Joan "Jennifer" Bassey

At A Glance

It took over a decade for Jennifer Bassey to become a contract player with All My Children -- but in 1989 the popular actress was finally given a long-term contract with the show.

Born in Chicago, Bassey's first foray into entertainment was as a Playboy bunny. Bassey claims to have amassed "an absolute fortune" during her two-year run at the Playboy Club. Bassey left Playboy and moved to London, England where she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she would graduate with honors.

After graduation, Bassey moved to New York and appeared in a handful of Broadway shows. Off-Broadway, she appeared in The Taming of the Shrew and MacBeth.

Bassey landed the role of Marian Colby in 1983, a move that helped her nab film roles in such films as Bonfire of the Vanities and 27 Dresses. She's also appeared in numerous primetime television series.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, yoga, Nordic-tracking, bowling, and many other sports.

Acting Portfolio: TELEVISION

30 Rock Old Vibrant Lady 2007 Law & Order Mrs. Conley 2002 Silk Stalkings Katrina Rowan 1997 ABC Afterschool Specials Mrs. Hanff 1996 Hudson Street Betsy Clifford 1995 Coach Alice 1995 Silk Stalkings Brooke Dupree 1994 Sweating Bullets Polly 1993 Matlock Gloria Morrell 1993 Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation Ruth 1992 Stepfather IIIvDr. Brady 1992 Jake and the Fatman 1991 Over My Dead Body Clarice 1990 Murphy Brown Nancy 1990 Falcon Crest Cynthia Wallace 1989 Who's the Boss? Beverly Fiske 1989 Charlie Betty Wald 1989 Goddess of Love Mrs. Wilson 1988 In the Heat of the Night Eugete Davenport 1988 Side by Side Jennifer Benson 1988 L.A. Law Judge Caplan 1987-1993 ABC Weekend Specials Mrs. Waterford 1985 All My Children Marian Colby 1983 to 1985; 1995 to 1998 [recurring]; 1998 to 2003 [contract]; 2003 to May 21, 2008 ; May 22, 2009 to August 6, 2009 [recurring]; July 28, 2011 to September 23, 2011 The Edge of Night Abby Wolcott 1976 Somerset Dorothy Conrad 1975 Love of Life Jennifer Stark 1969-1971

Acting Portfolio: FILM

27 Dresses Jane's Aunt 2008 It Had to Be You Mrs. Allen 2000 Dunston Checks In Mrs. Dellacroce 1996 Illicit Dreams Real Estate Woman 1995 Twogether Mrs. McKenzie 1994 Singles 1992 The Bonfire of the Vanities Diplomat's Wife 1990 Ladies on Sweet Street 1990 The Platinum Triangle Mrs. Farber 1989 Waxwork Mrs. Loftmore 1988

Acting Portfolio: THEATRE

Isn't It Romantic Lillian Conwell December 2000 Off-Broadway

Awards & Acclaim

Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actress (1999) Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Outstanding Female Scene Stealer (1998) Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Favorite Couple (1999; With David Canary)

Vital Statistics

PLACE OF BIRTH: Chicago, Illinois

DATE OF BIRTH: July 22nd, 1942