Kristen Nel Kristy Swanson is an American actress. She began her career appearing in several teen films, including Pretty in Pink and Ferris Buellers Day Off . Her first starring role was in Wes Cravens horror film Deadly Friend , followed by her portrayal of Catherine Cathy Dollanganger in the controversial film adaptation of V.C. Andrewss Flowers in the Attic .
Swanson was born and raised in Mission Viejo, California, the daughter of physical education teachers Robert and Rosemary Swanson. Swanson graduated from El Toro High School. Swanson has one older brother, Rob. Swansons paternal grandfather was Swedish, and her maternal grandfather was of German ancestry. She also has an uncle who taught English and Journalism in Anaheim, California.
Source: Wikipedia