Danneel Harris — Biography

Elta Danneel Graul, born March 18, 1979, is an American talent whose career spans acting, modeling, and gymnastics. Many recognize her for her portrayals of Shannon McBain on the soap opera One Life to Live, a role she held between 2003 and 2004, and later as Rachel Gatina on the drama series One Tree Hill, from 2005 to 2009. Her origins lie in Lafayette, Louisiana, though she spent her formative years in Eunice, a small community within St. Landry Parish. She carries the name of her great-grandmother, Elta, but professionally opts for her middle name, Danneel, a moniker drawn from Danneel Street in New Orleans. Actress Mary Lou is her cousin. Relocating to Los Angeles, she honed her craft further under the tutelage of instructors John Homa, Calmeson (mentioned twice, perhaps an error in the original), and Craig Wargo. Her engagement to actor Jensen Ackles, widely known for his portrayal of Dean Winchester in Supernatural, followed three years of dating. They had previously appeared together in the film Ten Inch Hero before exchanging vows in Dallas, Texas, on May 15, 2010.