The Early Show

Scarlett Johansson: A Pearl

By Rome Neal

December 8, 2003 / 1:43 PM EST / CBS

Scarlett Johansson is on a roll.

The 19-year-old actress has already collected numerous Best Actress awards for the fall sleeper hit "Lost In Translation." She is now getting rave reviews for playing a maid who inspires world-famous painter Johannes Vermeer in "Girl With a Pearl Earring."

Johansson stopped by The Early Show to discuss her latest project.

"Girl With a Pearl Earring" was adapted by screenwriter Olivia Hetreed from the much-loved and best-selling novel by Tracy Chevalier.

The movie tells the story of one of the most famous paintings in history. It was created by Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer, who captured the image of his 17-year-old servant Griet (Johansson). Griet was forced by tragedy to support her family, so she became a maid for the Vermeer family. But she soon found herself surrounded by scandal as Johannes developed a passion for Griet.

Some Facts About Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson was born Nov. 22, 1984 in New York.

Johansson made her professional acting debut at age 8 in the off-Broadway production of "Sophistry" at New York's Playwright's Horizons.

In 1996, her breakthrough role as Manny in the critically acclaimed film "Manny and Lo" earned Johansson an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead.

In 1998, Johansson attained world-wide recognition for her performance as Grace MacLean, the teen traumatized in a riding accident in Robert Redford's "The Horse Whisperer."

Johansson received rave reviews and a Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival for her starring role opposite Bill Murray in 2003's "Lost in Translation," the critically-acclaimed second film by director Sofia Coppola.

Johansson's upcoming films include "The Perfect Score" and "A Love Song for Bobby Long."

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