Ashley Judd is best known for her work as a Golden Globe nominated actress, having starred in 20 films including Ruby in Paradise (Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury prize), Double Jeopardy, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, and De-Lovely as well as starring on Broadway in Cat in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the Pulitzer prize winning play, Picnic. 

Ashley is also a dedicated humanitarian. According to her website, Ashley currently serves on the Board of Directors of Population Services International, Defenders of Wildlife, and Shaker Village. She also supports a number of organizations, ranging from Women for Women International, Women Thrive Worldwide, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Planned Parenthood, NARAL, Tennessee Refugee and Immigration Reform Committee. 

Ashley is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. She completed a major in French, and minors in Anthropology, Art History, Theater, and Women’s Studies. Shortly after, Ashley graduated from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government with an MPA and in 2011 released a memoir, All That Is Bitter & Sweet which details her humanitarian journey.

Ashley was raised protestant and is grounded in an inclusive Christian faith that honors and respects all backgrounds. Ashley is married to 2 time Indy Racing League and 2 time Indy 500 champion, Dario Franchitt and they divide their time living in Tennessee and Scotland.