Ginnifer Goodwin was born on May 22, 1978 in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Lausanne Collegiate School in 1996. Goodwin then went on to study and graduated from Boston University's renowned School for the Arts. She first had roles in television programs Law & Order and Ed before appearing in the film Porn 'n Chicken. She later had substantial roles in the films Mona Lisa Smile, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, and Walk the Line, in which she played Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife. Goodwin also appeared in HBO's series Big Love as Margene Heffman.