Printable Biography of Geena Davis

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Few have achieved such remarkable success in as many different fields as Geena Davis has. An Oscar and Golden Globe winning actor, world-class athlete (at one time the nation’s 13th-ranked archer), skilled musician, and successful film producer, Davis is one of the most respected women in Hollywood. As a long-time advocate for women and girls, Davis is the founder of The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, focused on dramatically increasing the percentage of female characters – and reducing gender stereotyping – in movies, TV and other media aimed at kids 11 and under.

Earning the 2006 Golden Globe Award, Davis broke ground in her portrayal of the first female President of the United States in ABC's hit show "Commander in Chief." She also earned an Academy Award in 1989 for her role in Lawrence Kasdan's "The Accidental Tourist."

Davis was again nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her performance as Thelma in Ridley Scott's "Thelma and Louise," in which she co-starred with Susan Sarandon. She received Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress for her portrayals of a political speech writer in "Speechless," a film which she also co-produced, and as a baseball phenomenon in "A League of Their Own."

Davis, a member of the genius society Mensa, is also a trustee of the Women's Sports Foundation, and supports Title IX and girls' participation in sports.

SPEECH TOPICS

"Geena Takes Aim: Empowering our Daughters and Ourselves"
Using her skills as an archer - she ranked 13th in the U.S. in 2001 - as a metaphor for achievement in life, Geena Davis shares her risk-taking, entrepreneurial spirit that has led her to the pinnacles of success as an actor and producer as well as a gifted athlete. She inspires audiences with her message of overcoming obstacles to success in athletes, in the arts and in life itself.

"Madam President: Making Dreams Reality"
Playing U.S. President Mackenzie Allen in the critically acclaimed ABC series Commander in Chief was more than a television role for Geena Davis, one of the world's best-known actors. An Academy Award-winner, film producer, accomplished athlete and role model, she truly believes that, with determination and focus, women can achieve virtually anything they set out to accomplish. She empowers audiences with her moving personal stories of how she broke into acting and her success at the highest levels in the traditionally male-dominated fields of Olympic archery and film production.

"A Conversation with Geena Davis"
A model and sales clerk before getting her first film role in Tootsie in 1982, Davis shares her engaging personal story, taking audiences through her early years including highlights of her "Best Actress"- nominated role in Thelma and Louise, to her success as an archer in the 2000 Olympic trials and her concurrent roles as actor, athlete, producer, role model and women's advocate. Serving up personal anecdotes from her fascinating life and career, Davis will enlighten and inform audiences in a Q & A session following her remarks.

"Gender Equality in the Modern Media"
Geena Davis motivates audiences with her passionate message of why gender equity is empowering for both men and women, and why it is essential for the future of the U.S. to foster strength of character and resolve in children of both genders. She encourages audiences to stand up for Title IX legislation that has helped women athletes achieve parity with men, urging them to dream big, set goals and be the best they can be.