Birthday: February 9, 1974
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

How You Know Her: After landing at No. 98 on our very first Hot 100 list in 2000, Amber ditched the world of runways and high fashion for the mean streets of Hollywood (see below). With turns in action (Transporter 2, Gamer) and comedy (Hitch, Duplex) films, she's built up quite the balanced resumé over the years. She stars alongside on-screen boyfriend Jackie Chan in the kidtastic spy movie, The Spy Next Door, hitting theaters this Friday. 

Acting Tough: "I think I just got bored with modeling. I had been at it for so long and I wasn’t achieving any new goals or finding fresh challenges. It’s not that the modeling world is more bitchy or any of those clichés… Movies, I have to tell you, is a cutthroat business. Don’t let anyone fool you. It’s a way tougher business than modeling." —Maxim

Can't get enough Amber? Check our her Girls of Maxim gallery.