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Who Is Selma Blair?
Selma Blair, born on June 23, 1972, in Southfield, Michigan, is a renowned American actress who has made her mark in both film and television. A graduate of the University of Michigan in 1995 with degrees in English and Psychology, Blair moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. She gained prominence with her breakthrough role in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions, and further established herself in Legally Blonde (2001), The Sweetest Thing (2002), and Hellboy (2004). Throughout her career, Blair has shown resilience, openly discussing her battles with alcoholism, depression, and, most notably, her 2018 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Career Highlights: Movies and TV Shows
Cruel Intentions (1999) marked Blair’s first major role, where she portrayed the naïve Cecile Caldwell, winning an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss. She later starred in Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane, a teen sitcom, for which she earned a Teen Choice Award nomination. Blair reunited with Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde (2001), playing the character Vivian Kensington. Other notable films include The Sweetest Thing (2002) and Hellboy (2004), where she played the pyrokinetic Liz Sherman, a role she reprised in the 2008 sequel Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
In television, Blair appeared in Anger Management (2012), where she portrayed a therapist, and later took on the role of Kris Jenner in FX’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016).
Fashion and Non-Acting Work
In addition to her acting career, Blair has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. In 2005, she became the face of Chanel, personally photographed by Karl Lagerfeld. She also appeared in campaigns for Miu Miu and walked the runway for Christian Siriano at New York Fashion Week in 2018. Blair was nominated for a Grammy in 2010 for narrating Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition.
Advocacy and #MeToo Involvement
In 2017, Blair bravely spoke out about her experience with sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo movement. Alongside actress Rachel McAdams, she revealed details of an encounter with director James Toback, advocating for justice and the importance of speaking out against harassment.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Blair has faced personal hardships, including the sudden death of her childhood sweetheart and her divorce from writer/producer Ahmet Zappa. She shares a son, Arthur, with fashion designer Jason Bleick, with whom she co-parents. Since 2015, she has been in a relationship with director Ron Carlson.
Blair’s life took a major turn when she was diagnosed with MS in 2018. Despite the challenges posed by the disease, she has shown remarkable strength and resilience, using her platform to raise awareness. Through public appearances and interviews, Blair has shared her journey, emphasizing the importance of finding strength in adversity.
Early Life and Education
Blair was raised in a Jewish family in Southfield, Michigan, the youngest of four daughters. She attended various educational institutions before earning her degrees at the University of Michigan. After college, Blair moved to New York City, where she took acting classes and honed her craft at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the Column Theater, launching her impressive career in the entertainment industry.
Selma Blair’s journey, both on and off the screen, is a testament to her resilience, talent, and advocacy. Her openness about her health struggles and commitment to her craft continues to inspire many.