Emmanuelle Grey “Emmy” Rossum (born September 12, 1986) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She first starred in a string of movies including Songcatcher (2000), An American Rhapsody, (2001) and Passionada (2002). However, it was her role in Mystic River (2003) that garnered her wider recognition. She then starred in the blockbuster film The Day After Tomorrow (2004) and The Phantom of the Opera (2004) for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe. She has since starred in Poseidon (2006), Dragonball: Evolution, (2009) and Dare (2009). In 2010, Rossum joined the cast of the Showtime television drama series Shameless in a leading role. The series, which stars William H. Macy, premiered in January 2011.
Attended the Spence School in Manhattan, an elite private girls’ school that was also attended by Gwyneth Paltrow and Kerry Washington.
Has appeared in 20 different operas singing in five languages.
Had never seen the stage version of The Phantom of the Opera (2004) prior to filming the screen version.
Made her stage debut at seven years of age (she sang “Happy Birthday” for her audition) at the New York Metropolitan Opera. She made $5 a night singing with the children’s choir. According to her, “There were horses onstage that were getting $150″.
Her father is a banker and her mother is a corporate photographer.
Took cooking classes at Le Cordon Bleu in London.
In preparation for her role in The Phantom of the Opera (2004), she attended a séance at the Spiritualist Association of Great Britian, where a medium talked to her about her late grandmother.
Won Best Young Actress in 2004 Critic’s Choice Awards
She obtained her high school diploma online via a Stanford University program.
Has celiac disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body can’t tolerate any foods containing gluten or wheat.
Is an only child.
Her favorite actors are Sean Penn (her Mystic River (2003) co-star) and Miranda Richardson (her The Phantom of the Opera (2004) co-star).
Attending Columbia University.
Hobbies include reading, horseback riding, and ballet.
Her favorite book is John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men”.
Currently recording a pop album for Geffen Records [April 2006]
Cousin is Cecilia Becker, daughter of world-famous designer Vera Wang.
Her favorite designer is Ralph Lauren.
She is a fan of Audrey Hepburn.
Her favorite opera is “Carmen”.
Used to be a vegetarian.
Is related to Vera Wang by marriage.
Studied acting with Flo Salant Greenberg of the Actor’s Workshop in New York City for several years.
Is very close friends with singer/actress Ashlee Simpson.
Best friends with Leighton Meester, the actress and budding singer.
Was ranked #48 on Maxim magazine’s Hot 100 of 2010 list.
