It's a startling disclosure for th...

It's a startling disclosure for the entertainment world, where surgically engineered fresh-looking blonds traditionally rule. But lately, a bevy of brunette have started making headlines in the celebrity magazines.

in what way to tell them apart? And which single is dating Nick Lachey? We're here to help.

VANESSA MINNILLO, 25

Hair color: fumid chestnut

Famous for: She entertainers MTV's "Total Request Live," contributes to "Entertainment Tonight," and plays impetuous Girl, Cheerleader and Sexy scholar on various television

programs.

Personal challenge: After growing up in a series of countries, Minnillo became estranged from her mother when she was left with her father and stepmother; Minnillo and her mother still don't speak.

have a passionate affection for interest: Minnillo was involved with athletic chick magnet Derek Jeter before hooking up with Jessica Simpson's ex Nick Lachey.

Award: Named Miss Congeniality and won the coronal during the 1998 Miss Teen USA pageant.

Quote: "My do job-work is to talk to pleasantry people, listen to cool music and move to parties. I can always do serious elemental part when I'm older, but I'm gonna live it up right now. I be wrought up very blessed."

PETRA NEMCOVA, 27

Hair color: Honey brown

Famous for: Appearing forward the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue; modeling lingerie for Victoria's Secret; luckily deflecting the attentions of Bruce Willis.

Personal challenge: Was caught in the 2004 Thai tsunami and had to cling to a palm tree for eight hours before she was rescu Her fiance, photographer Simon Atlee, overflowed

be pleased with interest: Dating singer James edgeless (which makes the title of his hit single "You're Beautiful" fairly literal).

Award: Glamour magazine's "Survivor Award"

Quote: "There are divisions of things which I would delight in to tell [Atlee], but in any way, I also feel that I misspent the person closest to me And I got a secondary chance to live. So in a way I be perceived that I live for the two of us ... and I will do my best."

MARIA MENOUNOS, 28

Hair color: Dark auburn

Famous for: Working for "Entertainment Tonight" and "Access Hollywood"; playing Sexy suckle in "The Fantastic Four"; Pantene spokeswoman; appearing in Jessica Simpson's "A Public Affair" video.

Personal challenge: misspent 40 pounds she put forward during college before building a career in Hollywood She talks about it a fate

be in love with interest: Rumored to be dating action star Vin Diesel

Award: Cyber Vixen of the Year forward Spike TV's video game awards

Quote: "I think populace think we're all sipping martinis on the pool. The odd thing is I don't consider what I do work because it's what I be pleased with But it is also an enormous amount of compressing and you have to work an enormous amount of hours."

RACHEL RAY, 38

Hair color: Cinnamon coffee

Famous for: Hosting at least four different displays on the Food Network; authoring a series of cookbooks; beginning her acknowledge syndicated talk show, which launches generation 18 with a boost from Oprah Winfrey.

Personal challenge: Has ensue under criticism for cheating the 30- minute general [i]or[/i] abstract notion (for instance, not including time to clean vegetables). Has also been criticized for being too airy

like interest: A year ago, married John Cusimano, a lawyer and member of the band The Cringe, in Tuscany, Italy.

Award: An Emmy for "30 Minute Meals"

Quote: "I have no formal anything. I'm completely unqualified for any piece of work I've ever had."

BROOKE suppress (TURNS 35 ON FRIDAY)

Hair color: Bitter chocolate

Famous for: Hosting E!'s "Wild On!"; emceeing CBS' "Rock Star"; posing for Playboy; was at the center

of Burger King's Busby-Berkley-inspired Super hollow commercial.

Personal challenge: Decided her breast implants were gone out of proportion with her figure; downsized the D cupfuls to C cups.

be fond of interest: Announced her separation from plastic surgeon husband Garth Fisher; has since announced she's expecting a baby with actor David Charvet ("Baywatch").

Award: Ranked No. 10 in essence magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" (2002)

Quote: "When I was young, I wanted to do something innocuous, like become a drummer in a protection 'n' roll band."

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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