Becoming ... Jennifer Aniston

Though she bid a tearful adieu to Friends, Jennifer Aniston has plenty to smile about. The actress says she's looking forward to her next project: starting a family. See the defining moments in the life of PEOPLE's Most Beautiful cover girl. By Serena Kappes

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BODY BEAUTIFUL

Once told to lose 30 lbs. by an agent, today the svelte star (vacationing in Cabo San Lucas in 2002) – named one of PEOPLE's 50 Most Beautiful People in 2002 – keeps fit by working out three times a week and following The Zone diet, which dictates a 40-30-30 ratio of carbohydrates, protein and fat.