Jennifer Beals

Over two decades have passed since Jennifer Beals, 41, won over the world with her warm smile and off-the-shoulder baggy sweatshirt. An unknown actress, whose only film credit was as an extra in "My Bodyguard," Beals skyrocketed to pop icon status for her starring role in the 1983 dance flick, "Flashdance." Although the film was a cultural phenomenon, Beals went from A-list to scandal queen when it was revealed that the young actress' famed dance moves weren't entirely her own. As crazy as it sounds, audiences felt betrayed, and a star was remarkably unborn. The Yale-educated actress spent the '80s starring in a number of box office disappointments while pursing her education. Efforts in such films as "The Bride" and "Split Decisions" did little to boost Beals' career. In fact, it wasn't until the late '90s that critics began to finally give Beals long-overdue praise for her acclaimed efforts in "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle," "Devil in a Blue Dress," and "The Last Days of Disco." Beals proved she had the ability and toughness to not only survive Hollywood but to conquer it. Starring roles in several critically acclaimed indie films followed, including "The Anniversary Party" and "Roger Doger." These days, Beals is enjoying the success of Showtime's critically acclaimed series, "The L Word." The lesbian version of "Sex in the City," "The L Word," also starring Mia Kirshner, Pam Grier, Laurel Holloman, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, and Karina Lombard, has become the surprise smash hit of this past season. The series, which will air its final episode this Sunday, April 11th, was recently renewed by Showtime for another season.