About Louise...
Louise Ashby – Actress | Author | Motivational Speaker | Activist
Louise Ashby is a dynamic force—an actress, model, author, host, motivational speaker, and activist—who has defied extraordinary odds. Her journey is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, Louise has not only reclaimed her life but has also used her experiences to inspire others, proving that the human spirit is limitless.
Born in Australia, Louise's introduction to the entertainment industry came early. At just 18 months old, she became the face of Australia’s beloved condiment, Vegemite. Shortly after, her family relocated to England, where she grew up surrounded by the entertainment world. With her mother a talented actress and her father a renowned music and talent manager, Louise’s childhood was spent backstage, observing Britain’s biggest stars and developing her own passion for performance.
Her first major challenge came at the age of 16 when her mother, Lynda, was diagnosed with leukemia. For five years, Louise stood by her mother’s side, witnessing her incredible strength until her passing when Louise was just 20. Grief-stricken yet determined to honor her mother’s legacy, she pursued a successful career in acting and modeling in England before setting her sights on Hollywood.
However, just one month after moving to Los Angeles, tragedy struck again. Louise was involved in a devastating car accident caused by a retired physician driving on the wrong side of the road. The impact was catastrophic—her skull was crushed, her brain exposed, and she suffered severe traumatic brain injuries. She was left facially disfigured, blind in one eye, and without her sense of smell and taste. Over the next decade, Louise endured 23 reconstructive surgeries, with over 200 metal plates and bolts in her head. Yet, her determination never wavered.
In 2002, she shared her extraordinary story in her memoir, *The Magic of the Mask*, inspiring countless others to find strength in the face of adversity. Her story resonated worldwide, leading to appearances on *Larry King Live, The Tonight Show, 20/20, Montel Williams, A Current Affair*, and numerous international news outlets. She was also featured in *Time, Newsweek, People, Elle, Glamour*, and *Marie Claire*.
Recognizing the impact of her message, Louise co-founded *Facing Forward*, a nonprofit dedicated to funding reconstructive surgeries and medical care for children with facial deformities. Her advocacy work, combined with her ability to connect with audiences, has made her a sought-after motivational speaker. Most recently, she delivered her first TEDx talk, further solidifying her commitment to helping others embrace resilience, positivity, and the power of visualization.
A passionate writer, Louise has contributed to *Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire*, and held columns in *AND Magazine* and *Coco Eco Magazine*. She continues to pursue new challenges, never losing sight of her mission to inspire change and uplift those facing their own obstacles.
Louise Ashby is more than a survivor—she is a testament to the strength of the human will, a beacon of hope, and a force for transformation.