ActressAss - Alyson Hannigan

Alyson Hannigan Biography

Alyson Hannigan was born in Washington D.C. on March 24, 1974. Her entry into show business began not long after.

The progeny of two still photographers, it now seems fated that Alyson would make her career in front of the camera. While still a baby, and later into her childhood, Alyson acted as a model when- ever her parents could use her for a photo shoot in their backyard studio. An early indication of her natural charisma was apparent. As Alyson herself states, "I just loved being in front of the camera. I'd perk right up."

As the years passed, Alyson gradually switched the focus of her attention from modelling to acting, working steadily in commercials from her Atlanta home. Highlights of her work include national commercials for McDonald's, Six Flags Amusement Parks, and Oreo cookies.

After meeting with such success in her commercial endeavors, it was decided that a move to Los Angeles was necessary in order for Alyson to continue the rapid pace of her career advancement. And so, when Alyson was 11, the family picked up and moved to California, giving Alyson the opportunity to break into film and television.

Not one to let opportunity pass her by, Alyson was eventually able to land a starring role in the Dan Aykroyd film, My Stepmother is An Alien, at the age of fourteen. This was her first "big break" into show business. Interestingly, in the film, the romantic interest of Alyson's character, Jessie Mills, is portrayed by Seth Green, who currently fills the same role, as Oz, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Alyson's sympathetic portrayal of Jessie eventually earned her additional guest and starring roles in other film and television productions. [See Alyson's filmography for a complete listing] While she experienced the inevitable setbacks and dry periods during her career, Alyson's positive attitude saw her through the difficult times.

"Just don't let it (audition & rejection) get you down,"2 is the advice she offers to other Hollywood hopefuls. This determination and perseverence eventually saw Alyson emerge as one of this generation's hottest talents, with her starring role as fan-favorite "Willow" in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and this year's Paramount feature Dead Man on Campus.

When she's not busy with work, which isn't too often these days, Alyson enjoys bike riding, kick-boxing, surfing the web, and playing with her cats & dogs. She's also been known to find the time during her daily work schedule to call some of the fans that write to her, [See address in sidebar], and chat with them on the Posting Board on the official BtVS web site.

Ever the professional, Alyson also takes time out of her busy schedule to attend science fiction conventions and charity events on the weekends, in order to promote her show and interact with her growing legion of adoring fans. This type of fan recognition has not gone unappreciated - there are now ~ 100 web sites listed in the Alyson Hannigan Fan Webring, as well as mailng lists, fan-fiction societies, and IRC Chat channels dedicated to Alyson and "Willow", her BtVS alter-ego.

So what does someone who has already achieved so much wish for herself in the future? A Jim Carrey salary? A Julia Roberts profile? No, as Alyson explains, "...you have to go for the good things... world peace, a cure for everything, and a really cool house."

The humility, innocence, and sparkling intelligence behind that response is displayed each week in Alyson's portrayal of Willow. It is no wonder, then, why fans around the world will root for Alyson, as they do for Wil- low, in hoping her dreams come true. Of course, not being as selfless as Alyson, they'd be sure to add, "Ten more years of BtVS", and "Her choice of film roles during the upcoming hiatus", to her altruistic little list.

Alyson Hannigan Filmography

American Wedding (2003)--Michelle Flaherty
Beyond the City Limits (2002)--Lexi (aka Rip It Off)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002) (voice)--Willow Rosenberg
American Pie 2 (2001)--Michelle
Boys and Girls (2000)--Betty
Hayley Wagner, Star (1999) (TV)--Jenna Jakes
American Pie (1999)--Michelle
Dead Man on Campus (1998)--Lucy
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) TV Series--Willow Rosenberg
A Case for Life (1996) (TV)--Iris
For My Daughter's Honor (1996) (TV)--Kelly
The Stranger Beside Me (1995) (TV)--Dana
Switched at Birth (1991) (TV)--Gina Twigg, Age 13-16
"Free Spirit" (1989) TV Series-- Jessie Harper
My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)--Jessie Mills

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