Katherine Heigl’s Breakthrough Role: Playing Isabel Evans in Roswell (1999-2002)

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In 1999, Katherine Heigl made her debut as alien-human hybrid Isabel Evans on The WB television series Roswell in a role that helped establish her as a successful actress.

The series debuted on October 6, 1999, when Katherine Marie Heigl was 20 years old. She celebrated her 21st birthday on November 24, 1999, and was 23 when the last episode of “Roswell” aired on May 14, 2002.

A Role to Remember: Portraying Isabel Evans

Auditioning for all three female leads before landing the part of Isabel Evans, she told W Magazine that she enjoyed her time on the set. “It was a fun and unique experience, for sure,” she said in an interview.

Although Isabel graduated before Max Evans (Jason Behr) in the series, making her older, in real life, Katherine Heigl is five years younger than Jason Behr.

Roswell actress Katherine Heigl attends Endeavor Agency and Talk Magazine Celebrate Television's Upfront WeekRoswell actress Katherine Heigl attends Endeavor Agency and Talk Magazine Celebrate Television’s Upfront Week on May 16, 2000, at Lotus in New York City (Credit: Strartraksphoto)

Dual Roles Named Isabel

It’s not the only time she’s portrayed a character named Isabel. Heigl starred as medical intern Dr. Isobel “Izzie” Stevens on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy and as Isabel Linton in the 2003 modern-day adaptation Wuthering Heights.

Heigl’s portrayal of Isabel Evans was praised for its depth and emotional range, and she received nominations for Saturn and Teen Choice Awards. The final episode of Roswell aired on May 14, 2002.

Katherine Heigl as Isabel Evans, Shiri Appleby as Liz Parker, Jason Behr as Max Evans, and Brendan Fehr as Michael Guerin in the American science fiction television series RoswellKatherine Heigl as Isabel Evans, Shiri Appleby as Liz Parker, Jason Behr as Max Evans, and Brendan Fehr as Michael Guerin in the American science fiction television series Roswell (Credit: 20th Television)

Fan Intervention: Saving ‘Roswell’

After the second season, the show was saved from cancellation and renewed for a final third season after fans bombarded television executives with bottles of Tabasco sauce, the choice condiment of the show’s aliens.

“The fans were awesome because they actually sent in thousands of bottles of Tabasco sauce to The WB, which you might not understand because Tabasco sauce was, is something that the aliens put on our food,” she said during an appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.”

Brendan Fehr as Michael Guerin and Katherine Heigl as Isabel Evans in the American science fiction television series RoswellBrendan Fehr as Michael Guerin and Katherine Heigl as Isabel Evans in the American science fiction television series Roswell (Credit: 20th Television)

Personal Life: Relationships and Engagements

Katherine Heigl and Jason Behr, who played siblings on the TV show “Roswell,” began a romantic relationship in 1999. Despite rumors of an engagement, their relationship ended in 2001.

Fashion Statement: Airport Style

In May 2016, chirpy Roswell actress Katherine Heigl was extra friendly to the paparazzi as she made her way through Los Angeles International Airport.

Katherine Heigl shows off her new short hairstyle as she arrives at Los Angeles International AirportKatherine Heigl shows off her new short hairstyle as she arrives at Los Angeles International Airport on May 27, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

Celebrities are usually short on words, especially when anxious about catching their flight. Still, Katherine slowed down to answer some of the questions the photographers hurled at her — no matter how pointless they seemed.

Katherine Heigl wears a chambray shirt underneath a leather jacket as she arrives at LAXKatherine Heigl wears a chambray shirt underneath a leather jacket as she arrives at LAX (Credit: WENN)

In a great mood at LAX, Katherine wore black jeans with a chambray button-down top layered underneath a leather jacket.

The Killers actress accessorized her look with sunglasses, a studded medium tote, and the Chloé “Lauren” scalloped flats in powder blue.

Katherine Heigl's feet in scalloped blue Chloe flatsKatherine Heigl’s feet in scalloped blue Chloé flats (Credit: WENN)

The former fashion model also debuted her brand new short hairdo. The paparazzi asked if Katherine would consider dog dentures for her rescued Chihuahua, Gertie, who has a hanging tongue condition, most likely due to jaw or teeth trauma.

Katherine laughed the question off politely, even turning to a stranger to ask, “What do you think about dog dentures?”

Katherine Heigl poses with her rescued Chihuahua GertieKatherine Heigl poses with her rescued Chihuahua Gertie (Credit: Katherine Heigl’s Instagram)

Grab Katherine’s airport fashion by checking out the Chloé “Lauren” sandal in powder blue at Nordstrom and Farfetch.

Blue Chloé "Lauren" Scalloped Ballerina Flats

Blue Chloé "Lauren" Scalloped Ballerina Flats

Blue Chloé "Lauren" Scalloped Ballerina Flats

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