Born in 1968 in Roseville, California, she began her career as a child actor on stage and television. She rose to fame in the 1980s, becoming a teen icon through her roles in John Hughes films like "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," and "Pretty in Pink." Known for her portrayal of relatable, complex adolescents, she became a defining figure of the era's youth culture. Beyond acting, she has pursued singing and writing, contributing to various projects in film, television, and literature.