Early Life and Education of Ashley Judd: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Ashley Judd, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Ashley Judd is an American actress and activist, known for her extensive acting career spanning over three decades. Born into a family of performers as the daughter of Naomi Judd and half-sister of Wynonna Judd, she began her acting career in the early 1990s with roles in television and film. Beyond acting, Judd is recognized for her global humanitarian work and political activism, advocating for various social causes and using her platform to raise awareness. She has become a prominent voice in movements related to women's rights and social justice.
April 19, 1968: Ashley Judd Born
On April 19, 1968, Ashley Judd was born in the United States. She is an American actress and activist known for her work in film and her involvement in global humanitarian efforts and political activism.
1968: Ashley Judd's Birth
In 1968, Ashley Judd was born Ashley Tyler Ciminella in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, to Naomi Judd and Michael Charles Ciminella.
1972: Parents' Divorce
In 1972, Ashley Judd's parents divorced when she was four years old. This event led to her mother, Naomi, returning to Kentucky with Ashley.
December 1999: Engagement to Dario Franchitti
In December 1999, Ashley Judd became engaged to Dario Franchitti, a Scottish racing driver.
December 2001: Marriage to Dario Franchitti
In December 2001, Ashley Judd married Dario Franchitti at Skibo Castle in Scotland.
February 2006: Entered Treatment Center
In February 2006, Ashley Judd entered a program at Shades of Hope Treatment Center for treatment of depression, insomnia, and codependency.
October 29, 2006: Women for Ford Event
On October 29, 2006, Ashley Judd appeared at a "Women for Ford" event for Democratic Tennessee Senate candidate Harold Ford Jr.
May 2007: Graduated from University of Kentucky
In May 2007, Ashley Judd completed a BA at the University of Kentucky.
2007: Criticism of Milka Duno
During the 2007 IndyCar season, Ashley Judd criticized allowing rookie Milka Duno to race, citing safety concerns.
2008: Supported Obama's Campaign
In 2008, Ashley Judd supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
May 9, 2009: Honorary Degree
On May 9, 2009, Ashley Judd was awarded an Honorary DHL degree from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky.
November 10, 2009: Hollywood Hero Award
On November 10, 2009, Ashley Judd was honored with the USA Today Hollywood Hero award for her work with YouthAIDS.
2009: Anti-Palin Advertisement
In 2009, Ashley Judd appeared in an advertisement condemning Sarah Palin's support for aerial wolf hunting.
September 8, 2010: CNN Interview on Congo Mission
On September 8, 2010, CNN interviewed Ashley Judd about her second humanitarian mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Enough Project.
September 30, 2010: Electronics Fuel Violence Op-Ed
On September 30, 2010, CNN published an op-ed by Ashley Judd and John Prendergast about conflict minerals and violence in Congo.
November 26, 2010: Costs of Convenience Op-Ed
On November 26, 2010, Ashley Judd published "Costs of Convenience", excerpted from her trip diary from eastern Congo.
2010: Earned MPA from Harvard
In 2010, Ashley Judd earned a mid-career MPA degree from Harvard Kennedy School.
2010: Animal Rights Petition
In 2010, Ashley Judd signed the Animal Legal Defense Fund's petition to protect Kentucky's homeless animals.
2011: Joined Leadership Council
In 2011, Ashley Judd joined the Leadership Council of the International Center for Research on Women and became involved with other organizations.
2011: Released Memoir
In 2011, Ashley Judd released her memoir, "All That is Bitter and Sweet", focusing on her life and humanitarian work.
2012: Delegate at Democratic Convention
In 2012, Ashley Judd represented Tennessee as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
2013: Divorce from Dario Franchitti
In 2013, Ashley Judd and Dario Franchitti divorced.
2014: Considered Senate Run
In 2014, Ashley Judd considered challenging Senator Mitch McConnell in Kentucky, leading to an attack ad against her.
October 2015: Sexual Harassment Revelation
In October 2015, Ashley Judd told Variety about being sexually harassed by a studio mogul, without naming the person.
July 26, 2016: Attended Creative Coalition luncheon
On July 26, 2016, Ashley Judd attended a Creative Coalition luncheon in support of DC Statehood during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, alongside other actors and public figures.
August 2016: Enrolled at UC Berkeley
In August 2016, Ashley Judd enrolled at UC Berkeley to pursue a PhD in Public Policy.
2016: Goodwill Ambassador Appointment
In 2016, Ashley Judd was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNFPA, focusing on gender equality and reproductive health.
October 2017: Identified Harvey Weinstein
In October 2017, Ashley Judd identified Harvey Weinstein as the studio mogul who sexually harassed her during the filming of "Kiss the Girls".
April 30, 2018: Filed Lawsuit Against Weinstein
On April 30, 2018, Ashley Judd filed a defamation and sexual harassment lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein.
May 2018: Visited UNFPA Projects
As of May 2018, Ashley Judd had visited UNFPA's projects for women and girls in various countries affected by humanitarian crises.
January 2019: Defamation Claim Allowed
In January 2019, a federal judge dismissed Ashley Judd's sexual harassment claim against Harvey Weinstein but allowed her to pursue her defamation claim.
March 2019: Georgia Abortion Ban
In March 2019, Georgia passed a six-week abortion ban.
April 2019: Addressed Abortion Ban
In April 2019, Ashley Judd addressed Georgia's six-week abortion ban at the Women in the World summit, revealing she was a three-time rape survivor and had an abortion.
January 2020: Endorsed Elizabeth Warren
In January 2020, Ashley Judd publicly endorsed Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren in her run for the presidency.
February 2021: Jungle Accident
In February 2021, Ashley Judd shattered her leg while hiking in the jungle in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, requiring a 55-hour transport to a hospital in South Africa for surgery.
July 12, 2024: Called on Biden to suspend reelection campaign
On July 12, 2024, Ashley Judd published an op-ed in USA Today urging President Joe Biden to suspend his 2024 reelection campaign, criticizing his performance in a debate.
