Jordana Brewster

Biography

Jordana Brewster was born April 26, 1980, in Panama City, Panama. The daughter of Alden Brewster, an investment banker, and Maria Joao, a former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model (which would explain Jordana's exotic looks), Jordana was relocated several times before finally settling down in Manhattan, New York.

The Brewster family moved to London, England, where they lived for 6 years, before moving to Rio de Janiero for 4 years. Jordana's early start in showbiz can be traced back to her days in Brazil, where she danced with other children, on the popular children's show, Xuxa Against Evil. She also became fluent in Portuguese while living in Rio.

caught the acting bug

By the time the Brewster family moved to New York, Jordana knew she was interested in acting, and participated in theater during her school days at Sacred Heart.

Wanting to further delve into acting, Jordana moved on to the New York Professional Children's School to perfect her skills. She made her American television debut on the daytime soap opera, All My Children, in a one-time appearance, while still at school.

She moved on to a more lucrative role on the soap As The World Turns, as Nikki Munson-Graves. During her three years on the show, she was offered a role in the blockbuster, Independence Day, but had to decline since her soap opera schedule didn't allow her the time.

from yale, to the faculty

In 1998, Jordana moved on to bigger and better things, with a role on the sci-fi teen flick, The Faculty, which also included an appearance in the remake of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" video and several Tommy Hilfiger ads. That same year, Jordana was accepted to Yale, which is part of her family's legacy -- her grandfather was president of the prestigious university from 1963-1977.

She deferred her admission in order to further pursue her film career, and soon after her role in The Faculty, she had more roles lined up. Jordana was cast as one of the lead roles in the NBC miniseries, The '60s, along with fellow teen movie star, Julia Stiles.

fame, full speed ahead

2001 proved to be a huge year for the young actress, as she co-starred in the independent film, The Invisible Circus with Cameron Diaz, and starred in the surprise blockbuster of the summer, The Fast and the Furious.

Although she has worked alongside two popular actors, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, the raven-haired beauty was dating actor Mark Wahlberg since 1998. Their 2-year relationship remained low-key for a long time, but once word got out, there were rumors that the couple were married.

Jordana is presently back at school at Yale, juggling her education with what seems to be a very promising career.