Kate Vernon

Kate Vernon was born on Friday, April 21, 1961, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, making her Canadian. She is the daughter of celebrated actor John Vernon, and when she was 7 the family moved to Hollywood as his career took off. Growing up surrounded by leading actors, writers, and artists, she decided early to study acting. After completing her training in the early 1980s, she began securing roles. Her first feature film break came in the mid-1980s with the role of Benny in the box office hit Pretty in Pink (1986). That success led to more TV and film work, including starring alongside Denzel Washington, Willem Dafoe, Edward James Olmos, Christopher Lee, and Richard Thomas. Her versatility is evident in roles ranging from comedic to dramatic, and she has played everything from the love interest to the mother. Recent films include The Last Song (2010), which features Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, and National Lampoon's Snatched (2011). On television, she has appeared in Heroes (2006), Bones (2005), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), The Mentalist (2008), Saving Grace (2007), and had a recurring role as Ellen Tigh in the award-winning Battlestar Galactica (2004) from 2004 to 2009, which won her an international fan base. Her career spans over 40 years, with appearances in many major series such as Star Trek: Voyager (1995), Nash Bridges (1996), L.A. Law (1986), and Tales from the Crypt (1989). She has also worked with acclaimed directors and producers including Spike Lee, Peter Medak, Ronald D. Moore, David Eick, John Woo, and others. Kate's timeless beauty and meticulous approach to her characters have enhanced her reputation as both an on-screen beauty and an actress who can adapt to any role. She stands 5'8" tall with blonde hair and blue eyes.