Selma Blair Beitner (born June 23, 1972) is an American actress, author, and advocate known for her versatile roles in film and television, as well as her courageous public battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). With a career spanning over two decades, Blair has captivated audiences with her sharp wit, emotional depth, and unapologetic authenticity. From teen comedies to dramatic indies, she has left an indelible mark on Hollywood while becoming a symbol of resilience in the face of chronic illness.
Early Life and Education
Born in Southfield, Michigan, to a Jewish family, Selma Blair grew up as the youngest of four daughters. Her mother, Molly Ann Beitner, was a judge, and her father, Elliot Beitner, was an attorney and active Democrat. Blair’s parents divorced when she was 23, and she later legally dropped her father’s name after he died in 2012, citing estrangement.
Blair attended Hillel Day School, a Jewish institution, and later Cranbrook Kingswood in Bloomfield Hills. She spent her first year at Kalamazoo College, where she studied photography and acted in plays. In 1993, she transferred to the University of Michigan, graduating magna cum laude in 1995 with degrees in English, photography, and psychology. Initially planning a photography career, Blair moved to New York City to pursue acting after a pivotal moment of self-discovery.
Breakthrough in Film and Television
Blair’s acting career began in the mid-1990s with minor roles in commercials and TV shows. Her film debut came in 1996 with The Broccoli Theory, but it was her role as Cecile Caldwell in the 1999 teen black comedy Cruel Intentions that catapulted her to fame. Starring alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon, Blair’s portrayal of the naive ingenue earned critical acclaim and an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Kiss (shared with Gellar).
The early 2000s solidified her status as a rom-com staple. In 2001, she starred opposite Witherspoon in Legally Blonde as Vivian Kensington, the snobbish rival-turned-friend. The following year, she starred in The Sweetest Thing (2002) alongside Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate, showcasing her comedic timing in a raunchy, female-led comedy.
Blair transitioned seamlessly into dramatic roles. She appeared in indie films such as Storytelling (2001), directed by Todd Solondz, and A Dirty Shame (2004), directed by John Waters. On television, she recurred in shows such as Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane (1999) and earned praise for her guest spot on Friends (2001) as Wendy, Ross Geller’s love interest.
Her career peaked in the mid-2000s with diverse projects:
Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) as Liz Sherman, the pyrokinetic love interest of Ron Perlman’s titular character.
The Fog (2005 remake) and Feast of Love (2007).
TV series like Kath & Kim (2008–2009 U.S. adaptation) and Anger Management (2012–2014) opposite Charlie Sheen.
Blair also voiced characters in animated projects, including The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, as well as video games.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Blair married writer-producer Ahmet Zappa in 2004; they divorced in 2006. She has one son, Arthur Saint Bleick (born 2011), with fashion designer Jason Bleick, from whom she separated in 2012.
In August 2018, Blair revealed her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, a condition she had been battling symptoms of for years. She underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 2019, which she credited with putting her MS into remission. Blair has been vocal about her journey, using social media and interviews to raise awareness. In 2021, she released her memoir, Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up, which details her childhood, career, and struggles with health. The book became a New York Times bestseller.
She has advocated for disability rights, appearing in documentaries such as “Introducing, Selma Blair” (2021), which chronicled her treatment and premiered at the SXSW festival. Blair continues to work, starring in projects like the 2022 thriller A Dark Foe and guest-starring on The Goldbergs.
Recent Projects and Legacy
As of 2025, Blair remains active in the industry. She appeared in the 2023 Netflix series “The Last Thing He Told Me” and has voiced support for causes such as animal rights and mental health. Her influence extends beyond acting; she’s a fashion icon, often praised for her red-carpet style and collaborations with brands.
Selma Blair’s career is a testament to versatility and perseverance. From blockbuster hits to intimate indies, and from Hollywood glamour to raw vulnerability, she embodies the spirit of a survivor. With over 70 acting credits and a growing voice in advocacy, Blair continues to inspire millions, proving that strength shines brightest in the face of adversity.
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