Hardin was born on 29th June 1967, in Houston, TX and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Her father, Jerry Hardin, was a prolific character actor who appeared in over 100 films and TV shows; her mother, Diane Hardin, was the acting coach behind young stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Hilary Swank, Kellie Martin, and River Ph nix. Young Melora didn't need any encouragement to go into show business, however, as she seemed born to entertain.
Inspired by Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Hardin was singing and writing songs from the start, even before she began taking ballet lessons at the age of five. She begged her parents to let her audition for acting roles, and when she was eight, scored a toothpaste ad on her very first outing. Her first television role, in a Little Rascals-inspired show called "Cliffwood Avenue Kids" (NBC, 1977) came at the age of 10, followed by a string of appearances on seventies guest star staples like "The Love Boat" (ABC 1977-1986) and "Diff'rent Strokes"(NBC, 1978-1985).
She took some time off to return to the East Coast, studying at Sarah Lawrence College, before heading to Europe for months of solitary world travel that would be sure to inform her future as a well-rounded actress. In 1991, the avid song-and-dance gal landed the dream role of a vintage-era nightclub singer in "The Rocketeer," contributing several songs to the film's soundtrack. Throughout the nineties, she maintained an impressive schedule as a working actress - steady appearances on shows like "Quantum Leap" (NBC, 1989-1993) and "Caroline in the City" (NBC, 1995-99) and several juicy, memorable character moments like getting Ross to talk dirty on "Friends" (NBC, 1994-2004).
Being part of an award-winning cast opened new doors for Hardin, who appeared in the Golden Globe winning film "Thank You for Smoking" (2006) and made her film directorial debut with "You" (2007).In addition to impressive work on film and TV, Hardin released two CDs of original, theatrical-tinged vocal stylings - Meloradrama and Purr. She also performed at the Globe Theater in San Diego. In 2007, she directed the play "Strip Search," which enjoyed successful runs at the White Fire Theater and the Acme Comedy Theater, both in Los Angeles.
The youngest of two kids as well as the only daughter, Witherspoon was bookish and ambitious, simultaneously planning to go into medicine like her parents, but also telling the girls in the schoolyard at the private Harding Academy that she was going to be the next Dolly Parton. A family friend recruited the perky blonde for a local TV commercial when she was seven; thus marking the humble beginnings of the girl who would one day find herself among the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.
Inspired by her brush with local fame, Witherspoon began taking acting lessons, and when she was 11 years old, took first place in a multi-state talent competition. For the next several years, Witherspoon maintained her focus on schoolwork and cheerleading, as well as absorbing her traditional Southern upbringing, which she would later credit with her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Her accomplished mother and grandmother instilled self-respect and high moral standards, which probably came in handy sooner than expected when their 14- year-old daughter inadvertently landed the lead role in a Hollywood film.
Though vehemently denied by both camps, Witherspoon was soon spotted with CAA talent agent, Jim Toth, in early 2010. Toward the end of the year, Witherspoon and Toth were a confirmed couple, complete with numerous photos ops with her children, while Gyllenhaal had reportedly moved on to actress Rachel Bilson. Back on the big screen, Witherspoon starred as a female professional softball player torn between a corporate executive (Paul Rudd) and a Major League Baseball pitcher (Owen Wilson) in James L. Brooks' love triangle comedy, "How Do You Know" (2010).
