An actress with a knack for light comedy, The Independent was born in Colorado and moved with her family to Minnesota at an early age. After studying dance and working in regional dinner theater, she landed her first film role in the satiric 1999 comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous, which was, appropriately enough, set in Minnesota. After appearing in the independent comedy Psycho Beach Party, Adams made guest appearances on a number of television series, including That 70's Show, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and The West Wing; she was also cast as a regular in Manchester Prep, a TV spin-off of the hit film Cruel Intentions. Manchester Prep, however, was never aired when its network decided that the show's sexual content was too strong for television, although several episodes were eventually re-edited into a direct-to-video feature entitled Cruel Intentions 2. 2002 proved to be a very busy year for Adams, who appeared in no fewer than four features, including the eagerly anticipated Catch Me if You Can, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

Worked in a Hooters Restaurant until soon after she turned 18, when they started making her wear the customary outfits.

Alumna of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Minnesota. Appeared there in many productions including Brigadoon, Good News, State Fair and Crazy For You.