If you’re a big fan of Katie Holmes, then no doubt you’ll be keen to find out all about the life of this actress before she was famous. Here’s a brief overview of Katie’s younger years.

Katie was born in Toledo, Ohio, as the youngest of her parent’s children. During her high school years she attended the all-female Notre Dame Academy, where she first showed her interest in acting. She took part in several plays which were staged at the local boys school, including taking on the role of a waiter in Hello, Dolly! and Lola in Damn Yankees.

At age 14, she also enrolled in classes at a modelling school. However, she was highly academic, and her father was keen for her to study to become a doctor. She earned a place at Columbia University, and attended a summer session. Holmes however, was keen to follow her passion for acting. Even when she was old enough to move away from home, or spend time playing games like Foxy Bingo, she was determined to pursue her acting career. At age 18, Katie went to compete in the 1996 International Modeling and Talent Association Competition, whose previous winners include the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria, and Jessica Biel.

It was here that Katie was also able to find her first acting agent. She auditioned via video tape for a part in the 1997 drama film, The Ice Storm, and earned herself a minor role, starring alongside cast members such as Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood, and Sigourney Weaver. Soon after, she was reportedly offered the lead role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer – a part which later shot actress Sarah Michelle Gellar to fame. Instead, the producers of a new TV show, Dawson’s Creek, permitted Katie to audition via videotape for the role of Joey Potter. Executive producer, Paul Stupin, is said to have been especially impressed with her audition, and she was awarded the part which would catapult her to stardom.