Gabrielle Union

Born: 29th October 1973
Where: Omaha, Nebraska

The former University of Nebraska football star was first noticed as an intern at a modelling agency.

It wasn't long before her agent discovered that she could actually act, and in 1996, she was featured in episodes of Moesha and Malibu Shores.

She went on to land a recurring turn in the TV family drama 7th Heaven and a role in the sci-fi spin-off Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Union made her feature acting debut in She's All That, serving as Freddie Prinze Jr's friend and then a rival cheerleading captain opposite Kirsten Dunst in Bring It On.

The actress brought her own style and spark to the role of Isis, an inner-city cheerleader whose squad has the moves but not the finances to win the national championship.

The following year she made history when her featured guest role as the love interest of both Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Ross (David Schwimmer) marked the first time a black actor was featured in Friends.

Recent film work includes the romantic comedy Deliver Us From Eva and the ensemble comedy Welcome to Collinwood with George Clooney.

Union also starred in the Stephen Gaghan's directorial debut, the thriller Abandon, opposite Benjamin Bratt and Katie Holmes and Cradle 2 The Grave.

This year she stars as Will Smiths love interest and Martin Lawrence's sister in Bad Boys 2.