From poverty and bullying to the Oscars – the actress who refused to break

She was the product of a teenage pregnancy, and her family was dirt poor.

There were countless nights she went to bed hungry.

But today, that struggle is a distant memory for this celebrated actress, an Academy Award winner whose star now shines brighter than ever.

Her father was not her father

With her striking red hair, sea green eyes, porcelain skin, high cheekbones and flowing fiery locks, this actress stands out as a rare presence among Hollywood’s sea of blondes and brunettes.

She has earned many honors, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. She has also been nominated for a Primetime Emmy, two Tony Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards.

But her path to this spotlight was anything but easy.Continue reading…