Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross was born on March 25th, 1962

Full Name: Marcia Anne Cross
Profession: Actress
Nationality: American
Occupation: Actress
Notable Roles: Desperate Housewives, Melrose Place
Awards: Emmy Award nomination
Education: Juilliard School
Notable Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award

Star of the hit TV show Desperate Housewives, playing the iconic role of Bree Van de Kamp, earning multiple award nominations and wins. Known for her versatility in playing complex characters.

Written by: Cassandra Blake Cassandra Blake

Marcia Cross: The Quintessential TV Housewife

Marcia Cross is an American actress best known for her iconic roles as the manipulative and complex Dr. Kimberly Shaw on the primetime soap opera Melrose Place and the poised and perfectionist Bree Van de Kamp on the hit ABC series Desperate Housewives.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 25, 1962, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Cross is of English and Irish descent. She was raised Catholic and grew up in a family of three daughters with her parents, Janet, a teacher, and Mark J. Cross, a personnel manager.

After graduating from Marlborough High School in 1980, Cross received a half-scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting in 1984. Cross later returned to school, earning a Master's degree in Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles in 2003.

Career Highlights

Cross began her television career in 1984 on the soap opera The Edge of Night, playing the recurring role of Liz Correll. She soon landed roles in television movies and guest-starred on popular primetime shows such as Whos the Boss, Quantum Leap, Knots Landing, and Cheers.

In 1992, Cross was cast as Dr. Kimberly Shaw on Melrose Place, a role that cemented her status as a household name. She left the show in 1997 after five seasons. Cross's subsequent roles included appearances on Seinfeld, Boy Meets World, Ally McBeal, and Spin City.

Cross's breakout role as Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives (2004-2012) earned her three Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Awards and Honors

Influence on Modern Society

Marcia Cross's portrayal of complex and multidimensional female characters has had a significant impact on modern society. Her roles on Melrose Place and Desperate Housewives paved the way for future generations of actresses, showcasing the importance of strong, independent women on television.

Cross's advocacy for mental health awareness and her openness about her own struggles with anxiety have helped reduce stigma around mental health issues.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

In 2006, Cross married Tom Mahoney, and the couple has twin daughters, Eden and Savannah, born in 2007.

Cross is a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in 2018 and undergoing treatment.

Legacy

Marcia Cross's contributions to the television industry have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her iconic roles as Dr. Kimberly Shaw and Bree Van de Kamp have cemented her status as a household name, and her advocacy for mental health awareness and breast cancer research have inspired countless fans.

As a true television legend, Marcia Cross continues to captivate audiences with her talent, wit, and elegance, solidifying her place as one of the most beloved actresses of our time.

Timeline
1962
Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts
Marcia Cross was born on March 25, 1962, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. She would go on to become a successful American actress.
1984
Graduated from Juilliard
Cross graduated from the Juilliard School in 1984, where she studied drama.
1992
First TV Role
Cross landed her first TV role in 1992, appearing in an episode of the soap opera One Life to Live.
2003
Landed Role on Desperate Housewives
Cross was cast as Bree Van de Kamp on the hit TV show Desperate Housewives in 2003, a role that earned her multiple award nominations.
2005
Won TV Guide Award
Cross won a TV Guide Award for Favorite Actress in a Drama in 2005 for her work on Desperate Housewives.
Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross Quiz

What is the name of the iconic character played by Marcia Cross in the hit TV show Desperate Housewives?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is Marcia Cross most notable role in television?
Marcia Cross most notable role in television is as Bree Van de Kamp on the popular series Desperate Housewives, which she played from 2004 to 2012.
How did Marcia Cross get started in acting?
Marcia Cross got started in acting by studying at the Juilliard School in New York City. She later began her career in television and film, landing guest roles on several popular shows.
What is Marcia Cross approach to playing complex characters?
Marcia Cross approach to playing complex characters involves digging deep into the characters backstory, motivations, and emotions, and finding ways to make them relatable and authentic.
How does Marcia Cross balance her work in television and film?
Marcia Cross balances her work in television and film by taking on a variety of roles that challenge her as an actress, and by being selective about the projects she chooses to pursue.
What is Marcia Cross favorite Desperate Housewives episode?
Marcia Cross favorite Desperate Housewives episode is the season 1 finale, which marked a significant turning point in the series and set the stage for future storylines.

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