Born in Ethiopia, she rose to international prominence as a model before transitioning to acting. She gained widespread recognition for her role in "Desert Flower" and has appeared in films such as "The Good Shepherd" and "Lord of War." Beyond acting, she is a dedicated advocate for maternal health, serving as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador and founding the Lemlem Foundation to support women artisans. Her work bridges entertainment and philanthropy, highlighting her commitment to social causes.