Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Simpson. An American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s. She initially gained recognition for her role on the WB series *7th Heaven* before launching a successful pop rock music career. Her debut album, *Autobiography*, topped the *Billboard* 200 chart, cementing her status as a prominent figure in MTV-era pop culture.

Early life and career beginnings

Born in Waco, Texas, she is the younger sister of pop singer Jessica Simpson. Her family relocated to Los Angeles to support her sister's burgeoning career with Columbia Records. She began studying ballet at the School of American Ballet in New York City and later performed with the Houston Ballet. Her first major television role came with a recurring part on the family drama *7th Heaven*, which led to her own MTV reality series, *The Ashlee Simpson Show*, in 2004.

Music career

Her debut studio album, *Autobiography* (2004), was released on Geffen Records and featured the hit singles "Pieces of Me" and "Shadow". The album's success was heavily promoted on her MTV series and through performances on shows like *Saturday Night Live*. Her 2005 performance on *Saturday Night Live* became infamous due to a lip-syncing controversy involving her backing track. Her second album, *I Am Me* (2005), also debuted at number one on the *Billboard* 200 and included the single "Boyfriend". She later shifted to a more dance-pop sound with her third album, *Bittersweet World* (2008), working with producers like Timbaland and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes.

Acting career

Beyond *7th Heaven*, she appeared in several television series and films. She had a guest role on *Malcolm in the Middle* and starred in the ABC comedy series *Melrose Place* in 2009. On Broadway, she succeeded Laura Bell Bundy in the lead role of Elle Woods in the musical *Legally Blonde* in 2008. She also voiced the character of Roxy in the animated series *The Cleveland Show* and appeared in independent films such as *The Hot Chick*.

Personal life

She was married to Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz from 2008 to 2011; they have one son. In 2014, she married actor and musician Evan Ross, son of Diana Ross, and they have two children together. The family has been featured on the E! reality series *Ashlee+Evan*. She is also known for her advocacy work with organizations like UNICEF and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Discography and filmography

Her discography includes the studio albums *Autobiography* (2004), *I Am Me* (2005), and *Bittersweet World* (2008). Notable film and television credits include *The Hot Chick* (2002), *7th Heaven* (2002–2004), *The Ashlee Simpson Show* (2004–2005), *Melrose Place* (2009–2010), and her Broadway run in *Legally Blonde* (2008). She also competed on the twelfth season of *Dancing with the Stars* in 2011.

Category:American pop rock singers Category:American television actresses Category:21st-century American singers