Mel Harris

Biography

Mel Harris, an accomplished American actress, writer, and director, is celebrated for her iconic role as Hope Steadman in the renowned, Emmy-winning television series *Thirtysomething*, which aired from 1987 to 1991. Her outstanding performance earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Harris also showcased her comedic talents in the NBC sitcom *Something So Right* (1996) and later starred in the dramatic series *Saints and Sinners* on My Network in 2014. More recently, she appeared as Nadine Davies in Hulu's *Shut Eye*, premiering in 2016.

Born Mary Ellen Harris in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and raised in New Jersey, she is the daughter of a high school science teacher and a football coach at Princeton University. Before venturing into acting, Harris spent over a decade in the modeling industry, working in both New York and Europe, which ultimately led her to her true passion in performing. Her extensive television credits include guest spots on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend* (2015), and a memorable role as Senator Rafferty on *The West Wing* (1999). In film, she appeared in notable titles such as *Raising Cain* (1992) and *K-9* (1989) alongside Jim Belushi.

Harris made her theatrical debut at the Circle Repertory Company in the world premiere of John Bishop's *Empty Hearts*, winning a Theater World Award in 1992. In recent years, she has also pursued writing alongside her husband, Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Bob Brush, under their production company, Topanga Moon Productions.