As an Academy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress, Hilary Swank has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for more than two decades. Her talent and versatility as an actress have made her one of the most acclaimed and respected performers of her generation.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on July 30, 1974, Swank had a humble upbringing and discovered her passion for acting at a young age. She started her career in the '90s with small roles in movies and TV shows before earning her big break in the 1999 film, "Boys Don't Cry."
Since then, Swank has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films, including "Million Dollar Baby," "Away From Her," and "The Homesman." Her performances have earned her two Oscars, two Golden Globes, and numerous other accolades from the film industry.
In addition to her acting career, Swank is also a philanthropist and entrepreneur. She has been involved in various charitable organizations and started her own company, Mission Statement, which produces sustainable and eco-friendly clothing.
With her talent, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, Swank has become an icon in the entertainment industry and a role model for women around the world. In this comprehensive biography, we explore her life and career, including her age, height, figure, and net worth.
Early Life and Education
Hilary Ann Swank was born on July 30, 1974, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her mother Judy Kay was a secretary and her father Stephen Michael Swank was an Air National Guard officer and later a traveling salesman. Hilary grew up alongside her elder brother, Daniel Swank, in a trailer park in Bellingham, Washington.
As a child, Hilary was interested in sports and took up swimming and gymnastics lessons. She also developed a love for acting and performed in school plays. However, her parents' divorce when she was 13, forced her to move with her mother and brother to Los Angeles, California. The move provided her with more opportunities for acting and she started taking acting classes at South Pasadena High School, which she graduated from in 1992.
After graduation, Hilary continued to pursue acting and landed her first role in the fourth season of the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". However, she realized the importance of education and enrolled in Santa Monica College, where she studied Psychology.
Her thirst for knowledge and further education led her to take Advanced Acting classes with L.A.'s Actors Studio. She also attended the University of Nebraska, where she majored in drama and earned her degree in just a year and a half.
Hilary Swank: Breakthrough Role in Boy's Don't Cry
In 1999, Hilary Swank burst onto the scene with her unforgettable performance as Brandon Teena in the critically acclaimed film, Boy's Don't Cry. This breakout role showcased Swank's talent and earned her numerous awards and nominations, including a Best Actress Oscar.
Swank's portrayal of Brandon Teena, a transgender man navigating love and life in rural Nebraska, was praised for its authenticity and vulnerability. Swank underwent a physical transformation, cutting her hair short and binding her chest to convincingly portray Teena. Her performance was a tour de force in a film that tackled important themes of gender identity and discrimination.
The success of Boy's Don't Cry launched Swank's career, and she continued to take on challenging roles in films like Million Dollar Baby and Conviction. However, it was her breakthrough role as Brandon Teena that truly cemented her place in the pantheon of great actors.
Success with Million Dollar Baby and Beyond
One of Hilary Swank's most well-known performances was in the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby, directed by Clint Eastwood. Swank portrayed a determined boxer who trained under the tutelage of Eastwood's character, leading to critical acclaim and multiple awards, including her second Academy Award for Best Actress.
Following her success with Million Dollar Baby, Swank continued to take on challenging roles in a variety of genres. She starred in the psychological thriller The Reaping and the historical drama Amelia, in which she played famed aviator Amelia Earhart. Swank even took on the lead role in the romantic comedy P.S. I Love You opposite Gerard Butler.
In addition to her film career, Swank has also made a name for herself in television. She played the lead role in the drama series Trust, portraying John Paul Getty III's mother Gail Getty, and appeared in the acclaimed anthology series Fargo.
Overall, Swank's dedication to her craft and willingness to take on diverse roles has led to a successful and varied career in both film and television.
Personal Life and Charitable Work
Hilary Swank was previously married to actor Chad Lowe, but the couple separated in 2006 and later divorced. Swank has been in a relationship with entrepreneur Philip Schneider since 2016 and the couple got engaged in March 2018.
Aside from her acting career, Swank is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She is a supporter of numerous charities, including The Boys' Club of America, Stand Up to Cancer, and The Noble Awards. In 2006, Swank founded The Hilaroo Foundation, which works to empower young people by connecting them with animals and nature.
- Swank has also been an advocate for various causes, including gender equality and animal rights.
- She is a vegetarian and has been named one of PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities twice.
- In 2019, Swank was honored with the ASPCA Compassion Award for her work in animal welfare.
When asked about her charity work, Swank said, "Giving back has always been important to me. I believe that if you have the ability to make a difference in someone's life, you should."
Net Worth and Awards
Hilary Swank's net worth is estimated to be around $40-50 million, thanks to her successful career in Hollywood. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in "Boys Don't Cry" and "Million Dollar Baby".
In addition to her Oscar wins, Swank has also received numerous other awards and nominations for her roles in various films and TV shows. She has won three Golden Globe Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among others. She has also been nominated for an Emmy Award for her work in the TV series "Trust".
Aside from her acting career, Swank is also an entrepreneur and has co-founded a luxury activewear brand, Mission Statement. She remains an influential figure in Hollywood and continues to be highly respected within the industry for her talents and achievements.
FAQ
What is Hilary Swank's age?
Hilary Swank was born on July 30, 1974, so as of 2021, she is 47 years old.
What are Hilary Swank's measurements?
Hilary Swank's height is 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and her weight is around 121 pounds (55 kg). Her body measurements are 34-24-35 inches (86-61-89 cm).
What kind of movies has Hilary Swank starred in?
Hilary Swank has starred in a variety of movies, ranging from dramas to comedies to thrillers. She is known for her roles in "Boys Don't Cry," "Million Dollar Baby," "The Homesman," "P.S. I Love You," and "The Gift."
What is Hilary Swank's net worth?
As of 2021, Hilary Swank's net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. She has earned most of her wealth through her successful acting career, as well as through endorsements and investments.
What challenges has Hilary Swank faced in her personal life?
Hilary Swank has faced several challenges in her personal life, including the deaths of her father and grandmother, divorcing Chad Lowe, and caring for her father during his battle with lung cancer. She also developed and was treated for a life-threatening lung infection.
