Michelle Ray Smith joined the cast of Guiding Light in the role of hard on her luck Ava Peralta on August 24, 2005.
After studying to become a make-up artist, Michelle embarked on an extensive modeling character. Ann avid runner, she has been featured as a cover model for Fitness, Self, and Health magazines, among others. She has also appeared in the Victoria's Secret catalogue, and was featured in editorials for Shape, YM, Seventeen, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Mademoiselle. Michelle has been seen nationally in television commercials for Noxzema, Dentyne Ice, Oil of Olay, and Dannon. Her role on Guiding Light is her first acting job. While working, she also attends acting classes.
Originally from Michigan, Michelle describes herself as an "outdoors" type who loves camping, fishing, and jogging with her dogs. She is a proud owner of Rottweilers as well as French Bulldogs, and has worked with the Humane Society and the Humane Society Disaster Relief Fund. Michelle has also worked on behalf of the American Red Cross.
Guiding Light
Ava Peralta
August 24, 2005 to July 28, 2008; December 19 and 23, 2008
Salt
Lead Bunker Officer
2010
Wedding Daze
Claire
2006
Kimberly
Valerie
1999
![Robert Newman reflects on the fun of playing bad guy Ashland Locke on Y&R and the scenes that led to a 2023 Daytime Emmy nod [INTERVIEW]](/young-and-restless/news/2023/0513-interview-robert-newman-on-going-from-guiding-lights-josh-to-yrs-ashland-his-emmy-nomination-and-what-kind-of-resting-face_sm.jpg "Robert Newman reflects on the fun of playing bad guy Ashland Locke on Y&R and the scenes that led to a 2023 Daytime Emmy nod [INTERVIEW]")
