Courtney Thorne-Smith

Biography: Courtney Thorne-Smith has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. After first gaining international attention on the phenomenal primetime soap opera, Melrose Place, she catapulted to further acclaim playing Georgia in Fox Television's Emmy-winning series, Ally McBeal. This fall, she returns to ABC's According to Jim, co-starring Jim Belushi and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Larry Joe Campbell.

Born in Mill Valley, California, Thorne-Smith first realized her love of acting while performing 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 was officially bitten by the acting bug; she canceled her plans to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, moved to L.A. and has not looked back since.

Her combination of talent and beauty has enabled Thorne-Smith to build a long acting resume. Other 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 produced her most notable recognition. She played Alison Parker for five seasons on Melrose Place, starred in the 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 -- "Infidelity," and made a guest appearance as 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 her 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."

Thorne-Smith has also donned the hat of professional writer. Having started with a feature article in Self magazine, she has been a contributing editor for that publication and has also written for In and Allure magazines. Last year she was a spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, Race for the Cure. In support of the foundation, she appeared on the cover of "Special K," "Special K Red Berries," and "Smart Start" cereals.

Thorne-Smith currently resides in Los Angeles where she enjoys relaxing with her dogs, Norman and Ed. George. She spends her free time reading, working out and hanging out with friends.
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