Swank, Hilary (1974–)

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Swank, Hilary (1974–)

American actress. Born Hilary Ann Swank, July 30, 1974, in Lincoln, Nebraska; grew up in Bellingham, Washington; dau. of Judy Swank; m. Chad Lowe (actor), Sept 28, 1997.

On tv, had recurring roles on "Growing Pains" and "Beverly Hills, 90201"; made film debut in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), followed by a starring role in The Next Karate Kid (1994); came to prominence with Boys Don't Cry (2000), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress; won 2nd Oscar for Million Dollar Baby (2004); other films include The Gift (2000), The Affair of the Necklace (2001), Insomnia (2002), Red Dust (2004) and The Black Dahlia (2006).