Catherine Bell (actress)
Catherine Bell | |
---|---|
Bell on the set of Army Wives in Charleston, South Carolina (2012) | |
Born |
Catherine Lisa Bell August 14, 1968 London, England, UK |
Nationality | British-Iranian-American |
Occupation | Model, Actress, Producer |
Years active | 1991–present |
Spouse(s) |
Adam Beason (m. 1994; div. 2011) |
Children | 2 |
Website | Official website |
Catherine Lisa Bell (born 14 August 1968) is an American actress, known for her roles as Major Sarah MacKenzie in the television series JAG from 1997 to 2005, Denise Sherwood in the series Army Wives from 2007 to 2013, and Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale in Hallmark's The Good Witch films and television series since 2008.
Early life
Catherine Lisa Bell[1] was born August 14, 1968[2][3] in London, England to a Scottish father Peter Bell and an Iranian mother Mina Ezzati. Her father Peter was an architect who signed a contract with the oil company in Iran, while Mina had emigrated to London to study nursing. Bell's parents divorced when she was two years old, and she was raised by her Iranian mother, grandmother and grandfather, with the family eventually moving to California's San Fernando Valley. Bell was exposed to diverse influences growing up. She and her family spoke Persian in their home. Her grandparents were Muslim, but she was also raised with Catholicism and attended a Baptist summer camp. In her teenage years, she came under the influence of her California surroundings, explaining, "I am definitely a Valley Girl. I was a tomboy. I liked to skateboard, play football, and push the envelope a little bit."
Bell enrolled at UCLA, where she considered a career in medicine or research. However, when she was offered a modeling job in Japan, where advertisers value "American beauty," she dropped out during her sophomore year.[3]
Career
When Bell returned to the United States, she decided to try acting.[3] She studied acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse with Milton Katselas. She also worked as a massage therapist, and her clients included singer Peter Gabriel. Her first television acting role was one line spoken to Gabriel on the short-lived 1990 sitcom Sugar and Spice.[4]
Among her first parts was serving as Isabella Rossellini's nude body double for the 1992 film Death Becomes Her.[3]
In 1994 Bell starred in the Dolph Lundgren film Men of War. While filming the movie in Thailand, Bell and her co-star Trevor Goddard, bonded over mutually contracting amoebic dysentery. Goddard would later play Bell's off-and-on love interest Mic Brumby the following year on JAG. They remained friends until Goddard's death from a drug overdose in June 2003, an event that the bereaved Bell described as "horrible".[4]
In 1995, she obtained a three-line role in one episode of the NBC TV series JAG, which centers on the work of the United States Department of the Navy's Judge Advocate General office. NBC canceled the show after which it was picked up by CBS, which restructured the series, incorporating a female Marine Corps lawyer character, Sarah MacKenzie. Bell auditioned for that role and won it. One episode of the show established that MacKenzie is an Iranian-American, and featured Bell speaking Persian.[3] She continued in this role until the series ended in 2005.[5]
Beginning in 2007, Bell starred in Lifetime's ensemble drama series Army Wives as Denise Sherwood, the wife of a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel,[6] who endures domestic violence at the hands of her teenage son during the show's first season.[7]
Bell was the Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway on June 3, 2007.[8]
Bell played the role of Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale, the main character of Hallmark's The Good Witch (2008), and its sequels The Good Witch's Garden (2009), The Good Witch's Gift (2010), The Good Witch's Family (2011), The Good Witch's Charm (2012), The Good Witch's Destiny (2013), and The Good Witch's Wonder (2014). She was also a co-executive producer of all of the movies.[9] She also starred in another Hallmark movie titled Last Man Standing.[10]
In 2015 it was reported that Bell would star in the movie Love Finds Its Way, which would begin filming in 2016.[11] Production began on the film in March 2017, with Vancouver as the filming location, and July 9, 2017 as the date for the film's premiere on the Hallmark Channel.[12]
Awards
In 2006, Bell was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her role in The Triangle.
