Sally Vanessa Ortiz
Port Charles Presence
Brenda Barrett (September 18, 1992 to September 11, 1998; September 4, 2002 to February 19, 2003)
At a Glance
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
The Nanny Express
Kate
2009
Lipstick Jungle
Josie Scotto
2008
Blush: The Search for America's Greatest Makeup Artist
Herself/Host
2008
Las Vegas
Sam Marquez
2003-2008
Crossing Jordan
Sam Marquez
2004-2005
NYPD Blue
Det. Carmen Olivera
November 6th, 2001
Spin City
Crazy Cara; "Shot in the Dark, A" (episode # 5.22)
May 23, 2001
Beverly Hills, 90210
Gina Kincaid
1998-2000
General Hospital
Brenda Barrett
September 18, 1992 to September 11, 1998; September 4, 2002 to February 19, 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 Nomination, Outstanding Female Newcomer (1994)
Soap Opera Digest Award Nomination, 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)
People Magazine Named one of the magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" (1995)
Vital Statistics
PLACE OF BIRTH: Palm Desert, California
DATE OF BIRTH: October 15, 1969
HEIGHT: 5'4"
HAIR: Dark Brown
EYES: Brown
CHILDREN: Son, Kassius Lijah Marcil-Green [Mar 30, 2002; with Brian Austin Green]
News Archives
News Archives: Marcil rumored to return for Rademacher's exit. [Aug 14, 2000]
News Archives: Marcil flattered by rumors of her return. [Dec 11, 2000]
News Archives: Marcil lands role on NYPD Blue. [Aug 27, 2001]
News Archives: Reports say Marcil is pregnant. [Oct 22, 2001]
News Archives: Marcil denies engagement, return to GH. [Nov 12, 2001]
News Archives: Marcil will return to GH for short-term stint. [Jun 1, 2002]
News Archives: Marcil to leave GH over contract dispute. [Jan 27, 2003]
News Archives: Marcil, others rumored to be returning to GH. [Apr 12, 2004]
News Archives: Marcil's primetime show's renewal foils Brenda plans. [Mar 5, 2007]
News Archives: Talks fall through, Marcil will not return to GH right now. [Oct 13, 2008]
