Born on December 19, 1963, in Chicago, she is an American actress and former teen model. She gained fame for her role in the 1983 film "Flashdance," earning a Golden Globe nomination. Raised in an intercultural family, she attended Yale University, studying American literature. Her career spans film, television, and theater, with notable roles in "The L Word" and "The Book of Eli." An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues, she continues to influence both the entertainment industry and social causes.