Amber Valletta American model and actress Date of Birth: 09.02.1974 Country: USA

1. Amber Valletta: American Model and Actress
2. Modeling Career and Early Success
3. Acting Debut and Notable Performances
4. Personal Life
5. Advocacy for Oceana
6. Rehabilitation Misinformation

Amber Valletta: American Model and Actress

Amber Evangeline Valletta was born on February 9, 1974, in Phoenix, Arizona. Her mother worked as a postal employee. Shortly after Amber's birth, her family relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she attended Washington High School.

Modeling Career and Early Success

At the age of fifteen, Amber's mother enrolled her in a modeling school, the Linda Layman Agency. This marked the beginning of Valletta's career in modeling, gracing the covers of fashion magazines and starring in advertisements for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, and Versace. She also hosted the MTV fashion show "House of Style" alongside fellow model Shalom Harlow.

Acting Debut and Notable Performances

In addition to modeling, Valletta ventured into acting. She appeared in Meg Cabot's film "Princess Diaries: Princess in the Spotlight" and subsequently starred in "The Spy Next Door" alongside Jackie Chan, George Lopez, and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Personal Life

Amber Valletta married Olympic volleyball player Christian "Chip" McCaw. They have a son named Oden. Prior to her marriage to McCaw, she had a relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio in the early 1998. Her first marriage, to Hervé Le Bihan, took place in 1994 but ended in divorce in 1996.

Advocacy for Oceana

Valletta is an ambassador for Oceana's Seafood Contamination Campaign, educating the public about the dangers of mercury poisoning in seafood. She became involved with the organization after a friend faced mercury poisoning.

Rehabilitation Misinformation

In August 2006, a publication falsely reported that Valletta had entered The Meadow rehabilitation center in Wickenburg, Arizona, for alcohol dependency. The New York Daily News later published an article stating that Valletta had completed treatment and that her stay at the center was not related to alcohol addiction. Valletta herself clarified in an interview with People that her stay was "definitely not alcohol-related. It was just about stress — it was why I went. It's made me feel better and better every day. And as far as alcohol goes, I haven't had a drink in seven years."