| Bailey Hanks | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 6, 1988 Anderson, South Carolina |
| Occupation | stage, television actress, singer, dancer |
Bailey Noel Hanks (born February 6, 1988) is an American singer, actress, and dancer best known for winning MTV's Legally Blonde - The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods.[1] She performed on Broadway as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical in 2008.[2]
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Hanks was born on February 6, 1988 in Anderson, South Carolina, to Brad and Angie Hanks. She has one older sister, Brooke, and one younger sister, Bradlee. Her father is a pastor and youth minister in addition to being a highway patrolman, while her mother is a nurse. Hanks attended Westside High School (South Carolina) in Anderson. She transferred to and graduated from Pendleton High School in 2006. Growing up in the local theater, her notable appearances were as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz; Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical; Baby June in Gypsy; Hello, Dolly!; Music Man; A Year With Frog and Toad; Annie; Bye Bye Birdie; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; and High Steppin' Country. Bailey studied under Sarah Reese, an esteemed former opera singer. Bailey was also crowned Miss Liberty Teen 2005, and competed in the Miss SC Teen Pageant. Hanks also had the honor of performing the National Anthem for president Bill Clinton in 2000. Hanks is an alumna of Gamma Phi Beta (Coastal Carolina University) in real life. Hanks most recently starred as Sharpay Evans in a production of High School Musical which ran from November 5 to December 7, 2008 at the Paper Mill Playhouse.[3]
Hanks appeared in the daytime television soap opera Guiding Light in April 2009.[4]
Bailey played the part of the NYU Tour Guide in the third installment of Touchstone Pictures' "Step Up" franchise. The film, titled Step Up 3D, premiered in August 2010.[5]
Hanks currently resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee.