Ashley Nicole Rickards is an American actress born on May 4, 1992, in Sarasota, Florida. She grew up on a horse farm that catered to children with special needs, which instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and understanding from a young age.

Ashley Rickards attended a local Montessori school where she had her first taste of acting at the age of 13 in an opera production. She graduated from high school at the age of 15 and is a member of Mensa, highlighting her exceptional intellect.

Ashley Rickards began her acting career with minor roles in television series such as "Everybody Hates Chris," "CSI: NY," and "Zoey 101." Her breakthrough came in 2008 when she was cast as Samantha "Sam" Walker, a runaway foster child, in the sixth season of "One Tree Hill."

This role opened doors to more significant opportunities, including her portrayal of Mandy, a severely autistic girl, in the independent drama "Fly Away" (2011), a performance that received critical acclaim.

She is best known for her role as Jenna Hamilton in MTV's comedy-drama series "Awkward," where she played a teenager navigating the complexities of high school life. Her authentic portrayal resonated with audiences, earning her widespread recognition.

In addition to television, she appeared in films like "Struck by Lightning" (2012), "Sassy Pants" (2012), and ventured into the horror genre with "At the Devil's Door" (2014) and "A Haunted House 2" (2014).

In March 2015, she published a book titled "A Real Guide to Getting It Together Once and For All," showcasing her writing skills.

Throughout her career, Ashley Rickards has received several accolades, including the Best Performance award at the Arizona International Film Festival for her role in "Fly Away" (2011).