Born and raised in Chicago, Illinios. Father (passed away when she was 10) was African American and mother was Irish. While still a teenager worked as a babysitter for neighbor Steve Edwards. Attended Frances W Parker School in Chicago before getting film debut as an extra in My Bodyguard (which was filmed in Chicago). At 19, was chosen for Flashdance, the movie that defined 1983, which earned a Golden Globe nomination and an NAACP Image Award. Wasn't looking to be a star. In fact at the time was far more interested in going to college. Attended Yale University at end of filming. During summer breaks at college, managed to film The Bride, The Gamble, Split Decisions and Vampire's Kiss. Then got married to director Alex Rockwell. It lasted 10 years. In 1998, married a Canadian film technician, Ken Dixon, who met while filming a movie in Vancouver. 2004, Starred in the Showtime series "The L Word," an intimate story about the lives and loves of a group of lesbian friends living in Los Angeles. Play Bette Porter, an art currator at the California Arts Center. Good friends with Elizabeth Berkley. Stepmother to Ken Dixon's, two children, and gave birth to first child, a girl, in October, 2005.*This a fansite created by a fan... I am NOT the real Jennifer Beals*
