It is crazy to even imagine, but Ashley Judd was only fifteen years old when her sister and mother got a record deal for the group that would go on to make her last name famous. The Judds. Something she herself would only perpetuate over time with an amazing body of work, though nothing like what her mom and sis were doing. While country music may have been in their blood, the acting bug had gotten into Ashley’s. But her early career in TV may surprise you, as it did us. The following are five things you didn’t know about Ashley Judd. Hint, one takes place in deep space.

Almost Joined Peace Corps

Imagine that? Imagine if the other Judd sister had gone off and built wells in third world countries? Man, what a difference she would have made. Not saying she still hasn’t made a difference. We are just that is a very different difference. It was actually her sister who told her not to do it and to pursue Hollywood to see what would happen.

First Movie Was Small Role in Movie Kuffs

You know you have made a dent when you are in a Christian Slater movie. That is just what happened to Judd when she landed her first gig. May not have made her rich, but it got her into the Screen Actor’s Guild, which opened many other doors for her.

Was on Star Trek: The Next Generation

This might be the one that caught us most off guard. There are a lot of us around the office who enjoyed this show in the 90’s, so why can’t we recall her from this show. It is true. Ashley Judd has a recurring role on Star Trek in 1991. Man, we need to try and go find her in it!

Her Stance on Children is Intense

Many people have wondered why she has not had children with her (now ex) husband of many years. But she has made it quite clear how she feels about that. “It’s unconscionable to breed, with the number of children who are starving to death in impoverished countries.” That is an actual quote. Maybe that helped lead to their divorce in 2013. Just speculation.

Got Bachelor’s Degree While On Ellen

Ashley Judd had just about finished all her requirements to get her bachelor’s degree in 2007 from the University of Kentucky. Come to find out, while she was talking about it on the air, Ellen DeGeneres actually busted it out and handed it to her, live. The actress takes her education very seriously was quite taken aback by the gesture. Goes to show you she has not just relied on her last name or the millions her family brings in every year. No, this Judd carved her own path. She forged her own way through the forest, and did it all using her own machete. You cannot help but stop for a moment and give Ashley Judd some props for that.

Plus, she was brave enough to be in the movie Bug. Just think about that performance gives us the creepy crawlies.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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