An eighth generation Eastern Kentuckian, Ashley Judd first proved her acting abilities in her debut feature film role as ‘Ruby Lee Gissing’ in Victor Nunez’ internationally acclaimed “Ruby In Paradise.” Having won major acting awards worldwide, Judd has demonstrated her range in a variety of genres and is a proven box office draw and is additionally recognized for her genuine interest and active support of a number of international humanitarian issues. Ashley speaks fluently, coherently and provocatively as she uplifts and inspires audiences motivating them through her own personal experiences and the lessons learned from her work. Ashley is a highly regarded and persuasive corporate keynote and after dinner speaker.

Ashley Judd is internationally recognized as a humanitarian and activist in terms of human rights issues and is very proud to be the Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS, a global initiative that generates funding for grassroots programs in 65 countries and raises awareness to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS among the world’s youth and most vulnerable populations. Ashley has travelled throughout Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America and India to visit orphanages, slums, brothels, hospices, medical clinics, youth and drop in centres. Her personal emphasis is on empowering girls and women, medically accurate sex education, and putting a stop to sex and human trafficking. To that end, she has been receive by heads of state and religious leaders in all the countries she has visited, as well as having addressed the National Press Club and the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee here at home.

Ashley recently completed production in Vancouver filming the lead role in “ Helen”, an independent film written and directed by Sandra Nettlebeck. This dramatic story revolves around a music professor named ‘ Helen’ (Ashley) who suffers from a deep, debilitating depression and the only one who can relate to her pain is a young female student.

Ashley will next be seen on the big screen co-starring in the Weinstein Company film called “Crossing Over” written and directed by Wayne Kramer (“Running Scared”). The film also stars Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, and Sean Penn. “Crossing Over” is a harrowing look at life amongst illegal immigrants and the immigration enforcement agents whose job it is to ensure that the U.S borders remain secure.

Last fall, returning to her indie roots, Ashley starred in the feature film “Come Early Morning,” written and directed by actress Joey Lauren Adams and in the Lions Gate film, “Bug,” as a lonely. Paranoid, and traumatized recluse. “Bug” was written by Tracy Letts, and based on his play of the same name and directed by William Friedkin. The film won the International Press Award in Cannes in 2006 and Ashley’s performance generated a considerable amount of critical acclaim.

On the small screen, Ashley last appeared as the focus of the National Geographic documentary that featured Ashley’s travels to India in early 2007 on behalf of her ongoing commitment as Global Ambassador for YouthAids. The documentary aired on The Learning Channel that featured Ashley’s travels to Central America with her friend, colleague, actor, feminist, and human rights activist, Salma Hayek.

In 2004, Ashley delivered a heartfelt, emotional performance as socialite ‘Linda Lee Porter’ in the MGM Studios, Cole Porter biopic, “De Lovely,” for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. The film chronicled their marriage, which inspired such famous Cole Porter tunes as “Anything Goes.” “De Lovely” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

In early 2004, Ashley starred in “Twisted” for director, Philip Kauffman and also starred on Broadway for 6 months in the leading role of ‘Maggie’ in Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Was produced by Bill Kenwright and directed by Anthony Page and was success by all standards.

Ashley had a very successful and diverse 2002. She had a small, but significant appearance as ‘Tina Modotti’ in the Julie Taymor directed bio-pic of “Frida Kahlo.” In addition, Ashley had a strong supporting role in “The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” starring amongst an impressive cast including Sandra Bullock, Ellen Burstyn, Maggie Smith and James Garner. The film was directed by Callie Khouri and was based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Rebecca Wells.

Ashley also starred in 20th Century Fox’s “High Crimes” which re-teamed her with “Kiss the Girls” co-star, Morgan Freeman. The film was written by Joseph Finder and directed by Carl Franklin. Also for 20th Century Fox, Ashley starred with Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman in “Someone Like You” for director, Tony Goldwyn. With a turn to the romantic comedy genre, Ashley portrayed a producer of a popular day time talk show who had a romance with the show’s executive producer.

Ashley’s other film credits include “Where the Heart Is.” Opposite Natalie Portman. Bruce Beresford’s box-office success “Double Jeopardy,” opposite Tommy Lee Jones for Paramount as well as “Eye of the Beholder” with Ewan McGregor. Ashley also starred in Walt Disney Pictures’ 1998 drama “Simon Birch,” based on the John Irwing novel, A Prayer for Owen Meany.

In 1997, Ashley starred opposite Morgan Freeman in Paramount Pictures’ box-office hit “Kiss the Girls,” as well as MGM’s “The Locusts” in which she co-starred opposite Vince Vaughn and Kate Capshaw. Ashley was also seen in Michael Mann’s “Heat,” for which she won critical acclaim opposite Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Val Kilmer. In the summer of 1996, she appeared in Joel Schumacher’s “A Time To Kill,” opposite Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock and Mathew Mc Conaughey. In late 1996, she was seen starring opposite Luke Perry in John McNaughton’s black comedy “Normal Life.” Also in 1996, Ashley received an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Norma Jean in HBO’s “Norma Jean & Marilyn.”

Ashley made her debut theatre performance in the Naked Angels’ production of “Busted”, directed by Timothy Hutton. She then went on to start as Madge on Broadway in William Inge’s Pulitzer-prize winning play, “Picnic” at the Roundabout Theatre Company, while simultaneously filming an unforgettable supporting role in the Miramax Film “Smoke”, portraying the daughter of Harvey Keitel and Stockar Channing.

A Phi Beta Kappa nominee and Honors Program student of the University of Kentucky with a major in French and four minors, Ashley studied the Meisner technique in acting when she first went to Hollywood.

Ashley resides in Tennessee and Scotland with her husband, international racing star Dario Franchitti. They have 8 beloved pets and enjoy a quiet, rural life.

Ashley is a compelling and highly entertaining anecdotal, keynote and motivational speaker.

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