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, Courtney was officially bitten by the acting bug. She cancelled her plans to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, moved to Los Angeles and has not looked back since.

Her combination of talent and beauty has enabled her to build a long acting resume. In addition to "Lucas", her 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 given Thorne-Smith her most notable recognition. She played Alison Parker for five seasons on "Melrose Place," starred in the short-lived 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 -- and "Infidelity." Most recently Thorne-Smith made a guest appearance playing 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 Thorne-Smith 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."

Recently she has also donned the hat of professional writer. Having started with a feature article in SELF Magazine, she is now a contributing editor for that that publication and has also written for In Style and for Allure Magazine.

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

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Hometown: Mill Valley, CA
Birthdate: November 8

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