Jodie Foster is an American actress, director, and producer, born on November 19, 1962, in Los Angeles, California. She gained fame as a child actress in the 1970s and became widely recognized for her role in the film Taxi Driver, where she starred alongside Robert De Niro. Foster has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in The Silence of the Lambs and The Accused. In addition to her acting career, Foster has directed several films, including Little Man Tate and Money Monster. She is known for her intelligence and strong work ethic, often choosing complex and challenging roles. Foster is also an advocate for various social issues, including women's rights and education.