Katherine Heigl, born on November 24, 1978, is a famous and celebrated actress, producer, and fashion model. She is also a renowned television personality who began her career when she was a child, modeling for Wilhelmina Models, before settling on acting and film production. She reached the peak of her success and career when she starred in “Grey’s Anatomy” as Izzie Stevens, from 2005 to 2010. She is also an executive producer in a number of her leading roles. Heigl is a multi-talented television personality and we are so glad we get to celebrate her with you today.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Katherine Marie Heigl
Nickname:
Katie
Birth date:
November 24, 1978
Age:
45
Zodiac Sign:
Sagittarius
Height:
5' 8"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$30 million
Background
Katherine Heigl was born in Washington, D.C., to Paul Heigl and Nancy Engelhardt. Her father was an accountant as well as a financial executive while her mother was a personal manager. She grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut, together with her other three older siblings. This was after relocating from Northern Virginia and Denver. In 1986, after her brother passed away, her parents converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she had no choice but to follow suit.
Her career began when she was nine years old after her aunt sent her images to a modeling agency, and shortly, she was working with Wilhelmina Models as their model. She also worked with Sears and Lord & Taylor catalogs. Her first T.V. commercial was for Cheerios cereal. This was before settling on acting and film production. Her first film was known as “That Night” and it was released in 1992 but her first leading role came in 1994 in the film, “My Father the Hero.” She was still in high school at this time, juggling between film, modeling, and school. She later dropped out of school to focus on her Hollywood career. In 1995, she starred in “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” with Steven Seagal. Later on, the following year, she starred in “Wish Upon a Star,” which was a Disney film. In 1997, she relocated to Malibu Canyon, California with her mother who became her manager.
In 1998, she featured in “The Tempest,” which was an adaptation of the William Shakespeare play, alongside Peter Fonda. She later landed a role on The W.B. television series, “Roswell” as Isabel Evans. The series ran from 1999 to 2002 and because of it, she was nominated for Saturn and Teen Choice Awards. She reached the peak of her success and career when she starred in “Grey’s Anatomy” as Izzie Stevens. In 2007, the role also won her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She is also starred in “State of Affairs,” the N.B.C. television series in 2014, and “Firefly Lane,” a Netflix series, from 2021. In addition to this, she has also voice acted for the animated film “The Nut Job,” which was released in 2014, and its sequel in 2017.
Career timeline
Heigl debuts in the film, “That Night.”
Heigl stars in the series “Roswell,” which earns her nominations for Saturn and Teen Choice Awards.
Heigl stars in the A.B.C. medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy,” which catapults her fame and recognition.
Heigl lends her voice to the animation, “The Nut Job” and its sequel.
Heigl becomes an executive producer and stars in the leading role in “Firefly Lane,” a Netflix series.
Why We Love Katherine Heigl
She is determined
Heigl has experienced loss and low moments in the course of her career. Like when her brother died and when her mother was diagnosed with cancer but she still persevered.
She is philanthropic
Heigl is associated with numerous foundations. Together with her mother, they founded Jason Debus Heigl Foundation in the honor of her late brother. This is connected to Hounds of Hope which rescues large dogs with behavior problems from shelters and rehabilitates them. She was honored with the Presidential Service Award for her dedication to animal welfare by A.S.P.C.A.
She is religious
Growing up her mother was a Lutheran while her father was a Catholic. This however changed when her brother passed away, resulting in her parents converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also joined that faith by extension and still practices it.
5 Surprising Facts
She loves pets
Heigl loves pets, dogs especially, and has eight of her own.
She is close friends with Ellen DeGeneres
DeGeneres has a shortlist of people that are close to her and Heigl is among the top people on that list since they are extremely close.
She went to therapy
When she experienced negative attention, Heigl started going to therapy to handle it, helping her cope.
She has two adopted children
Heigl and her husband have adopted their two daughters, something she always wanted to do.
She met her husband through work
Heigl met her husband when she starred in the music video for his hit single, ‘Only You.’
Katherine Heigl FAQs
What disease does Katherine Heigl have?
Heigl has had a herniated disc in her neck.
Are Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke friends?
Heigl and Chalke were friends before they acted together on “Firefly Lane.”
Who is Katherine Heigl’s husband?
Singer-songwriter Joshua Bishop Kelley Sr. and Heigl got married in 2007.
Katherine Heigl’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | November 24 | Sunday |
2025 | November 24 | Monday |
2026 | November 24 | Tuesday |
2027 | November 24 | Wednesday |
2028 | November 24 | Friday |