Raised in Berkeley, California

Began modeling career after being recruited by a Parisian model scout

Spent three years in Paris modeling for magazines like Elle, Sports Illustrated, Marie Claire, etc.

Moved to NYC and divided time between USA and Europe

Named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People"

Made TV acting debut on an episode of NBC's "Friends"; played a messy girlfriend of David Schwimmer's Ross

Succeeded Daisy Fuentes as host of MTV's "House of Style" (December); was replaced in 1998 by James King

Was featured in the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition

Had small but unforgettable part as a drunken, bearded lady in Norm Macdonald's big-screen comedy "Dirty Work"

Again named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People"

Had recurring role as David Spade's model wife on the NBC comedy "Just Shoot Me"

Had a cameo in the blockbuster comedy "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"

Played Hugh Hefner's daughter Kimberly in the TV-movie "Hefner: Unauthorized" (USA Network)

Donned blue body paint to play the evil mutant Mystique in the big-screen version of "X-Men"

Cast in female lead of the remake of "Rollerball"

Had a small role as an actress doubling for the computer generated female lead of "Simone"

Starred as Laure Ash, a con woman trying to get straight, in Brian De Palma's erotic thriller "Femme Fatale"

Again played Mystique in "X2"

Starred opposite Thomas Jane and John Travolta in "The Punisher"

Starred opposite Greg kinnear, as parents who clone their son after he was killed in an accident in the thriller "Godsend"

Makes series lead debut as a reporter in the WB's "Pepper Dennis"

Reprised the role of Mystique in the third installment of the "X-Men" series, "X-Men: The Last Stand"

Appeared in the documentary, "Wet Dreams" about her attempt to choreograph one of the Bellagio's famous water fountain routines; premiered at the CineVegas Film Festival in Las Vegas

Joined the cast of ABC's "Ugly Betty" as a series regular