Zooey Deschanel, 21

Past Life: Her father is a noted cinematographer, and her mother is an actress, so it's little wonder Zooey started performing as a toddler. "I was a wild and crazy little girl," she says. "I was sent to the office at elementary school every single day. I didn't really want to be in trouble, but everything I did stood out."
Big Break: Almost Famous. Audiences couldn't take their eyes off her in her few scenes in the film, playing Patrick Fugit's rebellious older sister.
Next: The New Guy, starring DJ Qualls, Manic, with Don Cheadle, and Big Trouble, playing Rene Russo's daughter.