Christina Applegate Tops People's 100 Most Beautiful List

April 29, 2009 — -- The annual roster of Hollywood's hottest is out, and an industry veteran tops the list.

Christina Applegate scored the cover of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful double issue for battling breast cancer with style and grace. The "Samantha Who?" star opens up about her diagnosis and subsequent double mastectomy, which she calls a "roller coaster of emotions ... a decision that you made to save your life."

Applegate adds that overcoming cancer gave her a "feeling of purpose," along with a new lease on life. At 37, she finally feels comfortable in her own skin.

"I used to be really shy but I started to come into my own in my late 20s and early 30s," she tells the magazine. "Now, I'm not afraid to speak up in a room full of people and be a part of the conversation."

In addition to Applegate and the usual attractive A-listers -- Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, George Clooney, Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Lopez among them -- a batch of Hollywood newcomers made People's list.

"Slumdog Millionaire" stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, whose families recently confirmed that their on-screen romance has translated to real life, made the cut. So did "Twilight's" Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. The new girls of "90210" scored a pictorial: Jessica Stroup, AnnaLynne McCord, Jessica Lowndes and Shenae Grimes.

Hollywood's still-growing stars earned plenty of recognition from People. "High School Musical" star Zac Efron, teen idols Nick and Joe Jonas and Disney staples Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato all got props for displaying poise and professionalism at a young age.

From the realm of reality TV, scorned "Bachelor" contender turned "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Melissa Rycroft landed on People's list, along with "DWS" pro Julianne Hough and new "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi.

Funny women tickled People's fancy. "30 Rock" maven and Sarah Palin doppelganger Tina Fey made the list, along with fellow "Saturday Night Live" alum Amy Poehler, now starring in "Parks & Recreation." They join current "SNL" star Kristin Wiig and E! late night talk show host Chelsea Handler.

Michelle Obama

The complete rundown of People's 2009 100 Most Beautiful People in the World hits newsstands Friday, but based on the names mentioned here, do you agree with their picks? Comment and contribute in the section below.