| Biography |
With her charming presence and captivating looks, Courtney Thorne-Smith has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. After first gaining international attention on the primetime soap opera Melrose Place, Thorne-Smith catapulted to further acclaim playing Georgia on the Emmy AwardŽ-winning series Ally McBeal.
Born in Mill Valley, California, Thorne-Smith realized her love of acting in her kindergarten production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She was discovered in high school when 20th Century Fox was searching for a new face to play Charlie Sheen's girlfriend in their feature film Lucas. Soon after, she cancelled her plans to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, moved to Los Angeles, and hasn't looked back since.
Her combination of talent and beauty has enabled her to build a long acting resume. In addition to Lucas, her film credits include featured roles in Summer School, Revenge of the Nerds II, Side Out, and Chairman of the Board. She has also starred in several theatrical productions, including Masking, Rainbow, Don't Be Cruel, and Sincerely Confused.
But it is her substantial work on television that has given Thorne-Smith her
most notable recognition. She played Alison Parker for five seasons on
"Melrose Place," starred in the short-lived NBC series "Day By Day" and had
a recurring role as Harry Hamlin's Laker Girl girlfriend on the hit series "L.A.
Law." She has also appeared in the series "Fast Times at Ridgemont High,"
"Anything But Love," and the television films "Beauty's Revenge," "Tour of
Duty," "First Flight," -- with Beau Bridges -- and "Infidelity." Most recently
Thorne-Smith made a guest appearance playing the object of Norm
Macdonald's desire on "Norm."
When Thorne-Smith auditioned with Aaron Spelling for a series pilot about
young doctors, Spelling was so impressed that he had six more projects sent
to her doorstep the next day. The one that caught her eye was "Melrose
Place." For her portrayal as the constantly put-upon Alison, TV Guide
praised Thorne-Smith as "one of the standout stars of (the) glossy ensemble
cast -- and the hottest cat ever to scratch and snarl on the sun-scorched roof
of Melrose Place."
Recently she has also donned the hat of professional writer. Having started
with a feature article in SELF Magazine, she is now a contributing editor for
that that publication and has also written for In Style and for Allure Magazine.
Thorne-Smith currently resides in Los Angeles where she enjoys relaxing with
her dogs, Ed and George. She spends her free time reading, working out and
hanging out with friends.
|
|