Jennifer Connelly: American Actress
Jennifer Connelly began her career modeling print and television advertisements. She then made her film debut in 1984’s crime movie Once Upon A Time In America before garnering critical acclaim for roles in the science fiction film Dark City and drama Requiem for a Dream.
Jennifer Connelly’s Biography
Jennifer Connelly was born December 12th, 1970 in Brooklyn Heights near the Brooklyn Bridge to Ilene (an antique dealer) and Gerard Karl (clothing manufacturer) Connelly (both antique dealers). She attended Saint Ann’s, an arts-focused private school.
At 10, Connelly began modeling. She worked in newspaper and magazine ads, and television commercials, and even appeared in Jim Henson’s movie Labyrinth (1986). While continuing as a model for several years after that movie’s release, she eventually decided to switch careers and focus on acting full-time.
Early in her career, she appeared in numerous films. However, in 2000 she made her breakthrough performance as Marion Silver in Requiem for a Dream and won an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actress. Since then she has earned multiple accolades such as Golden Globe and BAFTA awards and nominations.
Connelly not only acts but is also an advocate for human rights. She was appointed by Amnesty International’s Human Rights Education Ambassador in 2005 and works for various charities that assist refugees from Africa; additionally, she’s an activist against gun violence.
Connelly is an avid follower of sports and a hiking enthusiast who enjoys listening to Pearl Jam and Soundgarden songs as well as drawing. Additionally, she loves horses and quantum physics; in fact, she owns her Tribeca home which she purchased with Paul Bettany for $12 Million they now share a family home along with their two children and other hobbies like reading/writing (she belongs to Screenwriters Guild of America).
Jennifer Connelly’s Career
Jennifer Connelly has amassed extensive filmography since beginning her career as a model in magazine and television advertisements. From there she transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America as well as Jim Henson’s fantasy film Labyrinth and action superhero film The Rocketeer.
Once making her mark in movies, she continued honing her craft. After studying English literature at Yale, she transferred to Stanford for dramatic study – where her skills would soon be put to good use by appearing in films such as Phenomena: Career Opportunities and He’s Just Not That Into You.
Cary Gainse garnered critical acclaim for her work in 2000’s films. She starred as one of the lead characters in Requiem for a Dream, depicting life for someone struggling with drug dependency; Pollock (a biopic about painter Jackson Pollock); House of Sand and Fog were all films that showcased her talent.
In 2001, she made a name for herself as she starred in Ron Howard’s biopic A Beautiful Mind as Alicia Nash, wife of mathematician John Nash. It became a major hit and earned her multiple accolades including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA award.
Not only is she an actress, but she’s also an avid advocate for human rights – serving as Amnesty International’s Human Rights Education Ambassador since 2005 and as a spokesperson for several prestigious fashion and cosmetic brands. Additionally, she is an accomplished painter and photographer as well as having written several books on art; many of her paintings have also been shown at exhibitions around the country.
Jennifer Connelly’s Acting Career
Jennifer Connelly first began modeling, but acting was always her ultimate career goal. In 1984 she auditioned for a part in Once Upon a Time in America – although this movie proved unsuccessful commercially – and earned one. Following that role came roles in Phenomena and Labyrinth before later appearing on Seventeen and Muppet Magazine covers and films such as Higher Learning and Some Girls.
In the 1990s, she ventured into more serious roles through films like Mulholland Falls and The Hot Spot, garnering critical acclaim with each performance that established her as one of Hollywood’s premiere actresses. For this role in A Beautiful Mind she received both Academy and Golden Globe awards; later also won critical acclaim in Requiem for a Dream and Blood Diamond movies.
Connelly remains approachable despite her success, never allowing it to affect her behavior or family life; together with her husband they share two sons named Kai and Stellan.
Connelly has an unusual background and has learned how to utilize her education in her career. After starting at Yale University to study English literature, she switched majors and studied drama under some renowned actors before eventually moving on to Stanford University as her final stop for graduation. Stanford was instrumental in shaping Connelly into becoming a better actor – though her education also provided her with experience directing theater projects as well.
Jennifer Connelly’s Relationship
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany have been happily married since 2003 when the former appeared as Top Gun: Maverick star Tom Maverick on Top Gun and she played Labyrinth actress Ellen Barkin respectively. Together, they share two children – Stellan (19) and Agnes (11). Successful projects such as Requiem for a Dream by Darren Aronofsky as well as Noah by him both projects have provided great mutual support during difficult personal times as well as successful projects like those by other directors such as Darren Aronofsky who has written both dramas with wonderful performances by both actors as well.
Connelly began her career as a model, appearing in magazines and commercials before transitioning into acting roles. Having had small parts in several movies before gaining widespread recognition for her part in 1986’s Labyrinth fantasy film – Connelly would go on to star in other movies such as Phenomena (horror film) and period superhero movie The Rocketeer; earning degrees both in English literature as well as drama from Yale and Stanford Universities respectively.
Connelly has won three Oscars and has received numerous other honors and nominations, such as BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for her performance in A Beautiful Mind; Critics Choice nominations were submitted for her work in independent drama Inventing the Abbotts; the fantasy film Dark City; and her portrayal of drug addiction in House of Sand and Fog.
Bettany, a former model who briefly attempted a career in show business himself, met Connelly while filming A Beautiful Mind in 2001 and was immediately charmed. According to Larry King’s interview with him on that set of filming, Bettany “just sort of knew” he had fallen for her; and that 9/11 only furthered this desire to call and confide his feelings for her.
Jennifer Connelly’s Personal Life
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany remain one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples for two decades, first meeting while filming A Beautiful Mind back in 2001 and having collaborated on multiple projects including 2015’s Shelter as well as Marvel Cinematic Universe films since.
The marriage between Agnes Lark and Paul Thomas took place in 2002, and they have one daughter together named Agnes. Recently, the Labyrinth star spoke out about her marriage to WandaVision actor Paul Thomas: “Paul and I are very different – which makes our relationship work,” she told Town & Country. “We respect each other’s professions while enjoying being creatively aligned.”
She earned critical acclaim for her roles in films like Phenomena, Requiem for a Dream, and Pollock. These performances earned her critical praise.
Since then, she’s made time for smaller and more specific projects, appearing in some British productions such as Creation (a drama-romance about Charles Darwin’s struggle to finish On the Origin of Species while simultaneously managing his marriage).
Bettany and Connelly currently reside in Brooklyn Heights and enjoy a low-key life away from Hollywood’s bustle. Recently, Bettany posted an Instagram picture celebrating their wedding anniversary accompanied by the words, “Happy anniversary to the best man I could have hoped for!”
Bettany, who portrays Vission in Spider-Man: Far From Home, recently eclipsed its lifetime box office collection for Avengers: Infinity War, and fans have responded enthusiastically with support ranging from adorable to self-effacing comments demonstrating the respect, pride, strength, and humor at play within this powerful couple’s relationship.
