Michelle Williams
Paramount Pictures / Everett Collection
Ambitious Beginnings
Born in Kalispell, Montana and raised in San Diego, California, Williams landed roles in television series such as Lassie (above), Baywatch, Step by Step and Home Improvement in her teen years. At the age of 15, she took the unusual step of legally emancipating herself from her parents, the better pursue a career in Hollywood. Around that time, she got her first film role, in the sci-fi thriller Species.