Academy Award two times winner Hilary Swank turns 50
Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she was cast as Brandon Teena, a transgender man, in the film “Boys Don’t Cry” Swank’s powerful and poignant performance earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
Academy Award two times winner Hilary Swank turns 50
Hilary Ann Swank was born on July 30, 1974, in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. She grew up in Bellingham, Washington, where she developed an early interest in acting and athletics. Her father, Stephen Michael Swank, was a Chief Master Sergeant in the Oregon Air National Guard, and her mother, Judy Kay, was a secretary and dancer. Swank’s family faced financial hardships, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and resilience from a young age.
Swank’s acting career began with small television roles in the early 1990s, including a stint on the popular series “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the 1992 movie “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she was cast as Brandon Teena, a transgender man, in the film “Boys Don’t Cry.” Swank’s powerful and poignant performance earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
Following the success of “Boys Don’t Cry,” Swank solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. In 2004, she starred in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” as Maggie Fitzgerald, an aspiring boxer. Her portrayal of Maggie’s determination and vulnerability garnered widespread praise, earning her a second Academy Award for Best Actress. Swank became one of the few actresses to win two Oscars in the lead acting category within a five-year span.
Swank continued to take on diverse and challenging roles in films such as “The Black Dahlia” (2006), “Freedom Writers” (2007), and “P.S. I Love You” (2007). Her ability to immerse herself in complex characters and deliver compelling performances has been a hallmark of her career.
In the 2010s, Swank explored a variety of genres, appearing in films like “Conviction” (2010), “The Homesman” (2014), and “Logan Lucky” (2017). She also ventured into television, starring in the series “Trust” (2018) and “Away” (2020), demonstrating her versatility across different mediums.
In recent years, Swank has continued to work on both independent projects and mainstream films, showcasing her enduring talent and commitment to her craft. Her performances remain highly anticipated, and she continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Hilary Swank married actor Chad Lowe in 1997, but the couple divorced in 2007. Swank later became engaged to financial advisor Ruben Torres in 2016, but the engagement was called off the same year. In 2018, she married entrepreneur Philip Schneider in a private ceremony. Swank is known for her dedication to fitness and often prepares intensely for her roles, as seen in her training for “Million Dollar Baby.”
Outside of acting, Swank is actively involved in philanthropy. She supports various charitable causes, including animal welfare, cancer research, and advocacy for at-risk youth. Her commitment to giving back is reflected in her involvement with organizations such as the Hilaroo Foundation, which she founded to bring together youth and rescue animals. Today she celebrates 50.
Look back at the memorable role of Hilary Swank in the acclaimed 1999 movie “Boys Don’t Cry”
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