To look upon the face of Claire Danes is to discover an exquisitely expressive canvas for all the emotional colorings of life. This remarkably self-possessed young performer brought startling authenticity as well as intelligence and complexity to her starring role in the landmark high school/family drama "My So-Called Life" (ABC, 1994-95). Danes' often heartrending portrayal of a fifteen-year-old coping with the rigors of adolescence contributed to the cult series' avalanche of kudos and won a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nod for its rising star. The low-rated, short-lived program counted
Grew up on Crosby Street in the SoHo section of New York
1985
Began studying modern dance at age six (date approximate)
Started acting career on the off-off-Broadway stage in productions of "Happiness", "Punk Ballet", and "Kids on Stage"; choreographed a solo dance piece for the latter
1992
Made film acting debut at age 11 playing a molested child in the student short "Dreams of Love"
1992
TV acting debut, a guest shot as a suspected murderer on an episode of NBC's "Law & Order"
