while in a Congo rainforest. She credits her Congolese brothers and sisters with saving her life and has recently learned to walk again.