Katie Cleary was born and raised on the North Shore of Chicago, Illinois.  As an only child, raised by her mother, Katie’s strength, confidence and drive were learned by example. It was her mother’s love and determination that gave Katie the strength to pursue her dreams.  Having dreamt of being an actress since she was a little girl, Katie first began with modeling in high school.  She continued to model while attending college on a track scholarship. After graduating with a degree in Business and Marketing, she started taking acting classes in Chicago. Her first big break into entertainment came from the hit show America’s Next Top Model – Season One. It wasn’t long after the show wrapped that Hollywood came calling. Within weeks of landing in Los Angeles, Katie scored the role of Briefcase Beauty #11 on Deal or No Deal, which she held for over four years.  Katie’s acting dreams have since come to fruition appearing in a slew of movies and TV shows, as well as hosting specials on the TV Guide Channel, E! News Now and Get Out on HDTV. Katie has now found a new passion: rescuing animals. She has helped find homes for over 150 abused and unwanted animals. Brains, beauty AND a big heart…it doesn’t get much better than this!

20 QUESTIONS WITH KATIE — SCROLL TO READ

1. What's your Ethnicity?

Italian/Irish.

2. What's your zodiac sign?

Virgo.

3. Where are you from originally?

Chi-Town baby!

4. What did you like most about growing up in Chicago?

Summer time downtown. Great food. Good people. And Da Bulls!

5. What kind of mischief did you get into while growing up?

I was always a trouble maker and the instigator.

6. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Moving to LA with nothing and building a career in the Entertainment business.

7. What brought you to LA?

After I hit it big with America’s Next Top Model (J/K) I decided to try my luck at a real acting and modeling career.

8. What's your favorite hobby and why?

I rescue animals and do a lot of volunteering at various animal rescues and sanctuaries including “Shambala” which is a sanctuary for Big Cats run by Melanie Griffith’s mom Tippi Hedren. I also love to travel, hike, run and search for the hottest, new restaurants. I am one model that will eat anything!

9. What's your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate, truffles, and now diamonds!

10. Who do you admire?

Jane Goodall for her work with Great Apes and Cate Blanchett for her unbelievable acting talents. Oh, and don’t forget about the legend and one and only “Michael Jordan.”

11. What's one of your personal goals?

To be the lead actress in a blockbuster action film and to start an animal sanctuary for rescued and unwanted animals.

12. What do guys compliment you on the most?

The way I carry myself, my personality and of course see next question...

13. What's your favorite body part on yourself?

My behind!

14. What's your least favorite body part on yourself?

My ears. They are way too small. They look like I stole them from Vern Troyer.

15. What do you look for in a guy?

Athletic, smart, good personality and sense of humor, tall and built, drive and ambition, spontaneity, a good heart, a love for animals, a protector and someone who is selfless, loves to travel, conscious about saving the environment, good family, loves to try new things, loves food and very adventurous! So basically not hard, right?

16. What's the first thing you notice about a guy?

His eyes and how he carries himself!

17. What turns you on?

Someone who knows how to treat a woman, Athletic, great eyes, smart, good sense of humor, someone who helps others, classiness!

18. What turns you off?

Selfishness, a guy who always talks about himself, players, laziness, negativity, someone who only cares about money and someone who doesn’t like animals!

19. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Bad drivers, litter bugs, bad services at restaurants, and uneducated people.

20. Who's your celebrity pass?

I have 3: Orlando Bloom, Christian Bale, and Eddie Cibrian

STATS:

Birthday: September 21.

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 115 lbs.

Measurements: 34-25-35

See more of Katie at
www.KatieC.com