Ashley Judd, born Ashley Tyler Ciminella on April 19, 1968, is an American actress and political activist. She hails from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, with her mother, Naomi Judd, and sister, Wynonna Judd, both being renowned country music singers. Despite being exposed to the glitz and glamour of showbiz early on, Judd carved her own path, graduating with honors from the University of Kentucky in French and various other minors including Anthropology, Art History, Theatre, and Women's Studies. Her diverse educational background would later reflect in her choice of roles, often portraying strong and multifaceted women. Judd's acting career took flight in the 1990s, with notable performances in films like Ruby in Paradise (1993), Heat (1995), and Double Jeopardy (1999). Her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from vulnerable women to tenacious heroines, earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. In addition to her film work, she also made her mark on television, starring in the popular series Missing (2012) for which she received an Emmy nomination. Beyond acting, Judd is well-known for her political activism. She has been an outspoken critic of mountaintop removal mining and has campaigned against it. A feminist at heart, she has been a global ambassador for YouthAIDS, a prevention program under Population Services International. Furthermore, she has been involved with Women for Women International, an organization that supports female survivors of war. Judd's passion for social justice issues and her commitment to making a difference have made her a prominent figure not just in Hollywood but also in the realm of activism.