I heart DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: Actor Bio

Marcia Cross as Bree Van De Kamp

Marcia Cross is currently in production on the third season of smash hit Desperate Housewives. In 2005 and 2006 she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the Best Actress category. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award in the Best Actress in a Comedy Series category in 2005.

Prior to her role on Desperate Housewives, Cross starred as Dr. Linda Abbott on The WB's critically-acclaimed series, Everwood. She is also well known for her role as Dr. Kimberly Shaw on the hit drama Melrose Place.

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.

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.

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. She 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, and her 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 recently completed her clinical training to earn a Masters Degree in Psychology.

Cross makes her home in Los Angeles.