Catherine Zeta Jones: was born in Swansea on the 25th of September, 1969, growing up in the now-chic Mumbles area, a beautiful sweep of wooded coastline.

A talented dancer, model and an exceptional singer, as well as film and stage actress, Catherine's talents were evident from the earliest age. Impromptu shows were organised in which she performed and acted on the kitchen table, and her family, Swansea neighbours and friends, were absolutely certain of her future movie stardom.

From the age of four, Catherine starred in her first public performances, singing and dancing with the local Catholic congregation's amateur shows. Years of hard work were later rewarded when she won the British Tap Dancing Championships - an achievement recognised by fiancé Michael Douglas when he presented Catherine's 30th birthday cake with tap shoes decorating the top!

A 1995 British movie, the cult surfing hit "Blue Juice", led to a cameo role alongside another future Hollywood star - Ewan McGregor. In the same year, Catherine played her highly acclaimed lead role in the American TV movie, "Catherine the Great". By this time, Catherine decided to stay with her parents in Swansea for while to assess her future: the paparazzi, acting for the British tabloids, had finally beaten the star. In spite of her passion for Wales, a mere two hours away from London, Catherine felt it was best to emigrate to the U.S., where she wasn't so well known and where she could find some solitude away from the U.K. press.

In 1996 the actress occasioned on destiny once more, when she was chosen to play the female lead in the U.S. mini-series of "Titanic". The series pre-dated James Cameron's infamous movie version, and one viewer happened to be Mr. Steven Spielberg. The world famous creator of "Jaws", "E.T." and "Jurassic Park" was so impressed with Catherine's exceptional performance of Isabelle Paradine that he immediately called Martin Campbell, the director of "The Mask of Zorro", which was currently in pre-production. Martin had his orders - hire Catherine Zeta Jones or face the consequences!

Catherine won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in "Chicago". Accepting her award from the British Academy, heavily pregnant Catherine sent her love and thanks to parents Pat and Dai in Swansea, her beautiful children and of course Michael. Catherine was obviously elated and told reporters after the event that she'd dreamed of winning this award all her life.

Catherine also scoops the 2003 Academy Award for "Best Supporting Actress" as Velma Kelly in "Chicago"!!! Handed the statuette by Scotsman Sean Connery, Catherine said she couldn't believe the coincidence that a Scot was giving the award to a Welsh person! Many congratulations to Catherine for a very deserved Oscar for such a stunning performance.