A native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Ali began modeling at age 13 and traveled the world before moving to Los Angeles to study acting. Her first professional acting job was a role on the television series "Chicago Sons" (1997). Close friend and former roommate of Varsity Blues (1999) co-star Amy Smart. Was part of a 1996 hoax by Esquire Magazine: they portrayed her as "Allegra Coleman", a hot young star, in a parody of fluff journalism. Ranked #40 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" (2002).