Personal life
Bell is fluent in Persian and English. She is fond of motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding and kick-boxing. Her hobbies include cross-stitching and making model cars, which she has done since age 8.[13]
In 2002, The Sporting News falsely reported that Bell correctly predicted that the New England Patriots would beat the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, 20 to 17 in a celebrity survey conducted just before the season started.[14] In actuality, Bell's prediction occurred after the NFC and AFC championship games had already been completed, so she did not predict the teams that would be participating, only the final score.[15]
During the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, Bell took flying lessons in a Cirrus SR22.[16]
Bell met actor-production assistant Adam Beason on the set of the 1992 film Death Becomes Her. They were married on May 8, 1994. They are the parents of daughter Gemma (b. 2003) and son Ronan (b. 2010).[17][18] They lived in a nearly 5,700-square-foot faux-Tuscan-style mini-mansion in Calabasas, California.[19] The couple sold the house in 2010,[19] and publicly confirmed that they had separated sometime before September 2011.[20]
Since 2012, Bell has lived with fellow Scientologist, photographer and party planner Brooke Daniells in Los Angeles.[21] In 2014, Bell paid $2.05 million for a recently remodeled, 3,380-square-foot, single-story ranch house on a 1.2 acre lot in the gated Hidden Hills community in the western suburbs of Los Angeles.[19]
Scientology
Bell was raised Roman Catholic and attended an all-girls Catholic school (Our Lady of Corvallis High School in Los Angeles). She is currently a practicing Scientologist.[22] Bell has attested to attaining the Scientology state of Clear.[23] She has supported Scientology's Hollywood Education and Literacy Project.[24]
In December 2005, Bell helped promote the gala opening of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (a Scientology supported group), "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death" museum.[25]
In February 2006, Bell appeared in a Scientology music video called "United". The film includes cameo performances by Isaac Hayes, Erika Christensen, Jenna Elfman and Lynsey Bartilson and promotes human rights with a rap song.[26]
Filmography
Actress
Title | Date | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
A Summer to Remember | 2018 | Jessica Tucker | Television film (Hallmark); Leading Role [27] |
Home for Christmas Day | 2017 | Jane McKendrick | Television film (Hallmark); Leading Role & Executive Producer [28] |
Christmas in the Air | 2017 | Lydia | Television film (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries); Leading Role |
High-Rise Rescue | 2017 | Beth Davis | Leading role[29] |
The Do-Over | 2016 | Dawn Difazio | Television film (Netflix) |
The Bandit Hound | 2015 | Joanne | |
Good Witch | 2015–present | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
The Good Witch's Wonder | 2014 | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
Los Angeles, RIGHT NOW | 2014 | K-PUB's station manager | Episode #5 The Bully |
The Good Witch's Destiny | 2013 | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
King & Maxwell | 2013 | Joan Dillinger | Episodes #1.05 and #1.10 |
The Good Witch's Charm | 2012 | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
Good Morning, Killer | 2011 | FBI Special Agent Ana Gray | Leading role; shown as part of the TNT Mystery Movie Night series |
The Last Man Standing | 2011 | Abby Collins | Leading role |
The Good Witch's Family | 2011 | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
The Good Witch's Gift | 2010 | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
The Good Witch's Garden | 2009 | Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
The Good Witch | 2008 | Cassandra Nightingale | Leading Role & Co-Executive Producer |
