Jennifer Lynn Connelly, born on December 12, 1970, in Cairo, New York, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles in film and television. Raised primarily in Brooklyn Heights, she began her career as a child model before transitioning to acting. Connelly attended Yale University to study English literature and later transferred to Stanford University to study drama. Her early exposure to the arts and rigorous academic background laid a strong foundation for her acting career.

She made her film debut in Sergio Leone's epic crime drama "Once Upon a Time in America" (1984), where she played a young Deborah Gelly. She gained further recognition with roles in films like "Labyrinth" (1986), "Career Opportunities" (1991), and "The Rocketeer" (1991). However, it was her performance in Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream" (2000) that showcased her dramatic range and earned her critical acclaim.

Her portrayal of Alicia Nash in Ron Howard's "A Beautiful Mind" (2001) won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, along with a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award.

Throughout her career, Jennifer Connelly has taken on a variety of challenging roles. She starred in the drama "House of Sand and Fog" (2003), the thriller "Blood Diamond" (2006), and the science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (2008). More recently, she appeared in "Alita: Battle Angel" (2019) and "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022). Connelly also ventured into television, starring in the post-apocalyptic series "Snowpiercer" (2020–2024).

In her personal life, she is married to actor Paul Bettany, whom she met while filming "A Beautiful Mind." The couple married in 2003 and have two children together, Stellan and Agnes. She also has a son, Kai, from a previous relationship. Known for her advocacy work, she was named Amnesty International Ambassador for Human Rights Education in 2005 and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts.

Her lifestyle reflects her commitment to both her family and her craft. She balances her time between her professional projects and her personal life, often speaking about the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.