Rachel was born in Elmhurst, IL and raised in Phoenix, AZ. Her one older sister, Jessica, still resides there.
Rachel Melvin's professional credits include numerous national commercials, co-starring roles on 8 Simple Rules, Jack and Bobby and a spot on Summerland, which unfortunately ended up on the cutting room floor. She also had the experience of performing a skit with comedian/actor Andy Dick on The Teen Choice Awards. Her recent film credits include a lead in the independent film Boo. She has done extensive musical theater and received superior ratings at the Clear Lake Drama Festival in Group Acting, Improv, Mime, Storytelling and Lip Sync. She was also a National Finalist for the "Teen Choice Awards" representative contest and choreographed the Mountain Pointe Dance Company concerts in Arizona. Rachel is a former member of the Southwest Valley Youth Orchestra where she studied and played violin.
Rachel passed up a full scholarship to Arizona State University to pursue her acting career in Los Angeles. In high school she was very dedicated to dance; she admits that she "was OK, just not exceptional, it was very fun." Having trouble deciding whether to pursue entertainment or something more steady, she left her decision making up to fate. She and some friends visited a casino in Phoenix -- at the time the legal gambling age was still 18 -- and played BINGO. Rachel won the jackpot and walked away with enough money to cover acting classes. She took this as the sign she needed and realized "it was a gamble but it worked out!" Rachel began to fly to Los Angeles every weekend to study at Scott Sedita Studios in Hollywood. She was offered a space in his showcase class but was then forced to make the commitment to move to Los Angeles permanently. She has relocated, living with a cousin at first, and has now been here for 18 months. Rachel believes that "everything does happen for a reason!"
Rachel loves to act and would be happy staying on Days forever; "as long as I'm acting" she says. Although most young actresses emulate famous actresses, Rachel credits Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp as her idols. "They never do the same thing; they take on new challenges with every role and really showcase their talent. I also love the period pieces!" She does list Julia Roberts, Brittany Murphy and Rachel McAdams among her favorites, however.
Rachel is single and enjoys art, specifically ceramics, drawing and scrap booking. She also enjoys creative writing, swimming, rollerblading, cooking and loves animals. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her 2 dogs, Riley and Cali, a yellow lab and golden retriever.
May 12, 2005 to May 12, 2009; June 10 and 11, 2009
8 Simple Rules
Cute Girl
2005
Jack & Bobby
Jamie
2004
Summerland
Teen Girl
2004
Family Feud
Herself/Contestant
September 16, 2002
PLACE OF BIRTH: Elmhurst, Illinois
HEIGHT: 5' 5˝"
