Biography of Gabrielle UnionGabrielle Monique Union (born October 29, 1972) is an African-American actress and former model. Among her notable roles is as the cheerleader opposite Kirsten Dunst's in the film Bring it On. Union also starred opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the blockbuster film Bad Boys II and played a medical doctor in the CBS drama series City of Angels. She also starred with L.L. Cool J and Meagan Good in "Deliver Us from Eva" in 2003.
Gabrielle Union was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Her parents are Sylvester and Theresa Union. At the age of eight her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended Foothill High School. In high school, Union was an all-star point guard and a year round athlete participating in soccer, basketball, and track. During this time, Union dated current New Jersey Nets star point guard Jason Kidd.
Union originally intended to become a lawyer. She attended the University of Nebraska before moving on to Cuesta College. She eventually transferred to UCLA and earned a degree in Sociology; while studying there, she interned at a modeling agency to earn extra academic credits. She was asked by the agency to sign on with them as a new model. She needed money to pay off some college loans and debts, so she eventually agreed to become a fashion model.
Union started her acting career in minor roles. Most were in teen movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and Love and Basketball.
In 2000 Union landed the role of Isis in the cheerleading movie Bring it On opposite Kirsten Dunst. Bring It On helped push Union out into the mainstream and she began gaining more exposure. This led to Union being cast in the CBS television drama City of Angels as Dr. Courtney Ellis.
2003 saw Union getting her first leading role in the film Deliver Us From Eva with rapper L.L. Cool J. The film received fair reviews from critics and it showed that Union was a leading lady. But first, Union landed the role of Oscar nominee Will Smith's girlfriend Syd in the film Bad Boys II, a box office success grossing over 273 million dollars worldwide. Union then starred with another Oscar nominee Jamie Foxx in the film Breakin' All the Rules in 2004.
Union starred in the short-lived 2005 ABC series Night Stalker. She has also starred in the independent drama films Neo Ned and Constellation, the latter of which was released to theaters. She also starred in the 2005 remake of The Honeymooners with comedian Cedric The Entertainer. In 2006, she starred as Busta Rhymes love interest in the music video for Rhymes' "I Love My Chick."
Union starred in the 2007 film Daddy's Little Girls by Tyler Perry that was released on Valentine's Day. Union is set to star in the Christmas film The Perfect Holiday which will open in theaters December 12.
In May 2001, Union married NFL player Chris Howard of the Jacksonville Jaguars; In November 2005, the couple separated; the divorce was finalized in April of 2006
Finished 2nd on Mumzies list of the Hottest women in Hollywood (2007). Also voted as the "Most Likely to become the next Mega-Star" by People Magazine.
Praised by Oprah Winfrey for being an activist for women. Passionate public speaker on the topic of violence against women after surviving a rape at gunpoint at the age of nineteen.
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