Born: Feb. 18, 1968
Known for: A Roseville native, actress and singer Molly Ringwald starred in a trio of films -- "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink" -- that helped usher in the 1980s "Brat Pack" era.
Background: Ringwald was born to blind jazz pianist Robert Scott Ringwald and homemaker Adele Edith. The family moved to Los Angeles when she was 10 so that she could pursue an acting career. (Her family later moved back to the area.) She worked on stage and in television, but it was starring in the 1980s films that made her a household name. Ringwald has spent the better part of her career trying to distance herself from her earlier work via independent film roles, stage forays and a stint living in France. Last fall, she performed in Sacramento at the Community Center Theater in a touring production of "Sweet Charity."
A highlight: She grew up singing for her father's traditional and swing bands in Sacramento. In 1974, the 6-year-old Ringwald stood on a chair to reach the microphone while performing at the first Sacramento Jazz Jubilee.
In History's Spotlight profiles of Sacramento newsmakers were published originally in 2007 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Sacramento Bee. They were written by Anthony Sorci. Look for them every Sunday in Sac History Happenings.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.