Andrea Parker — Biography
Andrea Nicole Parker, born on March 8, 1970, in Monterey County, California, is a distinguished American actress known for her contributions to television and film, as well as her background as a ballet dancer. Her prominent roles include appearances in popular series such as ER, The Pretender, Less Than Perfect, Desperate Housewives, and Pretty Little Liars. Parker’s journey into ballet began at the tender age of six, and by 15, she had joined a professional dance company. However, after three years of touring, she decided to leave ballet behind and shifted her focus to acting while also working as a bartender.
Parker’s first credited film appearance came when she was 19, in the movie Rented Lips, where she portrayed a dancer/nurse. Her television breakthrough occurred in 1992 with a notable role as a nurse in the celebrated Seinfeld episode "The Contest." This led to a series of guest appearances and recurring roles, including Linda Farrell on ER—a character who developed a romantic connection with Dr. Doug Ross—and Caitlin Pike in JAG. Parker also served as a body double for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, famously lending her legs to the film's iconic opening scene.
Though she appeared in various pilots, she garnered significant attention and a devoted fanbase through her portrayal of Miss Parker on NBC’s The Pretender. Parker found herself drawn to the complex and formidable character, appreciating her depth as she noted, "my name was all over the script." Miss Parker became a figure that viewers both adored and loved to detest. Additionally, she played the role of Catherine Parker, Miss Parker’s mother, providing a stark contrast to her main character.
Following the cancellation of The Pretender in 2000, Parker made another guest appearance on JAG before returning to her Miss Parker role in telemovies for The Pretender that aired on TNT in 2001. She transitioned back to television in 2002, starring as Lydia Weston in the ABC sitcom Less Than Perfect until its conclusion in 2006. Parker has made various guest spots on television talk shows and participated in numerous celebrity events, including poker tournaments.
Beyond her acting career, Parker is known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting charities such as the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization, Glenn Siegel's My Good Friend charity, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research, and Project Angel Food. Furthermore, Parker has trained as a stunt driver and is proficient in handling firearms. She won the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy award at the 2005 WIN (Women's Image Network) Awards for Less Than Perfect and was honored with the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the 2003 Primetime TV Awards for the same show.
Parker’s first credited film appearance came when she was 19, in the movie Rented Lips, where she portrayed a dancer/nurse. Her television breakthrough occurred in 1992 with a notable role as a nurse in the celebrated Seinfeld episode "The Contest." This led to a series of guest appearances and recurring roles, including Linda Farrell on ER—a character who developed a romantic connection with Dr. Doug Ross—and Caitlin Pike in JAG. Parker also served as a body double for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, famously lending her legs to the film's iconic opening scene.
Though she appeared in various pilots, she garnered significant attention and a devoted fanbase through her portrayal of Miss Parker on NBC’s The Pretender. Parker found herself drawn to the complex and formidable character, appreciating her depth as she noted, "my name was all over the script." Miss Parker became a figure that viewers both adored and loved to detest. Additionally, she played the role of Catherine Parker, Miss Parker’s mother, providing a stark contrast to her main character.
Following the cancellation of The Pretender in 2000, Parker made another guest appearance on JAG before returning to her Miss Parker role in telemovies for The Pretender that aired on TNT in 2001. She transitioned back to television in 2002, starring as Lydia Weston in the ABC sitcom Less Than Perfect until its conclusion in 2006. Parker has made various guest spots on television talk shows and participated in numerous celebrity events, including poker tournaments.
Beyond her acting career, Parker is known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting charities such as the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization, Glenn Siegel's My Good Friend charity, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research, and Project Angel Food. Furthermore, Parker has trained as a stunt driver and is proficient in handling firearms. She won the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy award at the 2005 WIN (Women's Image Network) Awards for Less Than Perfect and was honored with the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the 2003 Primetime TV Awards for the same show.
