Rebecca Gayheart is an American actress and former model whose career spans more than three decades in television, film and advertising. She first gained national attention as the “Noxzema Girl” in a popular skincare campaign and went on to appear in soap operas, science-fiction series and several notable late-1990s films, including Urban Legend and Jawbreaker. Her journey from small-town Kentucky to mainstream Hollywood reflects persistence, adaptability and long-term relevance in the entertainment industry.
Quick Bio:
- Full Name: Rebecca Gayheart
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1971
- Age (2025): 54 years old
- Birthplace: Hazard, Kentucky, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White, European-American heritage
- Profession: Actress, former Model
- Years Active: 1990 – Present
- Known For: Noxzema commercials, “Urban Legend,” “Jawbreaker,” TV roles in the 1990s and 2000s
- Estimated Net Worth: Several million dollars (exact figure not publicly confirmed)
Early Life and Background
Rebecca Gayheart was born and raised in Hazard, a small coal-mining town in eastern Kentucky. She grew up in a working-class family and is one of four children. Her mother worked in the beauty industry and her father drove a truck and worked in mining-related jobs. This upbringing gave her a grounded perspective before entering the entertainment world.
From an early age she showed interest in performing and visuals. At just 15 years old she left Kentucky to pursue modeling and acting opportunities in New York City, a move that marked the first major step in her professional life.
Modeling Career and “Noxzema Girl” Fame
In New York, Gayheart attended the Professional Children’s School while working as a model. She also trained in acting, studying at well-known institutions to build her skills for screen and stage work. Her fresh look and camera-friendly presence quickly led to commercial work.
Her breakthrough in advertising came when she became the face of a national Noxzema skincare campaign. The commercial series was widely broadcast and she became popularly known as “the Noxzema Girl.” This visibility significantly raised her profile and helped her transition into television roles.
Television Career
Gayheart’s television career took off in the early 1990s. She joined the cast of the daytime soap opera “Loving,” playing the character Hannah Mayberry. This recurring role provided regular exposure and experience in serialized storytelling.
She followed with roles in other series throughout the decade, including parts in “Vanishing Son,” the science-fiction series “Earth 2,” and appearances in teen-focused dramas. These roles demonstrated her range and helped solidify her as a familiar face on television.
Film Career and Notable Roles
Alongside television work, Gayheart moved into feature films. She appeared in supporting parts before landing more substantial roles in mainstream releases. In the late 1990s she became particularly associated with popular teen and horror cinema.
Key film highlights include:
- Scream 2 – small role in the hit horror sequel
- Urban Legend – major role in the 1998 slasher film, contributing to its success and recognition in the horror genre
- Jawbreaker – starred in the 1999 dark comedy, now considered a cult classic
- Various thrillers and TV movies – roles across the early 2000s that kept her visible on screen
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – supporting appearance in a major 2019 film that reintroduced her to a new audience
These projects helped define her as part of the late-1990s and early-2000s film landscape, especially in youth-oriented and genre productions.
Personal Life and Family
Rebecca Gayheart married actor Eric Dane in 2004. The couple have two daughters together and have often emphasized the importance of family life in interviews and public statements.
The relationship has experienced public ups and downs over the years, including separation and later co-parenting developments. Despite personal challenges, both have remained committed to raising their children in a stable, supportive environment. Gayheart has at times stepped back from continuous high-profile work to prioritize parenting and family responsibilities.
Ethnicity, Appearance and Public Image
Gayheart is of white, European-American background. Her early modeling work and commercial campaigns positioned her as a fresh-faced, relatable figure in beauty marketing. Over time, her image evolved from teen and young-adult roles into more mature characters on screen.
She is often remembered visually for her curly hair, expressive features and camera presence that helped her transition smoothly from print ads to television and film.
Career Timeline (Highlights)
- Teen years: Moves from Kentucky to New York City to study and work in modeling and acting
- Early 1990s: Gains national attention as “the Noxzema Girl” in skincare commercials
- 1992–1993: Television role on the soap opera “Loving”
- Mid-1990s: Appears in television series including science-fiction and action titles
- Late 1990s: Film breakthrough with roles in “Scream 2,” “Urban Legend,” and “Jawbreaker”
- 2000s: Continues working in film, TV movies and guest roles on various series
- 2010s: Select appearances, including a role in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
- 2020s: Maintains a lower public profile, focusing on family and occasional acting work
Net Worth and Professional Standing
While exact figures are not publicly verified, Gayheart’s long career in modeling, commercials, television and film suggests a solid financial foundation. Income sources over the years have included advertising campaigns, series roles, feature films and ongoing residuals from past work.
She is generally viewed as a steady, recognizable professional who successfully transitioned across multiple sectors of the entertainment industry rather than as a short-term celebrity.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Rebecca Gayheart’s legacy is closely tied to the transition era of the 1990s, when television, advertising and film began blending teen-focused storytelling, horror and dark comedy into mainstream entertainment. Her work in Urban Legend and Jawbreaker made her part of a generation of actors associated with that period’s style and tone.
Beyond specific roles, her career path—from regional upbringing to national commercials, soap operas, network TV and studio films—illustrates a typical yet demanding Hollywood trajectory that required persistence, image management and consistent performance ability.
Trivia and Facts
- Began professional modeling work in her mid-teens after leaving Kentucky for New York City
- Became widely recognized in the United States through Noxzema commercials before major acting roles
- Balanced both television and film projects rather than focusing on only one format
- Appeared in a number of projects that later gained cult status, especially in the horror and dark-comedy genres
- Has maintained a long career while managing family responsibilities and periods away from continuous public exposure
FAQs About Rebecca Gayheart
Who is Rebecca Gayheart?
She is an American actress and former model known for Noxzema commercials, 1990s television roles and films such as Urban Legend and Jawbreaker.
Where is she from?
She was born and raised in Hazard, Kentucky, USA.
Is she still acting?
Yes. She continues to accept selected roles while also focusing on family life.
What is she best known for?
She is widely remembered as “the Noxzema Girl” and for her film roles in late-1990s teen and horror films.
