Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl (/ˈhaɪɡəl/ HY-gəl; born November 24, 1978) is an American actress best known for her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens on the ABC television medical drama Grey's Anatomy from 2005 to 2010 that earned her Primetime Emmy Award. She initiated her career as a child model with Wilhelmina Models before transitioning into acting. Her film debut came with That Night in 1992 and subsequently appeared in notable films like My Father the Hero, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, Wish upon a Star, and Bride of Chucky. She earned recognition as Isabel Evans on The WB television series Roswell for which she received Saturn and Teen Choice Awards nominations. She then starred in commercially successful romantic comedies such as Knocked Up, 27 Dresses, and The Ugly Truth among others. She has starred in films that had limited releases, including Jackie & Ryan, Home Sweet Hell, and Jenny's Wedding. Born in Washington, D.C., in Columbia Hospital for Women, Heigl is the youngest of four children. She was raised in Northern Virginia and Denver before her family moved to New Canaan, Connecticut. Following the death of her older brother Jason, Heigl's family converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heigl has also established herself as a cover model, appearing in numerous publications including Maxim, Vanity Fair, and Cosmopolitan. Off the screen, Heigl is actively involved in various charities including animal welfare projects and organ donation awareness campaigns.