All The Babes
Veronica Hamel
Career
Active 1971 – 2010
Biography
About Veronica Hamel
Veronica Hamel, born November 20, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American actress and former model. She began her career in the early 1970s, appearing in her first film role as a model in Klute (1971), followed by roles in disaster films like Beyond the Poseidon Adventure and When Time Ran Out. Before acting, she worked as a secretary and was discovered for modeling by Eileen Ford, going on to appear in print ads for Virginia Slims and Pall Mall Gold cigarettes. Notably, she was the model in the last cigarette commercial televised in the U.S., which aired on The Tonight Show on December 31, 1970.
Hamel transitioned to television in 1975 and was considered for the role of Kelly Garrett on Charlie's Angels, but reportedly declined, with Jaclyn Smith cast instead. She is best remembered for playing Joyce Davenport, a dedicated public defender and love interest of Captain Frank Furillo, on Hill Street Blues from 1981 to 1987, a role that earned her five Emmy nominations. She also appeared in Alan Alda's 1988 film A New Life as his doctor and love interest, and played Elizabeth in Taking Care of Business (1990). In later years, she took roles in Steven Bochco's Philly (2002), had a recurring part on NBC's Third Watch, and appeared as Margo Shephard, Jack's mother, on Lost. Hamel was also named on Us magazine's 'Best Dressed' list in 1983.
Hamel is 82 years old, stands 5'8", and has a slim build with natural 34B breasts. She has brown hair and brown eyes, and no tattoos or piercings. Her long career spanned from 1971 to 2010, covering nearly four decades in film and television. She studied at Temple University.
She is Caucasian and identifies as straight. Her work remains a notable part of 1970s and 1980s television history.
Record
Profile details
Personal
- Years Active
- 1971-2010 (started around 27 years old; 39 years active)
- Birthplace
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Ethnicity
- Caucasian
- Sexuality
- Straight
Body
- Hair Color
- Brown
- Eye Color
- Brown
- Weight
- 128 lbs (or 58 kg)
- Measurements
- 34–24–35 (B–W–H) · WHR 0.69
- Bra/Cup Size
- 34B show conversions - UK: 34B, EU: 75B, AU: 12B, JP: 75B
- Boobs
- Real/Natural
- Tattoos
- None
- Piercings
- None
Frequently asked
What made her stand out in the last cigarette commercial?
She was the model in the final cigarette commercial broadcast on U.S. network television, which aired on The Tonight Show at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1970, marking the end of such ads on TV.
Why isn't she known for Charlie's Angels despite being considered?
She was considered for the role of Kelly Garrett but reportedly declined, leading to Jaclyn Smith being cast instead, so her fame rests mainly on Hill Street Blues.
What roles did she play in later TV series?
She had a recurring role on Third Watch and appeared as Margo Shephard on Lost, in addition to her earlier work on Hill Street Blues and Philly.
Did you know
- She was named on Us magazine's 'Best Dressed' list for 1983.
- Her first film role was as a model in the 1971 movie Klute.
- She is a five-time Emmy nominee for her role on Hill Street Blues.
More American Actress (former) profiles
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