Brenda Strong

[Shepherd]

Date Of Birth

March 25, 1960

 

Biography

Brenda Strong is best known for her roles as Mary Alice Young on the ABC comedy-drama series "Desperate Housewives" and on another ABC comedy-drama "Sports Night" as Sally Sasser.

In 1978, Strong graduated from Sandy Union High School in Sandy, Oregon and later moved to Arizona to study music in Arizona State University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in musical theater. In 1980, Strong won the title of Miss Arizona.

In 1984, she appeared in Billy Crystal’s "You Look Marvelous" music video, and then transitioned into minor roles in known television series, such as "St. Elsewhere", "MacGyver", "Cheers", "Dallas", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", "Grapevine", "Picket Fences", "Silk Stalkings", "E.R.", "Matlock", "Murphy Brown", "Herman’s Head", and "Blossom and Twin Peaks".

After gaining much exposure, she was eventually cast into more recurring roles, such as Kathleen Isley in "Party of Five", Miss Frost in "3rd Rock from the Sun", Sue Ellen Mischke in "Seinfeld", Mrs. Carmen Mackoul in "7th Heaven", Marsha Palmer in "The Court", Iris in "Nip/ Tuck", Arlene Ridgeway in "The Help", Julia Brown in "Everwood" and Linda in "Help Me, Help You".

Strong is also not a stranger to the film industry, as she has worked in a variety of productions, including "Spaceballs", "The Deep End of the Ocean", "Red Dragon", "Starship Troopers", "Starship Troopers 2", "The Kid & I", "The Work and Glory", "The Work and Glory II: American Zion", "Going to the Mat", "Missing Brendan", "Teddy Bears’ Picnic", "Red Dragon" and "Family in Hiding".

Recently, Strong starred, mostly off-screen, in Desperate Housewives as the voice of the deceased Mary Alice Young. Strong appeared in some episodes of the show where flashbacks were used to explain the history of Wisteria Lane. Moreover, her character is integral to the story because she serves as the omniscient narrator of the show.

Strong will be starring as Ann Ryland Ewing on the TNT drama series Dallas, a continuation of the 70s original series that aired on CBS.

Strong, a certified yoga instructor and fertility expert, has taught at UCLA’s Mind/ Body Institute. Presently, she is working on a book regarding yoga and women’s life. She is married to Tom Henri, with whom she has 1 child.

 

 

 

[Shepherd]

TNT's 25th Anniversary Party, Beverly Hills, July 24 '13

 

[Shepherd]

Family Equality Council's Impact Awards, Beverly Hills, Mar 11 '17