History of Kristen Bell in Timeline
Kristen Anne Bell is an American actress who began her career in stage productions while studying at the Tisch School of the Arts. She debuted on Broadway as Becky Thatcher in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and later starred in a revival of "The Crucible." She transitioned to film and television with roles in "Spartan" (2004) and the critically acclaimed TV movie "Gracie's Choice" (2004).
1936: Release of the Original "Reefer Madness"
The exploitation film "Reefer Madness," which served as the inspiration for the musical adaptation starring Kristen Bell, was originally released in 1936.
July 18, 1980: Birth of Kristen Anne Bell
Kristen Anne Bell was born on July 18, 1980.
1992: First Audition and Early Roles
At the age of 12, Kristen Bell secured her first acting role in 1992, playing a banana and a tree in a local theater production of "Raggedy Ann and Andy."
1995: High School Theatre: "Fiddler on the Roof"
In 1995, during her time at Shrine Catholic High School, Kristen Bell participated in the school's production of "Fiddler on the Roof."
1996: Performing in "Lady, Be Good"
Kristen Bell continued to hone her acting skills in high school, taking part in the production of "Lady, Be Good" in 1996.
1997: Landing the Lead in "The Wizard of Oz"
In 1997, Kristen Bell was cast as Dorothy Gale in her high school's production of "The Wizard of Oz."
1998: Uncredited Film Debut
Kristen Bell's first appearance in a film was an uncredited role in the 1998 movie "Polish Wedding."
1998: Final High School Performances
Kristen Bell's senior year of high school, 1998, included a role in the production of "Li'l Abner."
2001: Film Debut and Broadway Role
Kristen Bell made her credited film debut in the 2001 film "Pootie Tang," though her only line was cut. That same year, she left New York University to take on the role of Becky Thatcher in the Broadway production of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
2002: Broadway Revival and Move to Los Angeles
In 2002, Kristen Bell appeared in the Broadway revival of "The Crucible" alongside Liam Neeson, Angela Bettis, and Laura Linney. She decided to move to Los Angeles that same year to pursue opportunities in television, driven by her connections with writers Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney.
2002: Broadway Debut in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Kristen Bell made her Broadway debut in 2002, playing the role of Becky Thatcher in the musical adaptation of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." This opportunity led her to leave New York University before graduating.
January 7, 2003: Guest Appearance in "The Shield"
Kristen Bell made a guest appearance in the FX series "The Shield" on January 7, 2003, as part of season 2, episode 1.
2004: Landing the Lead Role in "Veronica Mars"
At the age of 24, Kristen Bell secured the lead role in the UPN drama series "Veronica Mars" in 2004. Her performance as the determined high school student and private investigator was met with widespread acclaim, earning her a Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television.
2004: Early Acting Career and Breakthrough Roles
In 2004, Kristen Bell appeared in the action thriller film "Spartan" and received critical acclaim for her performance in the television drama film "Gracie's Choice."
2004: "Veronica Mars" and Critical Acclaim
Kristen Bell landed the lead role in the UPN noir drama series "Veronica Mars," which premiered in 2004. Her performance earned her a Saturn Award and a nomination for a TCA Award.
2004: Critical Acclaim and Film Debut
Kristen Bell's performance in the Lifetime television film "Gracie's Choice" garnered significant praise in 2004, contributing to the network's high ratings for the film. She also made her debut in a theatrically released film with a role in David Mamet's action thriller "Spartan."
April 16, 2005: "Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical" Premieres
"Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical," featuring Kristen Bell reprising her role from the Off-Broadway production, premiered on the Showtime network on April 16, 2005.
2005: Kristen Bell Adopts Dog Rescued from Hurricane Katrina
Kristen Bell adopted her black Labrador Retriever, Sadie, in 2005. Sadie had been rescued from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
2005: Kristen Bell Ranked on Maxim's "Hot 100" List
Kristen Bell was featured on Maxim magazine's "Hot 100" list in 2005, ranking 68th.
2005: "Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical"
Kristen Bell starred in "Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical" in 2005, reprising her role from the Off-Broadway musical.
August 11, 2006: "Pulse" Hits Theaters
The horror film "Pulse," starring Kristen Bell, was released on August 11, 2006. Despite a successful box office performance, the film received mixed reviews from critics.
2006: Filming for Fanboys Begins
Kristen Bell finished filming the Star Wars-themed comedy Fanboys in Spring of 2006.
