Katherine Heigl: she’s graced our screens in everything from romantic comedies to medical dramas, captivating audiences with her talent and charm. But there’s more to this actress than meets the eye. From a challenging childhood to a passion for animal rescue, let’s delve into some fascinating facts about Katherine Heigl that might surprise you.
#1. A Challenging Childhood
Katherine Heigl faced immense loss early in life. At just seven years old, her older brother, Jason, tragically passed away in a car accident. Later, her parents divorced, and her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her mother’s recovery, the family relocated to Malibu Canyon, California, for a fresh start.
#2. Balancing School and Hollywood
Heigl managed to balance her education with her budding career. She attended Saxe Middle School and New Canaan High School, juggling her studies with modeling and acting roles.
#3. Her Aunt Helped Kick-Start Her Career
Katherine’s career in modeling began when her aunt sent her photos to Wilhelmina Models. At age nine, she signed with the agency, and her modeling career soon led to commercial work and acting auditions.
#4. Teenage Cover Girl
In 1994, Katherine graced the cover of Seventeen magazine as a trendy schoolgirl, gaining significant attention and expanding her portfolio.
#5. The Breakthrough Role on Roswell
Heigl’s Hollywood presence surged when she landed a starring role on the sci-fi teen drama Roswell in 1999. This show introduced her to a wider audience and helped build her acting résumé.
#6. Grey’s Anatomy Catapulted Her to Stardom
Heigl’s portrayal of Dr. Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy in 2005 turned her into a household name. The show became a massive hit and launched Heigl into Hollywood’s spotlight.
In honor of her late brother, Heigl and her mother founded Heigl’s Hounds of Hope, a part of the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. The organization rescues large dogs with behavioral issues from high-kill shelters, rehabilitating and rehoming them.
#8. Inspired by Her Adopted Sister
Long before her marriage, Heigl knew she wanted to adopt. Inspired by her Korean sister Meg, Katherine and her husband adopted two daughters: Naleigh from South Korea in 2009 and Adalaide Marie Hope from Louisiana in 2012.
#9. Tabasco Sauce and a Fan Frenzy
Heigl’s role on Roswell inspired a fan to send thousands of bottles of Tabasco sauce, a favorite condiment of the show’s alien characters.
#10. Almost Quit Acting
After being rejected for roles on Felicity and Alias, Heigl considered giving up on acting. Ironically, these setbacks made her available to audition for Grey’s Anatomy, which became her breakout role.
#11. Starred in the Lowest-Earning Film
In 2006, Heigl starred in Zyzzyx Road, a thriller that became infamous for grossing just $30 at the box office—making it one of the lowest-grossing films ever.
