Contributor

Marcia Cross

Award-winning actress

As ‘Bree Van De Kamp,’ the ultimate perfectionist, Marcia Cross brought to life Wisteria Lane’s most complex character. In the show’s first season, Cross received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Marcia has also received three Golden Globe nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series Comedy for “Desperate Housewives.” The critically acclaimed show won a Golden Globe for Best Television Series Comedy, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama.

In addition to her work on “Desperate Housewives,” Marcia recently shot two independent features; BRINGING UP BOBBY written and directed by Famke Janssen opposite Milla Jovovich and Bill Pullman and the comedy, JUST PECK starring opposite Adam Arkin and Keir Gilchrist.

Marcia has a versatile background in theater, television and film. Prior to “Desperate Housewives,” she starred as ‘Dr. Linda Abbott’ on The WB’s critically acclaimed series, “Everwood.” She is also well known from her role as ‘Dr. Kimberly Shaw’ on the hit drama “Melrose Place.”

On stage Cross performed in “La Ronde” at the Williamstown Theater Festival, in “Twelfth Night” at the Hartford Stage Company, and in “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at the Old Globe in San Diego.

Born and raised in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Cross was determined to become an actress from the moment she performed in her first school play, “The Witch of Blackbird Pond,” in the sixth grade. At the age of 18 she was accepted at the Juilliard School as a Drama major.

Her first television job was on the daytime drama “The Edge of Night.” Leaving New York to try her luck in Los Angeles, Cross was soon landing roles in television movies such as “The Last Days of Frank and Jessie James,” co-starring with Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. Her memorable role on “Melrose Place” began when she was hired for one episode. The producers were so impressed; they kept asking her back for additional appearances, eventually bringing her character back from the dead to continue on the hit show.

Cross also guest-starred on such series as “Seinfeld,” where she played Jerry’s dermatologist girlfriend, and “Cheers,” where she portrayed the younger sister to Kirstie Alley’s character. Cross has also appeared on the comedies “Ally McBeal,” “Spin City,” “The Garry Shandling Show” and “King of Queens.” Her dramatic roles include appearances on “CSI,” “Profiler” and “Touched by an Angel.” Cross’ film credits include “Living in Fear,” “Always Say Good-bye,” “Dancing in September” and “Bad Influence.”

Aside from her successful career as an actress, Cross has also made time to continue her education. She completed her clinical training to earn a Masters Degree in Psychology. Cross makes her home in Los Angeles with her husband and twin daughters.

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