Army Wives | 2007–2013 | Denise Sherwood | Series Regular |
Evan Almighty | 2007 | Susan Ortega (Uncredited) | sequel to Bruce Almighty |
Still Small Voices | 2007 | Michael Summer | |
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 2006 | Naomi Cheales | Episode #8.09: "Choreographed" |
Company Town | 2006 | Maggie Shaunessy | unaired pilot |
Threshold | 2006 | Dr. Daphne Larson | Episode #1.11: "Outbreak" |
The Triangle | 2005 | Emily Patterson | |
Babak and Friends: A First Norooz | 2005 | Layla | Voice |
JAG | 1996–2005 | Maj./Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie | Leading Role Episode #1.22: "Skeleton Crew" (1996) as Lieutenant Junior Grade Diane Schonke Episode #3.19: "Death Watch" (1998) as Lieutenant Junior Grade Diane Schonke (archive footage) Episode #5.11: "Ghosts of Christmas Past" (1999) as Jenny Lake Episode #6.23: "Mutiny" (2001) as Mrs. Alexander MacKenzie Episode #8.14: "Each of Us Angels" (2003) as Ensign Beverly Tromatore |
Hot Line: Seductive Tales | 1996 | Cat The Brunch Club | |
Bruce Almighty | 2003 | Susan Ortega | |
Thrill Seekers | 1999 | Elizabeth Wintern | |
Cab to Canada | 1998 | Sandy | |
Black Thunder | 1998 | Lisa | |
Sin City Spectacular | 1998–1999 | Episode #1.10 and #1.16 | |
Crash Dive | 1997 | Lt. Cmdr. Lisa Stark | |
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys | 1997 | Cynea | Episode #3.10: "The Lady and the Dragon" |
Hot Line | 1996 | Cat | Episode "The Brunch Club" aka Hotline Volume 3 (VHS release title) |
The Naked Truth | 1995 | Episode #1.11: "Comet Nails Star and Vice Versa!" | |
Friends | 1995 | Robin | Episode #2.06: "The One with the Baby on the Bus" |
Alien Nation: Body and Soul | 1995 | Cop | |
Vanishing Son | 1995 | Episode #2.06: "Miracle Under 34th Street" as Kelly, Episode #2.12: "Long Ago and Far Away" as Rachel | |
Men of War | 1994 | Grace Lashield | |
Dream On | 1994 | Kay Meadows | Episode #5.09: "Those Who Can't, Edit" |
Mother of the Bride | 1993 | Chastity | |
Death Becomes Her | 1992 | Lisle's Body Double | Isabella Rossellini |
True Colors | 1991 | Donna | Episode No. 2.08: "Brotherly Love" |
Self
Title | Date | Notes |
---|---|---|
Battle of the Network Stars | 2017[30] | |
Hallmark's Home & Family | 26 October 2012, 25 October 2013, 3 April 2015, 6 May 2016, | |
Rachael Ray | 23 April 2010 | |
Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 1 August 2008 | |
The View | 16 June 2008 | |
Live with Regis and Kelly | 2 June 2008 | |
Martha | 17 January 2008 | |
Live with Regis and Kelly | 16 January 2008 | |
Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 8 August 2007 | |
The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet | 1 August 2007 | |
Live with Regis and Kelly | 31 July 2007 | |
Late Show with David Letterman | 30 July 2007 | |
Sci Fi Inside: The Triangle | 2005 | |
United | 2005 | |
Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 23 May 2003 | |
The View | 13 May 2003 | |
DVD Exclusive Awards | 2003 | Presenter |
CBS at 75[1] | 2003 | |
Yes, Dear | 2003 | Episode #3.14: "Let's Get Jaggy with It" |
Sidewalks Entertainment | 2002 | Episode #13.1: "Wedding Planner (Special Edition)" |
The Howard Stern Show | 24 July 2002 | |
Hollywood Squares | 24 September 2001 | |
The Rosie O'Donnell Show | 15 January 2001 | |
Miss Universe 2000 | May 2000 | Judge |
Celebrity Jeopardy! | May 1999 | |
The Howie Mandel Show | 1998 | |
To Tell the Truth | 1990 | in episode with Shelley Michelle as Cathy Bell |
See also
- Agra catbellae - a species of beetle named after Catherine Bell
References
- 1 2 "Catherine Bell Biography (1968-)". Film Reference. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ↑ "Catherine Bell". Hollywood.com. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Catherine Bell now acting less, playing mom more". Iran Times International. September 27, 2013.
