Born on October 29, 1972 in Omaha, Nebraska, Gabrielle Union is a model turned actress best known for her role opposite Kristin Dunst in the cheerleading comedy Bring in On. She also went on to star with Will Smith in Bad Boys II. Born in Nebraska, her family moved to Pleasanton, California, when Union was 8, where she attended Foothill High School. During high school, she was an all-star point guard and a year round athlete who dabbled in soccer, basketball, and even track. She dated Dallas Mavericks star point guard Jason Kidd while in high school. Union originally wanted to be a lawyer. She attended the University of Nebraska then moved to Cuesta College, before eventually transfer to University of California in Los Angeles, where she graduated with a degree in sociology. She interned at a modeling agency to earn extra credits. This same agency eventually offered to sign her up, which she accepted to pay off some college loans.
Union’s foray into the entertainment industry started in small roles in teen movies, such as in 10 Things I Hate About You and Love and Basketball. She also appeared in a television show called Sister, Sister. In 2000, she starred as the cheerleading rival of Kirsten Dunst. Her role in Bring it On led to her being cast in the CBS television drama City of Angels.
Union’s first leading role in a movie came in 2003 with Deliver Us From Eva with rapper L.L. Cool J. Mostly positive reviews for the film eventually resulted in her being cast as Will Smith’s leading lady in the global blockbuster Bad Boys II. After this came Breakin’ All the Rules with Jamie Foxx in 2004. Her other screen credits include Night Stalker, Neo Ned, Constellation, The Honeymooners, and The Perfect Holiday.