Vanessa (Ortiz) Marcil
Port Charles Presence
Brenda Barrett (September 18th, 1992 to September 11th, 1998; September 4th, 2002 to February 19th, 2003)
At a Glance
In May, 1997, Marcil
received her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding
Supporting Actress. Her first airdate on General
Hospital was September 18th, 1992.
Ms. Marcil was born in the balmy desert community
of Palm Springs, California, but her family soon
moved to decidedly cooler Anchorage, Alaska, where
her businessman father is credited for building the
first earthquake-proof structure in the state. The
youngest of four children, she and her family later
returned to Palm Desert, California, where she
began acting in local theater at age eight.
She has performed in numerous theatrical
productions, including Neil Simon's "Fools,"
"Pygmalion," "Mamet's Women," "The Miracle
Worker" and "Sweet Bird of Youth," among others.
General Hospital marked Ms. Marcil's professional
debut.
In December of last year, Vanessa starred in an ABC
movie for television titled "To Love, Honor and
Deceive." She also had a recurring guest-starring
role on the ABC police drama, "High Incident."
Theatrically, Ms. Marcil co-starred with country music
star Dwight Yoakam and Oscar nominee Sally
Kirkland in the stage play, "Southern Rapture,"
directed by Peter Fonda. She was also spotlighted in
the 1995 edition of People magazine's "50 Most
Beautiful People" issue. In the hit feature film, "The
Rock," Vanessa co-starred with Sean Connory, Ed
Harris and Nikolas Cage.
Helping people is something about which Ms. Marcil
feels strongly, and in her spare time she volunteers
for various causes. She is an active runner and body
builder; and also enjoys riding motorcycles, spending
days on the beach, singing and seeing films with
friends. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her
dogs, Woof and Joey.
Acting Portfolio
TELEVISION
NYPD Blue
Det. Carmen Olivera
November 6th, 2001
Spin City
Crazy Cara; "Shot in the Dark, A" (episode # 5.22)
May 23rd, 2001
Beverly Hills, 90210
Gina Kincaid
1998-2000
General Hospital
Brenda Barrett
September 18th, 1992 to September 11th, 1998; September 4th, 2002 to February 19th, 2003
Acting Portfolio
FILM
This Space Between Us
Maggie Harty
2000
Nice Guys Sleep Alone
Erin
1999
To Love, Honor, and Deceive
Sydney Carpenter
1997
976-WISH
Danielle
1997
The Rock
Carla Pestalozzi
1996
Acting Portfolio
MUSIC
Appeared in the music video for "The Most Beautiful Girl In the World," by Prince
Awards & Acclaim
Daytime Emmys Winner, Outstanding Supporting Actress (2003)
Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actress (1997, 1998)
Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actress (2003)
Soap Opera Digest Award Nominee, Outstanding Female Newcomer (1994)
Soap Opera Digest Award Nominee, Hottest Soap Couple (with Maurice Bernard)(1995)
Soap Opera Digest Award Winner, Hottest Female Star (1997)
Soap Opera Digest Award Winner, Outstanding Lead Actress (1998)
Vital Statistics
PLACE OF BIRTH: Palm Desert, California
DATE OF BIRTH: October 15th, 1969
HEIGHT: 5'4"
HAIR:Dark Brown
EYES: Brown
News Archives
News Archives: Marcil rumored to return for Rademacher's exit. [Aug 14th, 2000]
News Archives: Marcil flattered by rumors of her return. [Dec 11th, 2000]
News Archives: Marcil lands role on NYPD Blue. [Aug 27th, 2001]
News Archives: Reports say Marcil is pregnant. [Oct 22nd, 2001]
News Archives: Marcil denies engagement, return to GH. [Nov 12th, 2001]
News Archives: Marcil will return to GH for short-term stint. [Jun 1st, 2002]
News Archives: Marcil to leave GH over contract dispute. [Jan 27th, 2003]
News Archives: Marcil, others rumored to be returning to GH. [Apr 12th, 2004]
News Archives: Marcil's primetime show's renewal foils Brenda plans. [Mar 5th, 2007]
