Shannyn Sossamon: Biography

Newcomer Shannyn Sossamon's story could inspire thousands of wannabe actresses to buy a few turntables: casting director Francine Maisler discovered the 20-year-old actress spinning records at a posh Hollywood party and cast the Angelina Jolie lookalike in A Knight's Tale, which Sony hoped would be a huge summer hit. While A Knight's Tale performed somewhat respectably at the box office, it failed to set the world on fire. But it did establish Sossaman and co-star Heath Ledger as up-and-coming young actors. The Hawaii-born and Nevada-raised Sossaman moved to Los Angeles when she was 15 to study dance, which she considers a lifelong passion. She and a friend were DJing Gwyneth and Jack Paltrow's joint birthday party when Maisler noticed her, contacting her soon after the party about auditioning for the movie. Sossaman next appeared in 40 Days and 40 Nights alongside Josh Hartnett, another actor who saw his star rise in 2001 thanks to a summer blockbuster. ~ Stephanie M. Kuenn, All Movie Guide