Biography

Best known to legions of fans for her work in such films as Quentin Tarantino’s GRINDHOUSE and Robert Rodriguez’s adaptation of FRANK MILLER’S SIN CITY, Rosario Dawson has garnered praise for her numerous leading roles with today’s hottest film actors and directors, making her one of Hollywood’s most sought after leading ladies.

Having been discovered sitting on her stoop by filmmaker Larry Clark, Rosario got her start by playing Ruby in 1995’s controversial film KIDS. Her star continued to rise with such films as HE GOT GAME, MEN IN BLACK II, THE RUNDOWN, 25TH HOUR, CLERKS 2, and the cult favorite JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS.

Dawson gained recognition in 2005 when she received a Satellite Award for her performance as ‘Mimi Marquez’ in the film RENT. She was honored again in 2007 at the esteemed ShoWest where she received the award for “Supporting Actress of the Year” and was recently awarded the “Half-Life” Award at the 2008 Cine Vegas International Film Festival alongside Sam Rockwell, Viggo Mortensen and Don Cheadle. In 2008, she starred in the political drama EXPLICIT ILLS, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. The film received praise from critics as well as three awards including the “Audience Award” at the festival.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Dawson recently wrapped filming the Sony drama SEVEN POUNDS opposite Will Smith (due out December 19, 2008), and can also be seen alongside Shia LeBouf and Billy Bob Thornton in Paramount/DreamWorks’ EAGLE EYE (due out September 26, 2008), as well as the Weinstein Company’s KILLSHOT with Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She is also slated to reprise her role as “Gail” in the upcoming SIN CITY 2.

A multi-faceted talent, Dawson also produced the film DESCENT – the first self-produced feature film under her production banner, Trybe Films, which premiered to rave reviews at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival – and co-created the acclaimed comic book “O.C.T.”, about a supernatural crimes task force, with her co-writer David Atchison. She is also the star and Executive Producer of Gemini Division, a web series debuting in August.

Rosario is also heavily involved in politics as evident by the non-partisan organization she co-founded in 2004 Voto Latino which works to promote an enfranchised America by leveraging celebrity voices, the latest technology and youth themselves to promote positive change.

A native New Yorker, Dawson currently resides in Los Angeles.

Rosario Dawson co-founded Voto Latino and serves on the board of directors for V-Day and Scenarios USA. She has also lent her support to the following organizations:

  • Amnesty International
  • Charity: Water
  • Declare Yourself
  • Global Cool
  • International Rescue Committee
  • Lower East Side Girls Club
  • ONE Campaign
  • Oxfam
  • Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
  • Twenty Women For Darfur
  • Women’s Voices, Women Vote
  • Youth AIDS