Clare Bowen, born Clare Maree Bowen on May 12, 1984, is an Australian actress and singer. She was raised in Australia by her parents, Tony and Kathleen Bowen, both of whom worked for Qantas. Their work afforded the family the opportunity to travel extensively; Clare even spent a period living in Zimbabwe during her childhood.

At the age of four, Clare was diagnosed with cancer, a life-altering experience that shaped much of her future advocacy work. She battled the illness for three years, with her cancer going into remission when she was seven years old. This early life challenge would later influence her perspective and philanthropic efforts.

Education and Creative Development

Clare Bowen grew up in Stanwell Park, located on the South Coast of New South Wales. She began her education in Dulwich Hill, a suburb near Sydney. She went on to attend the University of Wollongong, where she earned a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree in 2006. Her academic focus helped lay the foundation for her multi-faceted career in acting and music.

Early Acting Career

Bowen began her acting career in Australian television and film. In 2009, she made her feature film debut as the female lead in the Australian drama The Combination. Her early work also included appearances in television series such as The Cut, Gangs of Oz, Chandon Pictures, and the long-running soap opera Home and Away.

In 2010, she played the lead role of Wendla Bergman in the Australian stage production of Spring Awakening. The show was directed by Georgie Brookman and supported by the Sydney Theatre Company, with oversight from acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett.

In 2011, she starred as Martha in Dead Man's Burden, an independent Western film that marked the directorial debut of Jared Moshe.