2006: Kristen Bell Named "World's Sexiest Vegetarian"
Kristen Bell received the title of "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" in PETA's annual poll in 2006.
2006: Breakthrough in "Pulse"
Kristen Bell's breakout film role came in 2006 with the horror movie "Pulse," where she played the lead role.
January 19, 2007: Veronica Mars Put on Hiatus
On January 19, 2007, CW Entertainment President Dawn Ostroff announced that Veronica Mars would be put on hiatus after February sweeps.
May 17, 2007: Veronica Mars Cancelled
On May 17, 2007, Dawn Ostroff announced the cancellation of Veronica Mars.
May 22, 2007: Veronica Mars Series Finale Airs
The two-hour series finale of Veronica Mars aired in the United States on May 22, 2007.
June 11, 2007: Veronica Mars Cancellation Confirmed
On June 11, 2007, Thomas officially announced in an email to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello that Veronica Mars had been canceled by the CW.
July 29, 2007: Kristen Bell Expresses Interest in Heroes
On July 29, 2007, during a train ride back to Los Angeles from San Diego Comic-Con, writers from Heroes spoke with Kristen Bell and said if she "ever want[ed] to come on Heroes, give us [writers] a call."
September 2007: Additional Fanboys Scenes Filmed
Additional scenes for Fanboys were filmed in September 2007.
October 2007: Kristen Bell Debuts on Heroes
Kristen Bell made her first appearance as Elle Bishop in an October 2007 episode of Heroes.
November 2007: Assassin's Creed Video Game Released
Kristen Bell voiced a character in the video game Assassin's Creed, released in November 2007 for consoles.
December 2007: Kristen Bell Shows Support for Writers Guild of America Strike
Kristen Bell showed solidarity with striking writers during the Writers Guild of America strike in December 2007, joining picket lines and advocating for fair treatment of writers.
2007: Joining the Cast of "Heroes"
Kristen Bell joined the cast of the superhero drama series "Heroes" as Elle Bishop in 2007.
2007: End of "Veronica Mars"
The television series "Veronica Mars," starring Kristen Bell, came to an end in 2007.
2007: Kristen Bell and Kevin Mann End Engagement
Kristen Bell ended her five-year relationship with fiancé Kevin Mann in 2007.
2007: Kristen Bell Begins Dating Dax Shepard
Kristen Bell began dating actor Dax Shepard in late 2007.
2007: Kristen Bell Ranked on Maxim's "Hot 100" List
Kristen Bell was featured on Maxim magazine's "Hot 100" list for the third time in 2007, coming in at number 46.
January 14, 2008: Fanboys Released
Fanboys, a Star Wars-themed comedy starring Kristen Bell, was released on January 14, 2008.
March 31, 2008: Kristen Bell Begins Filming When in Rome
Kristen Bell started shooting the film When in Rome on March 31, 2008.
April 2008: Assassin's Creed PC Release
The PC version of Assassin's Creed, in which Kristen Bell voiced a character, was released in April 2008.
April 18, 2008: Forgetting Sarah Marshall Released
Forgetting Sarah Marshall, starring Kristen Bell, was released on April 18, 2008.
2008: Kristen Bell Ranked on AskMen's "Top 99 Women"
Kristen Bell was ranked 59th on AskMen's "Top 99 Women of 2008" list.
2008: Departure from "Heroes"
Kristen Bell's time on "Heroes" concluded in 2008.
2008: Starring in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall"
Kristen Bell starred as the titular character in the romantic comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" in 2008.
2008: Kristen Bell Campaigns for Barack Obama
Kristen Bell actively campaigned for Barack Obama during the 2008 United States presidential election, engaging in voter outreach and encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process.
November 2009: Assassin's Creed II Released
Kristen Bell reprised her role as Lucy in Assassin's Creed II, released in November 2009.
2009: Exploring the Comedy Genre
Kristen Bell furthered her career in comedy with her role in the film "Couples Retreat" in 2009.
January 2010: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Announce Engagement
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard announced their engagement in January 2010.
June 4, 2010: Get Him to the Greek Released
Kristen Bell made a cameo appearance in Get Him to the Greek, released on June 4, 2010.
November 2010: Burlesque Released
Burlesque, starring Kristen Bell, Christina Aguilera, and Cher, was released in November 2010.
November 2010: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Released
Kristen Bell reprised her role as Lucy in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, released in November 2010.
