Biography of Hilary Swank

Born Hilary Ann Swank in Lincoln, Nebraska on July 30, 1974, the future actress and 2005 Oscar award and Golden Globe winner - for her starring role in million dollars baby - grew up in Bellingham, Washington and as a child was active in sports and gymnastics.

She later competed in the Junior Olympics and eventually ranked fifth in the state of Washington in all-around gymnastics.

The spirited kid with the lanky frame, Swank was all of 16 years old when she decided to move to Los Angeles to persue an acting career. Two years later, the fledgling actress had her first minor role in 1992's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and in 1994 starred in the forgettable The Next Karate Kid alongside Pat Morita. 

In 1999, Swank's career skyrocketed with a starring role in boys don't cry as Teena Brandon, a small town woman whose decision to live her life as a man ultimately ends in violence and murder. Her powerful performance met with unrelenting praise from critics, earning Swank both Golden Globe and Oscar Awards for Best Actress. 
Swank has been in the headlines over the breakup with husband Chad Lowe stating that the couple have decided to divorce after more than eight years of marriage.

In 2007, the actress has started off the new year in Freedom Writers which has opened to glowing reviews for both the film and its star. In the movie, Swank plays real-life inspirational teacher Erin Gruwell, who encourages her high school students to fight for their dreams.