Julia O’Hara Stiles (born March 28, 1981) is an American actress.
After beginning her career in small parts in a New York City theatre troupe, she has moved on to leading roles in plays by writers as diverse as William Shakespeare and David Mamet. Her film career has included both commercial and critical successes, ranging from teen romantic comedies such as 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) to dark art house pictures such as The Business of Strangers (2001). She is also known for playing the supporting character Nicky Parsons in the Bourne film series and the leading role in Save the Last Dance, and for her role in Mona Lisa Smile. She guest starred as Lumen Pierce in the fifth season of the Showtime series Dexter, a role that earned her Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations.

Graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English (2005).
chosen as one of Teen People Magazine’s “21 Hottest Stars Under 21″ [1999]
Has been in two films inspired by Shakespeare plays: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (The Taming of The Shrew), O (2001) (Othello), and one Shakespeare remake, Hamlet (2000) (Hamlet).
In 1999, Julia graduated from New York’s Professional Children’s School, which prepares students for careers in the arts.
During her hiatus from Save the Last Dance (2001), she signed up with Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that builds homes for the needy.
Voted one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. [2001]
Was a college classmate of Anna Paquin at Columbia University.
One of Teen People Magazine’s “25 Hottest Stars under 25″ [2002]
Julia Stiles began her career at the La Mama Theater and the Kitchen Theater in New York.
Won the 2001 Teens Choice Drama Award for her role in Save the Last Dance (2001).
No longer a vegan and when Conan O’Brien asked her what the first bite of a hamburger was like she responded, “The word orgasm comes to mind.” (December 2003).
Has dated the Prince of Denmark in two movies, Hamlet (2000) and The Prince & Me (2004).
Is of Irish (paternal side) and English and Italian (maternal side) descent. Her parents are John O’Hara and Judith Stiles.
Is a die-hard New York Mets fan.
After a 39-minute rain delay and dressed with a Mets cap, Julia Stiles threw out the opening pitch at Shea Stadium during the Memorial Day game of the New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks on May 29, 2006.
Considered for the role of Susan Storm/Invisible Girl in Fantastic Four (2005).
She and Liev Schreiber played siblings in Hamlet (2000). The pair later played husband and wife in The Omen (2006).
In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) her character, Kat Stratford, was reading the book “The Bell Jar” in a scene. Stiles starred in the movie version of The Bell Jar (2012) 10 years later.
Dyed her hair blond for Mona Lisa Smile (2003).
Grew up with Claire Danes and Zac Posen.