Alexis Bledel is a native of Houston, Texas. She began a modeling career while still in high school; after graduating she enrolled in the film program at New York University. In the spring of 2000 she went to Los Angeles for pilot season auditions, almost immediately landing the role of Rory on Gilmore Girls. In 2005 she starred in the feature The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (and the sequel); co-stars (and Hallmark Hall of Fame alumna) Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrara remain close friends. She had a recurring role last season in the hit series Mad Men.