Goodwin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of Linda, who works for Federal Express, and Tim Goodwin, who formerly owned a recording studio. The two have since divorced. She has a younger sister, Melissa. Goodwin was affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth and was active in BBYO at the Jewish Community Center in Memphis growing up. After graduating from Lausanne Collegiate Read more...

Goodwin first had roles in the popular NBC television programs Law & Order and Ed before appearing in the Comedy Central television movie Porn 'n Chicken. She later had substantial roles in the films Mona Lisa Smile, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, and Walk the Line, in which she played Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife. She also played Dori Dumchovic in the dark comedy Love Comes to the Read more...

In 2008, MaxMara honored Goodwin with a "Face of the Future" award, an award recognizing women in film excellence. Also, GAP announced Goodwin will be the new face of Gap's Fall 2008 ad campaign.