Ashley Benson plays the spunky blonde beauty Hanna Marin on Pretty Little Liars. But, the actress actually got her start in soap operas. Read Ashley's Kidzworld bio to learn more!
Tiny Dancer
Ashley Benson was born a dancer. She took up dancing when she was a toddler and specialized in hip hop, ballet, jazz and lyrical. Around this time Ashley also began to model for dance catalogues. She eventually became a Ford Model and appeared in a variety of print ads before getting her start in acting, doing as many as 35 commercials.
Days of Our Lives
In 2004, Ashley signed a three-year contract with the soap opera Days of Our Lives. Ashley played Abigail Deveraux, the daughter of one of the show’s favorite couples. This role allowed Ashley to expand her acting skills and learn more about the types of roles she wanted to play in the future. Ashley remained with Days of Our Lives until 2007.
Movie Star
After she left the show, Ashley accepted roles in the movies 13 Going On 30, starring Jennifer Garner, and Bring It On: In It to Win It. She also starred in Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleading Scandal, which was based on a true story. In 2009 Ashley landed a starring role in Eastwick, which follows the friendship of three girls who meet at a wishing fountain.
Pretty Little Liars
In 2010 Ashley got the role of a lifetime playing Hanna Marin on Pretty Little Liars. The show follows four best friends as they try to solve the mysterious death of their friend Alison. Hanna is one of the most popular girls at her high school, but struggled with an eating disorder when she was younger. Her character goes through a series of boyfriends, including some of the most popular boys at school.
Ashley Benson Interview
Did You Know?
- Ashley has appeared in four music videos, including ‘That Girl’ by NLT and ‘Blacklight’ by One Call.
- She did her own stunts in Bring It On: In It to Win It.
- Her first commercial was for Dominos Pizza.
- Ashley is a huge Harry Potter fan.
