Lindsay Dee Lohan was born in New York City, on 2 July 1986, to
Dina Lohan and
Michael Lohan. She began her career at age three as a Ford model, and also made appearances in over sixty television commercials, including spots for The Gap, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, and Jell-O (opposite
Bill Cosby). Lohan made her acting debut in 1996 as the third actress to play Ali Fowler in the television drama
"Another World" (1964). Shortly afterward, she was hand-picked by Oscar-nominated writer
Nancy Meyers as estranged twin sisters in an adaptation by Walt Disney Pictures of a novel by
Erich Kästner, which marked Meyers directorial debut. Lohan's first feature film,
Parent Trap, The (1998), a remake of
Parent Trap, The (1961), was a modest commercial success, earning her widespread critical acclaim, and a Young Artist award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film, as well as Blockbuster Entertainment and YoungStar award nominations. After signing a three-movie contract with Disney, she returned to the small screen to star in the made-for-TV movies
Life-Size (2000) (opposite
Tyra Banks) and
Get a Clue (2002) (opposite
Bug Hall). She also appeared as Rose in the pilot episode of the short-lived comedy series
"Bette" (2000), which starred
Bette Midler. In June 2001, Lohan took a brief hiatus from acting. Her music career was launched over a year later, when Estefan Enterprises made a five-album production deal with her in September 2002, and she signed a recording contract with the reactivated Casablanca Records. But Lohan was not turning her back on her blossoming acting career. Just over a month previously, she had been cast opposite
Jamie Lee Curtis for another Disney adaptation of a novel, this time of a fantasy comedy by
Mary Rodgers.
Freaky Friday (2003), a remake of
Freaky Friday (1976), was a huge hit (generating over US$160 million in worldwide box office receipts), and critics were spellbound by delightful performances from Lohan and Curtis (who went on to receive a Golden Globe nomination for her work). In addition, Lohan won the 2004 MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Female, as well as a Saturn award nomination and another Young Artist award nomination. Lohan relocated permanently to Los Angeles, California, between projects, and moved into an apartment with fellow actress
Raven. She also dated pop star
Aaron Carter for a short time. Lohan's next acting role was the title character in the comedy
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004), a Disney adaptation of the novel by
Dyan Sheldon. The film received scathing reviews upon its release and died a quick death at the box office, but even the harshest of critics were impressed by Lohan's charming turn as aspiring actress Lola. Lohan's next project,
Mean Girls (2004) saw her reunite with
Freaky Friday (2003) director
Mark Waters. Inspired by a non-fiction book by
Rosalind Wiseman and written by
"Saturday Night Live" (1975) scribe
Tina Fey, the high-school comedy-drama opened to glowing reviews, and grossed $86 million in the US. This earned her status as a bankable actress, and a salary of $7.5 million for the
Donald Petrie romantic comedy
Just My Luck (2006). One of the most sought-after young actresses in the industry, she is staring in
Bobby (2006) (opposite
Nick Cannon),
Fashionistas, The (2008) (based on the novel by
Lynn Messina), the high school dramas
"Dramarama" (1983),
"Gossip Girl" (2007)(based on the novel by
Cecily von Ziegesar), and the Disney fantasy adventure
Herbie Fully Loaded (2005) (a pseudo-sequel to
Love Bug, The (1968)). On top of a thriving film career, Lohan released her debut album, called "Speak," which hit shelves in December 2004. In her spare time, Lohan enjoys swimming, basketball, shopping, singing, reading, writing, gymnastics, collecting Beanie Babies, roller-blading, and playing with her siblings
Ali Lohan, Dakota and
Michael Lohan.