2010: Back-to-Back Comedic Roles
2010 saw Kristen Bell appear in two comedy films, "When in Rome" and "You Again."
January 2011: Kristen Bell Becomes Face of Neutrogena
In January 2011, Kristen Bell was announced as the new brand ambassador for Neutrogena skincare.
April 15, 2011: Scream 4 Released
Scream 4, featuring a cameo appearance by Kristen Bell, was released on April 15, 2011.
January 8, 2012: House of Lies Premieres
House of Lies, starring Kristen Bell, premiered on Showtime on January 8, 2012.
July 2012: Filming Begins on The Lifeguard
Kristen Bell began filming The Lifeguard in July 2012.
2012: Kristen Bell Adopts Vegan Lifestyle
Kristen Bell transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2012, inspired by the documentary "Forks Over Knives."
2012: Kristen Bell Stars in Big Miracle and More
In 2012, Kristen Bell starred in Big Miracle, appeared in a Yeasayer music video, and portrayed Mary Magdalene in The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio New Testament Bible.
March 13, 2013: Veronica Mars Film Confirmed
It was confirmed on March 13, 2013 that a Veronica Mars film would be made.
March 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Welcome Their First Child
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard became parents in March 2013 with the birth of their first daughter.
June 26, 2013: Supreme Court Ruling Paves Way for Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court's ruling on June 26, 2013, declaring Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, opened the door for same-sex marriage nationwide.
August 2013: The Lifeguard Released
The Lifeguard, starring Kristen Bell, was released in August 2013.
October 16, 2013: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Marry
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard were married in a private ceremony at the Beverly Hills County Clerk's Office on October 16, 2013.
November 27, 2013: Frozen Released
Frozen, starring Kristen Bell as the voice of Anna, was released on November 27, 2013.
2013: Kristen Bell Again Named "World's Sexiest Vegetarian"
Kristen Bell was once again named "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA in 2013.
2013: Voicing Princess Anna in "Frozen"
Kristen Bell lent her voice to the character of Princess Anna in the Disney animated film "Frozen," released in 2013.
2013: Kristen Bell Co-Founds This Bar Saves Lives
Kristen Bell co-founded the company This Bar Saves Lives in 2013, with the goal of addressing childhood malnutrition globally.
March 14, 2014: Veronica Mars Film Released
The Veronica Mars feature film, starring Kristen Bell, was released on March 14, 2014.
September 2014: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Star in Samsung Commercial
Kristen Bell and her husband, Dax Shepard, appeared in a commercial for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S in September 2014.
December 2014: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Welcome Their Second Child
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard welcomed their second daughter in December 2014.
2014: Kristen Bell Supports Invisible Children, Inc.
Kristen Bell launched a fundraising campaign in 2014, offering fans the chance to win a date with her while raising money for Invisible Children, Inc., an organization focused on ending the abduction and use of child soldiers in Africa.
2014: Kristen Bell Poses for Allure Magazine
Kristen Bell participated in a nude photoshoot for Allure magazine's May 2014 issue alongside other actresses.
2014: "Veronica Mars" Film Revival
Kristen Bell reprised her role as Veronica Mars in the 2014 film continuation of the series.
May 2016: Kristen Bell Opens Up About Mental Health
In May 2016, Kristen Bell publicly discussed her experiences with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about mental health and encouraging others facing similar challenges.
June 12, 2016: House of Lies Ends
House of Lies ended on June 12, 2016.
2016: Kristen Bell Stars in Zootopia, The Boss, Bad Moms, and The Good Place
In 2016, Kristen Bell voiced Priscilla in Zootopia, starred in The Boss and Bad Moms, and began starring as Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place.
2016: A Year of Comedic Ventures
Kristen Bell took on roles in two comedy films in 2016: "The Boss" and "Bad Moms."
November 2017: Kristen Bell Appears in Sia's "Santa's Coming for Us" Music Video
In November 2017, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard appeared in Sia's music video for "Santa's Coming for Us".
2017: Continuing the "Bad Moms" Franchise
Kristen Bell reprised her role in the sequel "A Bad Moms Christmas," released in 2017.
2017: Kristen Bell Stars in A Bad Moms Christmas
Kristen Bell reprised her role as Kiki in A Bad Moms Christmas in 2017.
