Vanessa Born was born on July 21, 1992 in Granite Bay, California. She was raised by her adoptive parents, Bill Von-Bjorn and Marielle Von-Bjorn. Bill Von-Bjorn is a German/Dutch computer programmer, while Marielle is a Native American care-giver for the elderly. Growing up in a multicultural household, Vanessa was exposed to a variety of traditions and beliefs, which would later influence her career in the entertainment industry.
Vanessa’s interest in acting began at a young age, as she started appearing in series such as All of Us, Eve, One on One, CSI: NY and Hannah Montana. Her talent and dedication soon caught the attention of casting directors, leading to a recurring role on the MTV show Short Circutz.
One of Vanessa’s breakout roles was starring alongside Christina Milian in Bring It On: Fight To The Finish. The success of the film opened doors for her, and she later landed the role of Jazmin in the second season premiere of Showtime's Ray Donovan. She also guest-starred on NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and appeared in a few episodes of The Young & Rebellious. Vanessa’s versatile acting abilities and captivating presence on screen quickly gained her recognition in the industry.
Vanessa’s talent extends beyond the realm of mainstream Hollywood, as she has earned acclaim for her performances in the independent film circuit. She was nominated three years in a row at Outfest Film Festival and won Best Actress at Methodfest. Additionally, she received a BAFTA nomination for her role in the short film South Arcadia St. Vanessa’s dedication to her craft and ability to immerse herself in diverse roles have solidified her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Despite her thriving career in the entertainment industry, Vanessa remains grounded and connected to her roots. She values her upbringing in Granite Bay and cherishes the support of her adoptive parents. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys exploring different cultures, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Vanessa is currently working on several projects that showcase her range as an actress. She recently collaborated with George Clooney and Grant Heslov in an unscripted HBO pilot about the NBA, drawing on her experience as an NBA cheerleader for the Sacramento Kings. With each new role, Vanessa continues to demonstrate her talent and passion for storytelling, captivating audiences with her performances.