She first gained widespread recognition for her role as Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga, although she had already appeared in films like Lords of Dogtown and Mini’s First Time. Long before that, she had captured the attention of audiences and critics alike with her powerful performance in Thirteen, a film she also wrote.
Back when she was still relatively unknown, she collaborated with her mother’s friend to write the script for Thirteen, and together they completed the project in just six days—an impressive feat that would later prove to be a turning point in her career.
In her personal life, she married Paul McDonald, a contestant from season ten of American Idol, in October 2011. However, the couple eventually filed for divorce in May 2014. Later, in April 2015, she tied the knot with Ian Somerhalder, known for his role in The Vampire Diaries. The couple welcomed a daughter named Bodhi in 2017, and in January 2023, they shared the exciting news that they were expecting their second child together. That June, they joyfully welcomed a son into their family, marking another milestone in their life as a growing family.
Her semi-autobiographical movie, Thirteen, stirred up a lot of controversy due to its depiction of sexual promiscuity and drug use involving underage characters. Many people found the content provocative and debated whether it was appropriate or necessary for the story being told. She based the film on her own experiences, which added a layer of authenticity but also raised questions about the boundaries of art and personal storytelling. The film certainly sparked conversations about adolescence, identity, and the challenges faced by young girls growing up in today’s world.