America Ferrera
Born: April 18 1984
Where: Los Angeles, California, USA
The actress attracted critical acclaim for her starring role in the comedy-drama Real Women Have Curves.
Her portrayal of the plus-sized college girl landed her a Sundance Jury Award for best actress.
Of Honduran origin, Ferrera - the youngest of six children - first started acting in community theatre before being cast in Real Women Have Curves.
"Growing up in America, whether you're skinny or not there's just way too much attention placed on the way we look."
Switching to TV, she appeared in Gotta Kick It Up and Plainsong before appearing in the feature How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer.
Recent work includes the chick-flick Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and skateboard drama Lords of Dogtown.
