Sally Vanessa "Vanessa Marcil" Ortiz

At A Glance

Vanessa Marcil was born Sally Vanessa Ortiz 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 television debut.

In December of 1997, Vanessa starred in an ABC movie for television, 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." In the hit feature film, The Rock, Vanessa co-starred with Sean Connery, Ed Harris, and Nicolas Cage.

Ms. Marcil has strong feelings about helping people, and in her spare time she volunteers for various causes. She is an active runner and bodybuilder; she also enjoys riding motorcycles, spending days on the beach, singing, and seeing films with friends.

In 2010, Marcil married long-time boyfriend Carmine Giovinazzo.

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 6, 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 ; August 11, 2010 to July 21, 2011 April 2, 2013 to April 23, 2013

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

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, 2003) 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 Berna, 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]

MARITAL STATUS: Married to Carmine Giovinazzo [Jul 11, 2010]