August 2018: Kristen Bell's Scuba Gloves
During an August 2018 interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", Kristen Bell humorously revealed her use of scuba gloves while swimming to avoid the sensation of "pruney fingers," allowing her to enjoy swimming with her children.
September 20, 2018: Hulu Confirms "Veronica Mars" Revival
On September 20, 2018, streaming service Hulu announced an eight-episode revival of the television series "Veronica Mars," with Kristen Bell reprising her role.
2018: Kristen Bell Advocates for Bone Marrow Donation
Kristen Bell appeared in a television advertisement in 2018, advocating for bone marrow donation and raising awareness for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry.
2018: Returning to Voice Acting in "Ralph Breaks the Internet"
Kristen Bell returned to voice Princess Anna in "Ralph Breaks the Internet," released in 2018.
2018: Kristen Bell Hosts Momsplaining, Stars in Like Father, and Voices Characters in Teen Titans Go! and Ralph Breaks the Internet
Kristen Bell started hosting Momsplaining, starred in Like Father, and voiced characters in Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Ralph Breaks the Internet in 2018.
February 2019: This Bar Saves Lives Donates Millions of Meals
By February 2019, This Bar Saves Lives had donated over 10 million nutrition packets to children in need around the world.
April 2019: Kristen Bell Featured on Entrepreneur Magazine Cover
Kristen Bell was featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine's April–May 2019 issue, discussing her snack bar company, This Bar Saves Lives.
July 2019: "Veronica Mars" Season 4 Premieres
The highly anticipated fourth season of "Veronica Mars" premiered on Hulu in July 2019.
November 2019: Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel Receive Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, known for their voice roles in the "Frozen" franchise, were honored with neighboring stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in November 2019.
November 2019: "Encore!" Premieres on Disney+
Kristen Bell hosted and executive produced the docuseries "Encore!," which premiered on Disney+ in November 2019. The show reunited former cast members of high school musicals.
November 22, 2019: "Frozen II" Released
Kristen Bell reprised her voice role as Princess Anna in "Frozen II," released on November 22, 2019.
2019: "Frozen II" Release
The highly anticipated sequel "Frozen II," featuring Kristen Bell as Princess Anna, premiered in 2019.
2019: Return to "Veronica Mars"
Kristen Bell once again played Veronica Mars in the 2019 revival of the series.
2019: Hello Bello Founded
Kristen Bell and her husband, Dax Shepard, launched Hello Bello in 2019, offering plant-based, eco-friendly, and affordable baby care products.
January 2020: "The Good Place" Airs Final Episode
The critically acclaimed comedy series "The Good Place," starring Kristen Bell, concluded with its final episode in January 2020.
May 29, 2020: "Central Park" Premieres on Apple TV+
The animated musical comedy series "Central Park," featuring the voices of Kristen Bell and Josh Gad, premiered on Apple TV+ on May 29, 2020.
June 2020: Kristen Bell Steps Down from "Central Park" Voice Role
In June 2020, Kristen Bell announced that she would no longer voice the biracial character of Molly Tillerman in "Central Park," acknowledging that the role should be played by a Black or mixed-race actress.
2020: Happy Dance Launch
In 2020, Kristen Bell partnered to create Happy Dance, a line of vegan CBD-infused personal care items like eye cream and hand moisturizers.
2020: Kristen Bell Wins Webby Special Achievement Award
Kristen Bell was honored with a Webby Special Achievement Award in 2020, recognizing her contributions to digital media and activism.
September 10, 2021: "Queenpins" Released on Paramount+
Kristen Bell co-starred in the comedy film "Queenpins," released on Paramount+ on September 10, 2021.
2021: Hello Bello's Success
By 2021, Hello Bello was estimated to be generating $26.1 million in annual revenue and employed 104 people.
2021: Reprising the Voice of Gossip Girl
Kristen Bell returned to voice the character of Gossip Girl in the 2021 sequel series.
January 28, 2022: "The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window" Premieres
Kristen Bell starred in the Netflix miniseries "The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window," which premiered on January 28, 2022.
November 2022: "The People We Hate at the Wedding" Released
In November 2022, Kristen Bell starred in the Amazon Prime movie "The People We Hate at the Wedding."
2023: Hello Bello Bankruptcy and Acquisition
Hello Bello filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, citing declining sales and the challenging financial climate for startups. The company is set to be acquired by Hildred Capital Management.
2023: Kristen Bell Takes Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kristen Bell revealed in 2023 that she had begun training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside her daughter.