Birth Name: Ashlee Nicole Simpson
Birthdate: October 3, 1984
Birthplace: Waco, Texas
Occupations: Actor, Musician
Quote: "I would sing behind closed doors growing up. Jessica was so good and it made me shy about my own voice. But, I don't hide my singing - not anymore. I sing punk music actually. I love to run around and scream and rock out and play guitar."
Claim to Fame: Kid sister of singer Jessica Simpson got her big break on TV's Bible-thumping family drama 7th Heaven.
Significant Other(s):
Ryan Cabrera, singer; dated 2004; managed by Ashlee's father, Joe Simpson; inspiration for Ashlee's hit "Pieces of Me" Josh Henderson, actor; dated 2002-2004
Family:
Father: Joe Simpson, former minister; currently manages both Ashlee and Jessica's careers
Mother: Tina Simpson
Sister: Jessica Simpson, musician, TV personality; born July 10, 1980
Brother-in-law: Nick Lachey, musician, TV personality
Factoids:
Starred in own MTV reality series, The Ashlee Simpson Show
Album Autobiography debuted at number one on Billboard charts and went triple platinum in a matter of months
Education:
Youngest person admitted to School of American Ballet at age 11
Biography:
Ashlee Simpson was born on October 3, 1984, to Joe and Tina Simpson. Ashlee started dancing at the age of 4 and by the time she was 11 enjoyed the status of being the youngest person ever admitted to the prestigious School of American Ballet. By 14, Ashlee was dancing professionally on the road with her older sister, pop singer Jessica Simpson. Ashlee spent 1999-2001 on tour supporting her sibling and garnering her own fan-base. Having recently celebrated her 18th birthday, Simpson is now set to stake her own claim in the entertainment world. She appeared on the big screen last year in the film The Hot Chick alongside Rob Schneider. She already has television appearances under her belt, including a guest-starring role on Malcolm In the Middle. She has also appeared alongside her sister on Saved By The Bell, The Donny & Marie Show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, The View, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and a Disney Christmas show and concert special.
During her summer hiatus from 7th Heaven, Simpson was busy at work on her first album, which should be released sometime next year, and served as co-host of MTV's Beach House in the Hamptons. She has also been training with renowned acting coach Janet Alhanti. "I'm a simple girl in a complex world," sings 19-year-old Ashlee Simpson on "Autobiography," a track from her debut Geffen Records album, but that doesn't begin to sum up this multi-talented performer's accomplishments at her tender age. "I've always been obsessed with music," says Ashlee, who adds her tastes-and album-is not at all like older sister Jessica's. "We're into totally different bands and artists." Produced by John Shanks (Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morrissette, Unwritten Law), the new album has elements of rock, punk and pop, recalling Ashlee's own favorite bands-ranging from Janis Joplin and Steve Nicks to Pat Benatar, the Pretenders and Blondie through Fiona Apple, Hole and Green Day. Ashlee co-wrote every song on the album. "I just wanted to go in and make a record and not worry about what genre it would be," she says. "I went in to have a good time and did. It's a rock record, with a cool edge to it. It's the first time people are getting to hear what I sound like." The first single, "Pieces of Me," is a full-throttle rocker about a best friend who brings comfort at the end of a long, stressful day of work. "It's like a sigh," she says. "When I finally see him, all the other dramas fade away." "Autobiography" plays around with her public image, daring those who want to know her to walk up and ask "baby just ask me." The tongue-in-cheek rave-up "LaLa" is about sexual fantasies, with Ashlee role-playing as an alley cat and a French maid, but it's all in fun. "There's a lot of sarcasm in that song," she says. "It's something every girl thinks about, so I decided to make a joke about it. It's one of the songs you can dance around to."
Currently living in Los Angeles, Simpson enjoys spending her free time vintage shopping, writing and recording music and hanging out with friends.
