Guide Note: Ally Sheedy is an American film, stage and television actress. Born in New York City, New York in 1963, Sheedy's early childhood ambitions included becoming a ballerina. Before the age of forteen she had danced for the American Ballet Theater and performed at the famed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She danced for over eight years, but once she developed anorexia she gave up ballet for good.

By the age of twelve, Sheedy had written a best selling children's novel titled She Was Nice to Mice and had started acting on the stage and performed in small television roles. In the early 1980's Sheedy's film careered boomed and she became a bonafide movie star. She stared in such 80's classics as The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, Maid to Order and Short Circuit. While work remained steady, in the 1990's Sheedy's popularity began to wane. She was diagnosed with a sleeping pill addiction and checker herself into Hazelden rehab center. In the 2000's Sheedy continues to work both on the big screen and on stage, most recently completed the filming of Steam in 2007. Fast Facts:

1. Born: June 13, 1965
2. Birthplace: New York City, New York
3. Birth name: Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy
4. Height: 5 foot 5 inches
5. Was a best selling author by age 12
6. Suffered from anorexia and drug addiction
7. Member of the 1980's Brat Pack
8. Married March 1994
9. Spouse: David Lansbury
10. Children: Daughter Rebbecca Lansbury
11. Turned down roles in: Top Gun and Wild Orchid
12. Auditioned for Molly Ringwald's part in Sixteen Candles

Quotes:

• Sheedy: But the fact is, nobody gets off drugs unless they really want to, and I really wanted to.

• Sheedy: Hollywood is the definition of sexual discrimination.

• Sheedy: I have the desire to work as an actress, but I have no ambition to be a star.

• Sheedy: I never thought to myself, I'm going to grow up and fall in love with a man or I'm going to fall in love with a woman because my mother is a lesbian.

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