Image via Complex Original
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After this weekend, there'll be a new standard for the archetypal party girl thanks to Alexis Knapp. The 22 year-old actress stars in rager Project X the popular high school girl who the film's protagonist, Thomas Mann, tries to impress by throwing the most epic party ever. The movie, out today, is Knapp's first lead role in a feature film and it's bound to catapult her into the limelight as one to watch. Here's everything you need to know about her.
Project X
She had issues with her topless scene in Project.
According to Starpulse.com, Knapp's nude scene left her morally conflicted. It required her to strip topless during a make-out session with another character. Part of the problem for her was that since Project X was her first big break, she didn't want to only be known for her looks. Ultimately, she eased into the idea of the scene, conceding, "You gotta do what you gotta do."
Ryan Phillippe
She's Ryan Phillippe's baby mama.
After Ryan Phillippe split from wife Reese Witherspoon, he was linked to a number of celebrity women, including Abbie Cornish, Amanda Seyfried and Rihanna. But none of his relationships since Witherspoon have been as lasting as his one with Alexis Knapp, who, at 21 years old, gave birth to his third child (two with Witherspoon) last year. The couple have since split up but he remains apart of his child's life.
Model
She was a model before she began acting.
Before she started acting for the camera, Knapp gained exposure posing in front of the camera. As a model represented by a Elite, Knapp was featured in many smaller pictorials, some of which you can see on her personal ModelMayhem page.
Music Video
She was in Rick Vanderkleijn's music video "Walking Away."
In the video for alt artist Rick Vanderkleijn's 2009 single "Walking Away," Knapp plays the dancer and ex-girlfriend of a musician who makes her his muse. Her previous, real-life dance training contributed to the part.
Couples Retreat
Her debut role was in Couples Retreat.
Her role in the 2009 film as a partying San Diego Dance Academy member put the first-time actress next to Hollywood heavyweights Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman.
Snakes
She breeds snakes.
During a discussion with Seattle PI about the wildest party she's ever been to, Knapp brought up the fact that she breeds snakes. During a rowdy party, one of the drunken attendants threw a beer bottle that slammed into the snake cage, letting it loose. These days, she keeps 15 snakes at her home.
Percy Jackson
She played had a role in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
The adventure film's Aphrodite Girl part was perfect for Knapp. Since Aprhrodite is the goddess of love, beauty and sexual rapture, it's only fitting that Alexis would be associated with her.
Dr. Limptooth
She filmed a supporting role in Dr. Limptooth.
She'll star as Samantha in the comedic approach to the vampire phenomenon. The flicks tells the story of a vampire who can't grow his fangs back after killing his true love 300 years ago. His plans go awry when he bites a woman who looks exactly like his former love, and turns her into a raging bloodsucker.
Pitch Perfect
She has a supporting role in Pitch Perfect.
In the upcoming comedy musical, Knapp will play Stacie, a girl who doesn't realize she sings in an overtly sexual manner. She'll star alongside a promising young cast that includes Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Bridesmaids alum Rebel Wilson. The film is an adaptation of Mickey Rapkin's non-fiction novel of the same name which follows a college acappella group trying to place at competitions.
So Undercover
She recently finished filming So Undercover with Miley Cyrus.
The Weinstein Company's forthcoming film is an action-comedy about a private-eye (Miley Cyrus) working undercover in place of her dad to help rescue a former mobster's daughter. Knapp plays Shelby, a sorority girl in the house that Miley's Molly Morris character must investigate.
