Kristen graduated from New York University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied musical theater. She made her Broadway debut in 2001, originating the role of Becky Thatcher in the short-lived "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." In 2002, she was in the revival of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" on Broadway, starring Laura Linney and Liam Neeson.



Attended Shrine Catholic High School in Royal Oak, Michigan. Has two stepsisters by her father's remarriage - Sara and Jody. They were both born in Canada. Has two dogs: Lola and Mr. Shakes. Was raised in suburban Huntington Woods, Michigan, and attended Burton Elementary School in Huntington Woods, Michigan, the same school actress Jessy Hodges and actor David Geister attended. Named #68 on the Maxim magazine "Hot 100 of 2005" list. Is a vegetarian. She worked at a TCBY in Royal Oak in 1997-98 while a Senior in High School. Her favorite episode of "Veronica Mars" (2004) (as of 2006) is "The Wrath of Con" (Episode 1.4). Was voted PETA's "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" for 2006. Named #1 on Maxim's 2006 list of "Fall TV's Criminally Sexy Investigators". Was named by Jane magazine in the U.S.A. as one of the "11 People You'd Most Like to See Naked." She posed for the magazine's July 2005 issue. Enrico Colantoni, who plays her father on "Veronica Mars" (2004), is only 17 years older than she is. She's an investor in bar L'Scorpion. She was mentioned in People's Magazine "Most Beautiful 2007" on the Beauty at every age page. She was the beauty at age 26. Named #46 on the Maxim magazine "Hot 100 of 2007" list. Was named #11 on the Maxim magazine "Hot 100 of 2006" list. Named the yearbook's "Best Looking Girl" by senior class vote. Broke both her wrists playing hockey. Has a black Labrador, who is 11 years old and rescued from Hurricane Katrina [2008]. Has dessert after every meal, even breakfast. Helped deliver two babies while doing volunteer work in Brazil. Has a "lazy eye" (her right eye) which she demonstrated on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" (2005). Ranked #55 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2008 list. Also attended Berkley High School in Berkley, Michigan. Received the Helen Woodward Animal Center's 2009 Humane Award. Engaged to Dax Shepard [February 1, 2010].