Ginnifer Goodwin

Memphis, Tennessee

Actress

Biography

Ginnifer Michelle Goodwin is an American television and film actress, best known for her role as Margene Heffman on the HBO series Big Love. Personal Life Goodwin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of Linda, a Federal Express worker, and Tim Goodwin, who formerly owned and operated a recording studio. Her younger sister, Melissa Goodwin, is a prominent stop motion animator on shows such as the Emmy-Award winning Robot Chicken, on which Ginnifer has also appeared as voice talent. Goodwin was affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth and was active in BBYO at the Jewish Community Center in Memphis growing up. After graduating from Lausanne Collegiate School in 1996, Goodwin went on to Boston University's College of Fine Arts, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, with honors, in 2001. She dated actor Chris Klein for two years; they broke up in December 2008. She is a vegan. Career Goodwin first had roles in the popular NBC television programs Law & Order and Ed before appearing in the Comedy Central television movie Porn 'n Chicken. She later had substantial roles in the films Mona Lisa Smile, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, and Walk the Line, in which she portrayed Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife. She also played Dori Dumchovic in the dark comedy Love Comes to the Executioner. Goodwin is currently in a supporting role as Margene Heffman, the third wife in a polygamous family, on the HBO original series Big Love. She stars in He's Just Not That into You, due to be released in February 2009. Awards and Recognition In 2008, MaxMara honored Goodwin with a "Face of the Future" award, an award recognizing women in film excellence. Also, GAP announced Goodwin will be the new face of Gap's Fall 2008 ad campaign.