Celebrating her 47th birthday today, Heather Graham built a reputation for herself in the ’90s and ’00s as one of the most sought after actresses thanks to her girl next door appeal and comedic chops. There’s no denying that the actress is as attractive as they come, she also regularly showcased her ability to surprise audiences with her endearing sense of humor.
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From drama to horror to comedy, Graham has always brought a sense of realism to films she was in when other actresses have been a little more one dimensional. In honor of her birthday, we look back at her career to remind you of how many fantastic roles she’s had and surprise you that at 47, she’s just as stunning as ever.
What’s your favorite Heather Graham character? Let us know in the comments!
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Annie Blackburn – Twin Peaks
Debuting in the cult TV series at the end of the second season, many people often forget that Heather Graham was on her way to being a love interest for Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, as those episodes are considered the series’ worst. Even if those episodes aren’t well-regarded, her portrayal of a waitress at the Double R Diner was many people’s first exposure to the actress, playing a believable small town girl looking for new opportunities.
[H/T YouTube/Leandro Moliner]
Roller Girl – Boogie Nights
Graham’s role in Twin Peaks clearly resonated with the indie film crowd, as she got one of her most prominent roles in then-unknownย director Jon Favreau’s Swingers, followed by Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights. Roller Girl is easily one of Graham’s most “adult” roles, playing a girl who ditched high school when she realized how much money she could make in the adult film industry, but she’s generally the most captivating performer in ever scene she’s in, proving just how alluring the actress could be.
[H/T YouTube/Movieclips Trailer Vault]
Felicity Shagwell – Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
A perfect blend of comedic timing and bombshell attitude, Shagwell embraced the role of an American spy in the ’60s in Mike Myers’ James Bond spoof. Graham’s charms and sex appeal made her the perfect foil for Myers’ Powers and helped the sequel set box office records when it hit theaters. For better or for worse, Graham was an integral part in the film spawning another sequel with Goldmember.
[H/T YouTube/Movieclips]
Daisy – Bowfinger
With her star power continuing to rise, Graham starred alongside comedic behemoths Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy in the Hollywood satire Bowfinger, about a Hollywood producer who would cleverly film a movie with a giant action star without their knowledge. The actress played a small town girl who wanted to make a name for herself in Hollywood and, thanks to being gorgeous, was cast by Martin’s character. She quickly realized she could use sex to get where she wanted in Hollywood, allowing her character to evolve and become one of the most successful characters in the movie.
[H/T YouTube/Movieclips]
Mary Kelly – From Hell
Having mastered the contemporary “small town girl” role, Graham transformed herself into Mary Kelly in the adaptation of Alan Moore’s From Hell, an interpretation of the real-life Jack the Ripper murders. Proving she was more than just a woman who could wear skimpy outfits to be alluring, Graham inspired Johnny Depp’s character to get to the truth behind all the savage killings. Granted, she did play a prostitute, but Graham never head to put herself on display as she had in previous roles that required more sex appeal.
[H/T YouTube/20th Century Fox]
Jade – The Hangover
More of a cameo part than a fully-fleshed out character, Graham popped up in the comedy as a surprise reveal that Ed Helms’ character had gotten drunk and married herย and that she was the mother of the baby the lead characters discovered in their hotel room. Jade was described as a stripper before she had appeared on-screen, instantly conjuring a variety of images for audiences, but once Graham graced the screen, everyone in the audience could see how her character’s charms could get anyone to marry them. Also, we have Graham’s character to thank for providing all of the jokes in the film centered around her baby.
[H/T YouTube/Movieclips Trailer Vault]
Honorable Mention: Heather – Portlandia
Definitely not one of her most prominent roles in her career, the actress’ performance in the sketch comedy show is easily one of her funniest. Bantering with comedic powerhouses Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein as righteous feminists holding a journaling circle in their bookstore, Graham played a woman whose reliance and dependence on a male couldn’t be disguised. Armisen and Brownstein’s disgust for a woman’s reliance on a man was hilarious, as they clearly couldn’t roll their eyes hard enough at a woman lacking independence.
[H/T YouTube/Elena O Val]
