Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson (born May 9, 1979) is an American actress best known for her roles in the films Kids, Sin City, Clerks II, and Rent.

History

Early life

Dawson was born in New York City to a father of Native American and Irish descent and a mother of Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban ancestry. According to recent interviews, the two are now divorced.

Early career

Her film career began unexpectedly when filmmaker Larry Clark saw her on a Manhattan street and asked her to be in a movie he was making. The movie, Kids, became a critical success and Dawson's performance was commended. As a result, Dawson decided to pursue an acting career and attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Dawson has worked steadily since her debut, with a mixed amount of commercial and critical success. As of 2006, she has worked with directors such as Oliver Stone, Robert Rodriguez, Kevin Smith, Chris Columbus and Spike Lee, and costarred with the likes of Will Smith, Edward Norton, Adam Pascal, wife & husband duo Idina Menzel & Taye Diggs, Colin Farrell, and Clive Owen.

Slow success

Dawson's film career has been varied, ranging from independent films to massive big-budget flops to highly successful blockbusters, among them the Spike Lee-directed He Got Game, opposite Denzel Washington and professional basketball player Ray Allen, to the second Men in Black film, opposite Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. She has had leading roles in two massive flops: Josie and the Pussycats and The Adventures of Pluto Nash. The Adventures of Pluto Nash was nominated for six Razzie Awards.

Recent work

In 2005, Dawson appeared on stage as Julia in the Public Theatre revival of Galt MacDermot's 1971 musical The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, New York (August-September 2005). Next Dawson portrayed the HIV-positive heroin-addicted exotic dancer Mimi Marquez in the film adaptation of Rent. It was her first role in a film musical. Some critics praised her performance; others panned it, stating that she was not as good as the actress who originated the role. Also in the same year Rosario had a major role in the comic book adaptation, Sin City; and she is also scheduled to be in the film's sequel. Dawson is also working on a role in the movie Descent with Rent costars Tracie Thoms and Wilson Jermaine Heredia.
In 1999, Dawson teamed up with Prince for his timely re-release of his 1980s hit "1999". This remixed version featured the actress in an introductory voiceover, offering commentary on the state of the world in the titular year. She is also featured on the music track "She Lives In My Lap" from the OutKast album The Love Below.
Dawson co-founded Voto Latino in 2004, an organization encouraging American Latinos to participate in civic government using technology and media. She spearheaded the first American Latino celebrity voter registration drive in 2004.
Also, a self-proclaimed comic book fanatic, Dawson favoring books such as Jhonen Vasquez's Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, and more. She co-created the comic book miniseries Occult Crimes Taskforce.

Personal life

Dawson has been described by fans and staff as being extremely 'kind' and 'down to earth', and is noted for her 'friendly' and 'sociable' attitude during public appearances. She has dated former Sex and the City star Jason Lewis since the late 90s. They reside in Los Angeles. Recently, it was reported that they have separated.