A striking Indian actress who launched her career as a model, Freida Pinto was born in Mumbai on Oct. 18, 1984. She initially appeared in print campaigns and TV commercials before moving on to the role of television presenter.

As an English-speaking anchor for the travel show "Full Circle," Pinto circled the globe in 2006, making stops in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Fiji Islands and Afghanistan.

But it was British director Danny Boyle's decision to cast Pinto, then a virtual unknown, in his critically acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire (2008) that jump-started her acting career and won her international notice. Her breakout performance earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and a SAG Award as part of the film's ensemble cast, and pointed the way toward future big-screen opportunities.