Ashlee Simpson
Always struggling to step out of the shadow of her more famous
sibling, Ashlee Simpson's life has been a never-ending series of ups and
downs. Originally a backup dancer for her sister Jessica's tours, Simpson first
tried to distinguish herself as an actress, playing Cecilia Smith on the WB's
7th Heaven for two seasons. In 2003, after contributing to the Freaky Friday
soundtrack, MTV filmed the making of her first album, Autobiography, for a
reality show. Also like sis, she fell in love at work — hooking up with Ryan
Cabrera after starring in his video. Thanks to the infectious hit, "Pieces
of Me," the record hit No. 1, but success was tainted by a Saturday Night
Live lip-synching snafu in 2004, a booed Orange Bowl performance in '05, a
failed film (Undiscovered) and backlash from stealing Lindsay Lohan's boyfriend
Wilmer Valderrama. I Am Me sold more than 3 million copies and her 2006 stage
debut in a London production of Chicago earns rave reviews, but she was plagued
by negative nose job coverage and a leaked video of diva behavior at a burger
joint. Despite lack of interest in her third record, 2008 was a big year thanks
to her marriage to rocker Pete Wentz and the birth of their son, Bronx Mowgli.
The last couple of years have been less pleasant as her gig on the '09 Melrose
Place reboot was shortlived, she divorced in 2011 and called it quits with
boyfriend, actor Vincent Piazza, after a year and a half.