Scarlett Johansson was born in New York City to Melanie Sloan (of Polish descent) and Karsten Johansson (of Danish descent). Scarlett showed a passion for acting at a young age and starred in many plays. She has a sister named Vanessa Johansson, a brother named Adrian, and a twin brother named Hunter Johansson born three minutes after her.
She began her acting career in 1994 starring as "Laura Nelson" in North (1994). In 1998, the acclaimed film The Horse Whisperer (1998) brought Johansson critical praise and worldwide recognition. Following the film's success, she starred in many other films including the critically acclaimed cult film Ghost World (2001) and then the hit Lost in Translation (2003) with Bill Murray in which she again stunned critics. Later on, she appeared in Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003).
In 2003, she was nominated for two Golden Globes, one for drama (Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)) and one for comedy (Lost in Translation (2003)). She dropped out of Mission: Impossible III (2006) due to scheduling conflicts. Her next film role was in The Island (2005) alongside Ewan McGregor which earned weak reviews from U.S. critics.
After this, she appeared in Woody Allen's Match Point (2005) and was nominated again for a Golden Globe.
Received an "introducing" credit for The Horse Whisperer (1998) although it was her seventh feature film.
Has a younger twin brother, Hunter Johansson.
Attended and graduated in 2002 from Professional Children's School in Manhattan, New York City.
Grandchild of writer Ejner Johansson.
Is of Danish descent on her father's side and Ashkenazi Jewish descent on her mother's side.
Applied to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts for the fall 2003 semester, but was not accepted. The rejection allowed her to focus on her career, which blossomed soon after.
Her father Karsten Johansson, a NY architect, and mother Melanie Sloan, her manager, now divorced, separated when she was 13.
Campaigned for John Kerry in the 2004 Presidential Election.
Her older sister Vanessa Johansson is also an actress.
Had a tonsillectomy.
She donated many items to Rocky Stone to be given to less fortunate kids as part of the Toy Mountain Campaign.
Has a cat named Trooper.
Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 2004.
Is a fan of Woody Allen.
Has a chihuahua named Maggie.
Was offered the role of Lindsey Farris in Mission: Impossible III (2006).
Is an alumni of the Lee Strasberg Institute such as actors Frank Miranda, Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson, Dennis Hopper, Julia Roberts.
Supports Barack Obama.
Announced her engagement to Ryan Reynolds, having been in a relationship with him since February 2007 (5 May 2008).
Was in a relationship with Josh Hartnett (December 2004-November 2006).
Married fiancé Ryan Reynolds in a quiet ceremony in Canada on September 27th, 2008.
An avid fan of Tom Waits, she recorded an album comprised entirely of Tom Waits covers, titled "Anywhere I Lay My Head". The album was released on May 16, 2008, but was not widely recognized.
Bust 36C (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).
She says her only vice is cheese.
Replaced Brazilian Gisele Bündchen as the face of "Dolce & Gabbana" perfumes [2009].
French synth band The Teenagers wrote a song about her called "Starlett Johansson".
In February 2007, Johansson was named the "Sexiest Celebrity" of the year by Playboy.
Has another sister named Fenan. She was adopted by Johansson's mother Melanie Sloan from Ethopia in May 2010.
Her husband, Ryan Reynolds was named as the "Sexiest Man Alive" by 'People' Magazine (2010) during the same time that Johansson was named as "Babe of the Year" by 'GQ' Magazine.
Has been the ambassador of Moet & Chandon Champagne since 2009.
Her husband Ryan Reynolds filed for divorce in December 2010, citing irreconcilable differences.
Has appeared in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein, L'Oreal, and Louise Vuitton. In 2009, she was also the face of Dolce & Gabbana make-up.
Italian artist Francesco Clemente included a portrait of Scarlett in his deck of 78 custom-painted tarot cards, with her portrayed as the Queen of Swords.
Has been an ambassador for Oxfam International since 2005.
