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Nikki Reed

Early Life and Background

Nikki Reed, born on May 17, 1988, in California, is an American actress, screenwriter, singer-songwriter, and model. She was born to Cheryl Houston, a beautician, and Seth Reed, a set designer. Her parents divorced when she was two years old, and she was subsequently raised by her mother. Reed has described her early childhood as troubled and complex. At the age of fourteen, she left home and began supporting herself independently.

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Breakthrough with Thirteen

Reed's entry into the film industry came with the 2003 release of Thirteen, a semi-autobiographical film she co-wrote with director Catherine Hardwicke, a friend of her mother. The film explored serious themes such as drug use, teen rebellion, and self-destructive behavior. It gained critical acclaim while also sparking controversy for its bold depiction of adolescent struggles. Reed's performance was noted for its emotional depth, and she won several awards for her role.

Marriage to Paul McDonald

In 2010, Reed met singer-songwriter Paul McDonald at the premiere of Red Riding Hood. McDonald, who was a finalist on season 10 of American Idol, and Reed began dating shortly thereafter. The couple married on October 16, 2011, in Malibu, California. Despite their creative collaborations—including co-writing music and performing songs, one of which was aired on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show—the marriage lasted less than three years. They began living separately in early 2014 and officially filed for divorce in May of that year, citing work obligations as a contributing factor to their separation.

Career Expansion and Personal Growth

Although Reed married at a young age, she continued to build her acting career with determination. She starred in several films, including the lead role in Mini’s First Time, and continued to showcase her multifaceted talents by directing a music video. Her professional pursuits often took precedence, which contributed to the strain on her personal life during her first marriage.

Ethnicity and Beliefs

Reed is of Italian, Jewish, and Cherokee descent. While she identifies as Jewish, she did not have a religious upbringing. Her diverse background has informed both her public image and her personal worldview. She holds the title of godmother to actor Jackson Rathbone’s son and shared her wedding day with friend and actress Alexa Vega, known for her role in Spy Kids, who served as her maid of honor.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 17 May, 1988
Age: 31 yrs
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: Los Angeles
Gender: Female
Description: American actress
Twitter Id: NikkiReed_I_Am
Spouse: Paul McDonald[2011-2015]
Ian Somerhalder [M. 2015]
Net Worth 2021: 12 million
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Last Modified: Sep 19 2025
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