Scarlett Johansson

Biography

A popular actress largely known for her mix of sexy and often critically acclaimed performances, Scarlett Johansson is also a vocalist. Born November 22, 1984, Johansson became interested in performing around age three and eventually studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute for Young People. After making her stage debut opposite Ethan Hawke in the off-Broadway production of Sophistry, Johansson went on to appear in such films as The Horse Whisperer (1998), Ghost World (2001), and Eight-Legged Freaks (2002). However, it was her starring roles in such films as Lost in Translation and The Girl in the Pearl Earring (both in 2003) that garnered her wide public recognition and critical buzz. Surprisingly, around 2005, after being considered for -- but ultimately not getting -- the lead role in an Andrew Lloyd Webber production of The Sound of Music, Johansson began evincing an interest in expanding her career into music. In 2006, Johansson appeared on the charity album Unexpected Dreams: Songs from the Stars singing the George Gershwin standard "Summertime." A year later, she performed live with the Jesus and Mary Chain during the band's reunion show at the Coachella Music Festival. Subsequently, Johansson began work on a studio album of her own with TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek producing. Released on Rhino in 2008, Johansson's debut album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, featured songs by Tom Waits as well as two cuts featuring David Bowie. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide