Let's make this birthday one to remember.

45 years old (Born on October 04, 1979)

Actress; She is famous from Laney Boggs in She's All That.

There is a Minneapolis rock and blues band called "Budding Hollywood Starlet" that is named in honor of her and other budding Hollywood starlets. Attended Minneapolis South High School, the same school as actor Josh Hartnett. Had little interest in modeling by the time she was 15 and tried to focus more on school of which she became fonder. Was a student of the Laurel Springs School, a school for young actors who can't attend a more regular school due to time commitments. After reading 'R. Lee Fleming Jr''s script for She's All That (1999) Rachael began to like the storyline more and more, soon after she was asked to play the role of Laney Boggs. She decided to take the lead role.

Was a print model for 5 years before becoming an actress.

Owns a Sports utility vehicle.

Has a toothbrush collection at her parents home in Minneapolis.

Is a vegetarian.

Was recommended to the producers of "Dawson's Creek" (1998) by Texas Rangers (2001) co-star James Van Der Beek. She guest starred with him in 3 episodes.

Was considered for the role of Rogue in the X-Men movies but turned the part down due to having work with CGI costumes and effects. The role then went to Anna Paquin, Rachael's fellow co-star from She's All That (1999).

Dated "Boy Meets World" (1993) star Rider Strong.

Engaged to actor Daniel Gillies. [December 2003]

Her mother is of Italian ancestry

In early 2001, she met actor Ryan Reynolds and the two immediately hit it off. However, she had to fly to England shortly after to film Blow Dry (2001). Ryan ended up suprising her, pulling out of his filming schedule and following her all the way to London. It was a success and they ended up dating for a year.

Noisy underground British artist 'Firexit' has created two songs especially for Rachael Leigh Cook. The two songs are called 'This is for Rachael Leigh Cook' and a rare acoustic track called 'Dear Rachael'. In a interview, Gareth Gerrard (aka Firexit) was asked about the songs, he replied "Rachael is everything, I love her very much".

Did a school senior paper entitled "Politics, Shmolotics, and 10 other reasons I'll never be President".

Played the younger version of Parker Posey's character in The House of Yes (1997). Posey plays the villain in Josie and the p*ssycats (2001).

Owns her own production company called Ben's Sister Productions.

Was in a memorable anti-drug commercial where she smashes an egg with a frying pan ("this is your brain on heroin") and proceeds to trash the room with the frying pan ("this is your family, friends, career, etc."). Arguably one of the few effective anti-drug spots ever made.

She's All That (1999) was the second time she had worked in a film with Freddie Prinze Jr., although in their first project together, The House of Yes (1997), they shared no scenes together.

Her mother was a cooking instructor and is currently a weaver.

Has two cats at home in Minnesota named Beau and Skippy.

Her guitar teachers were Fast Freddie & Phil X.

Ranked #26 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" (2002).

Her dream role is Kate Nolan from "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".