She’s made a name for herself as both an actress and producer. She’s had successes on both the big screen and television and earned major award nominations for both. And now Reese Witherspoon is getting ready to release her first children’s book based on her own childhood experiences.
As she gets ready to celebrate her birthday this upcoming week, check out our slideshow to learn more about Reese, featuring photos of Witherspoon and interesting facts about the actress’ past and future.
17 things you might not know about Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon arrives at the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
1. She’s from ‘The Big Easy’
Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born March 22, 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2. She was an army brat
Reese and her family spent 4 years living in Germany where her father was stationed.
In this Monday, June 17, 2019 photo, shown is Holly Metcalf Kinyon's 1776 broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Metcalf Kinyon, a descendent of Declaration signer John Witherspoon, has lent her document to the museum to be displayed from June 18 to the end of the year. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP
3. She had a famous relative
Reese is a relative of John Witherspoon who signed the Declaration of Independence.
4. Her first role
Made feature film debut in ‘The Man in the Moon’ in 1991.
2/25/99 Westwood, CA. Reese Witherspoon at the premiere of "Cruel Intentions."Getty Images
5. She took a short break from acting
After graduating from high school in Nashville, Reese started college at Stanford University before leaving to restart her movie career.
Reese Witherspoon arrives with her husband, actor Ryan Phillippe, for the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards on Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)ASSOCIATED PRESS
6. She used to be part of a Hollywood power couple
Witherspoon was married to actor Ryan Phillipe from 1999 to 2008. The couple had two children together. Reese later remarried in 2011 to talent agent Jim Toth. The pair have one son together.
7. The roles not taken
Reese auditioned for the role of Rachel in ‘Batman Begins’ that eventually went to Katie Holmes. She was also considered for the lead in ‘Scream’ and ‘Romeo + Juliet’ that went to Neve Campbell and Claire Danes respectively.
Actress Reese Witherspoon accepts the Oscar for best actress for her work in "Walk the Line" at the 78th Academy Awards Sunday, March 5, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)ASSOCIATED PRESS
8. Awards season
Witherspoon received her first Academy Awards nomination in 2006. She won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’ for which she also won a Golden Globe and SAG Award. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her role in ‘Big Little Lies’
Reese Witherspoon, who portrays June Carter Cash, arrives at the premiere of the motion picture "Walk The Line", Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at the Beacon Theater in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)ASSOCIATED PRESS
9. She can sing as well as act
Reese did her own singing for ‘Walk the Line’
10. Duets
Witherspoon also sang a duet with Michael Buble for his 2013 album ‘To Be Loved’
Academy Award actress Reese Witherspoon, with her children: Ava, left, and Deacon, right, is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)AP
11. Walking the walk
Reese was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010
Actresses Jennifer Aniston, left, and Reese Witherspoon pose together at the 18th Annual ELLE Women in Hollywood celebration in Beverly Hills, Calif., Monday, Oct. 17, 2011. The dinner celebrates womens achievements in film. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)ASSOCIATED PRESS
12. Thank you for being a ‘Friend’
Had a guest spot on ‘Friends’ as Rachel’s sister. The pair teamed up again in 2019 for the Apple series ‘The Morning Show’
Check out more fun facts about ‘Friends’
Reese Witherspoon arrives at the world premiere of "Sing" at the Microsoft Theater on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
13. Getting animated
Witherspoon has starred in multiple animated movies including ‘Sing’ and ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’
US actress Reese Witherspoon and British actor Robert Pattinson, right, arrive for the UK film premiere Water For Elephants at the Westfield centre in London, Tuesday, May 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)ASSOCIATED PRESS
14. Age is only a number
Reese twice appeared in the same movie with Robert Pattinson, first as his mother and second time as a love interest. There is only a ten year difference in age between the pair. Additionally, Laura Dern played her mother in ‘Wild’ even though Dern is only 9 years older than Witherspoon.
Reese Witherspoon arrives at the 87th Academy Awards nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Witherspoon started online shopping website Draper James, which sells Southern-inspired fashions and home goods, including $125 shorts, a $155 tote bag and $175 sunglasses. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
15. Reese the business woman
In addition to her production company, Witherspoon has also launched her own clothing line and fashion stores.
16. Reese the author
As previously mentioned, Witherspoon has her first children’s book coming out in the fall of 2022. Her first book, ‘Whiskey in a Teacup,’ published in 2018.
FILE - In this March 13, 2018, file photo, Actress Reese Witherspoon poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'A Wrinkle In Time' in London. Witherspoon confirms there will be a “Legally Blonde 3.” The actress on Thursday, June 7, 2018, posted a video on Instagram of her floating in a pool wearing a pink bikini. The caption read: “It’s true...(hash) LegallyBlonde3.” (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File)Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP
17. What’s next for Reese?
Witherspoon is set to reprise her role as Elle Woods in the upcoming ‘Legally Blonde 3′ which is currently in pre-production and set for a 2023 release.
Check out even more celebrity fun facts about your favorite actors, actresses and singers below as well as items about popular shows and movies.
Prior celebrity fun facts (Associated Press)
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