- 1 2 Knutzen, Eirik (June 15, 2007). "TV Close-Up: Catherine Bel". Bend Weekly.
- ↑ "Season 10, Episode 22: Fair Winds and Following Seas". TV Guide. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ↑ Owen, Rob (May 31, 2007). "Tuned In: 'Army Wives' is soap du jour". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ↑ Newman, Emily L.; Witsell, Emily (March 28, 2016). The Lifetime Network: Essays on 'Television for Women' in the 21st Century. McFarland & Company. p. 86. Archived at Google Books. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ↑ Camp, Gary (June 3, 2007). "Actress Catherine Bell and a charitable race fan will kickoff the 'Autism Speaks 400 presented by Visa' at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, June 3, 2007". Dover International Speedway. Archived September 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "Catherine Bell Credits". TV Guide. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ↑ Radish, Christina (June 6, 2011). "Catherine Bell Exclusive Interview LAST MAN STANDING and ARMY WIVES". Collider.
- ↑ "Jennifer Aspen Segues From Screen to Hallmark Exec Producer". Deadline Hollywood. August 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Catherine Bell and Victor Webster Begin Production on "Love Finds Its Way" A Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original World Premiere July 9". The Futon Critic. March 20, 2017.
- ↑ Betsy Model (October 1999). "Ma'am Yes Ma'am!". Orange Coast. pp. 32–37.
- ↑ Jeff D'Alessio (January 31, 2002). "The Sporting News". Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved March 14, 2007.
- ↑ Barbara and David Mikkelson (February 4, 2010). "The Bell Curve". Snopes. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ↑ "Lifetime's 'Army Wives' star Catherine Bell takes flying lessons during writers’ strike". The Goshen News.
- ↑ Wihlborg, Ulrica; Michaud, Sarah (August 22, 2010). "Catherine Bell Welcomes a Son". People.
- ↑ "Catherine Bell". TV Guide. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
- 1 2 3 David, Mark (January 23, 2015). "Catherine Bells Settles in Hidden Hills". Variety.
- ↑ Jordan, Julie (September 23, 2016). "Catherine Bell and Husband Separate". People.
- ↑ "SCIENTOLOGY’S TOP 20 CELEBRITIES — in order of those most likely to defect". (September 26, 2016) Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ↑ Zokaei, Mayar (Spring 2005). "Bell Hop". NYLA Magazine. Archived from the original on January 6, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
- ↑ Interview with Catherine Bell, Celebrity (Magazine of the Scientology Celebrity Centre Los Angeles), Issue 347 (April 2003)
- ↑ Bell, Catherine. "Giving Back: This Month". Catherine Bell's Official Website. Archived from the original on April 20, 2006. Retrieved June 8, 2006.
- ↑ Gumbel, Andrew (2006-01-12). "Scientology vs. Science". Los Angeles CityBeat. Southland Publishing. Archived from the original on April 27, 2006. Retrieved June 8, 2006.
- ↑ "What Are Human Rights?: Human Rights Defined". Youth for Human Rights. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ↑ Hallmark will make this ‘A SUMMER TO REMEMBER’ with Catherine Bell and Cameron Mathison! " Hallmark will make this ‘A SUMMER TO REMEMBER’ with Catherine Bell and Cameron Mathison!" April 23, 2018
- ↑ Hallmark Movies & Mysteries - Home for Christmas Day "Hallmark Movies & Mysteries - Home for Christmas Day" June 26, 2017
- ↑ Ruby, Michelle (April 12, 2016). "Movie promises to be hot production". Brantford Expositor.
- ↑ 'Battle of the Network Stars': Introducing the Cast - Vulture June 12, 2017
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Catherine Bell. |