Daphne Ashbrook Biography

Daphne Lee Ashbrook (born January 30, 1963) is an American actress.

Career

Known for both her comic timing and deep emotional portrayals, she has appeared in many television and film roles including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (as the titular character in "Melora") and the Doctor Who telemovie, in which she played the role of Doctor Grace Holloway. Her portrayal as Grace in Doctor Who caused consternation among some of that show's fans because she was the first character to romantically kiss the Doctor, setting a precedent for the more sexually charged nature of the new Doctor Who series that began in 2005.

A 2004 trip to the United Kingdom was filmed for the 2005 documentary Daphne Ashbrook in the UK. This DVD documentary followed her work with Doctor Who, including her role as Perfection in the Big Finish Productions audio play The Next Life. She performed opposite Paul McGann for first time since the 1996 telemovie. In 2006, she played Charlotte Howell in the audio drama Dark Shadows: The Book of Temptation for the same company. She has been to the UK twice thus far for Doctor Who convention events. She was featured in extensive interviews on the Doctor Who podcast Doctor Who: DWO Whocast and Doctor Who podcast Doctor Who: Podshock. Additionally, she featured in other podcasts including "The Happiness Patrol".

She was notable as being one of only ten actors"?and the only woman"?to be credited in both the Star Trek and Doctor Who franchises until Nana Visitor had a supporting role on Torchwood: Miracle Day in 2011.

Her past TV and film work includes Cold Case, CSI, Crossing Jordan, JAG, Murder She Wrote, Judging Amy, acclaimed mini series Intruders with Richard Crenna, Guardian, a recurring role on The O.C. and a lead role in the police drama Family Honor with Ray Liotta and Eli Wallach. Her recent roles include a part in David Ondaatje's 2009 motion picture The Lodger starring Alfred Molina, Shane West, Simon Baker and Hope Davis, and guest starring roles in NCIS reuniting with Charlie Grace star Mark Harmon, The Ghost Whisperer, with Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Without a Trace with Anthony LaPaglia and Steven Weber. She guest starred as a dancer visiting from (the former) Czechoslovakia in the third season of Fame. She is currently (2012) starring in the new Nickelodeon night time soap Hollywood Heights as Chloe Carter (Melissa Ordway) mom, Jackie.

In 2010 she released her first music CD, Grace Notes on Dharmapala Records to very positive reviews. The songs range from Roots to Jazz and are mostly covers from some of her favorite singer/songwriters, such as Joni Mitchell and Patty Griffin. The CD was produced by composer/multi-instrumentalist David Vito Gregoli. She has performed music from the CD at various conventions and other events.

In 2012 Ashbrook released a memoir Dead Woman Laughing (An actor's take from both sides of the camera). It details her life as an actor and her experience growing up in an acting family. The book has received very good reviews and Ashbrook will be promoting it throughout 2013 at various public appearances including conventions.

Personal life

Daphne Ashbrook was raised in the San Diego, CA area. Her parents are San Diego theatre actress D'Ann Paton and late actor/Director Buddy Ashbrook. Her siblings are actor Dana Ashbrook and actor/director Taylor Ashbrook. With this in mind, she made her acting debut at age 6.

On September 6, 1988, with her then partner, Lorenzo Lamas, Ashbrook gave birth to actress Paton Ashbrook (born Paton Lee Lamas). Her current partner is director and producer David Vito Gregoli.