Birthday: Dec. 19, 1972.
Birthplace: Brooklyn, N.Y., but I grew up in California.
Occupation: Actress.
Current home: Beverly Hills, Calif.
Marital status: Single.
Car: A black 1997 Volvo station wagon.
Working on: “Gold Rush” airing Sunday on ABC-TV’s “Wonderful World of Disney,” and I play Jennifer Mancini on “Melrose Place” on Fox-TV. I’m a recording star in Japan and I’m developing a TV pilot for next season.
Favorite pigout food: Every Sunday night my mother cooks pasta and sauce with meatballs and sausage and breaded mushrooms. It’s my comfort food. I always know whatever my week has been like, I can go home on Sunday and have the same meal I’ve had my whole life.
Favorite childhood memory: When I was a little girl living in Brooklyn, my bedroom was bright yellow, and every morning I’d wake up and my mom would be playing Beatles songs while she cleaned the house.
Prized possession: My house, which I just bought. It’s my first big house and I feel like I’m playing house inside of it. But I love nesting, buying things for it and gardening on a Saturday.
Personal heroes: When I was growing up, my heroes were my parents, because they kept a place for me to feel safe. They’ve been married 29 years, and as a single, 25-year-old woman who has had her heart broken and several failed relationships, I have so much respect for how they’ve made their love endure.
The best time in my life: Now. I’m secure in my own beliefs about what’s important and a year ago when I went on “Melrose Place,” I knew a lot of good things could come out of it and they are. The master plan is working.
The worst time in my life: Puberty. I had to go through it in front of millions of people.
If I weren’t an actress, I’d be: I started acting when I was 7. It’s all I’ve ever known or wanted.
Major accomplishment: I grew up in this business and I’m not crazy.
The three words that best describe me: Compassionate, forgiving and motivated.
