Veronica Hamel

Sobre Veronica Hamel

Veronica Hamel, born on November 20, 1943, in Philadelphia, is an acclaimed American actress and model. She is the daughter of a carpenter from Philadelphia and a homemaker. After completing her studies at Temple University, Hamel worked as a secretary for a company producing ironing board covers. Her modeling career took off when she was discovered by Eileen Ford. Hamel made her film debut in 1971 with her role as a model in Klute, and she later appeared in disaster films like Beyond the Poseidon Adventure and When Time Ran Out. Notably, she was the model featured in the last cigarette commercial ever broadcast in the United States, promoting Virginia Slims during The Tonight Show at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1970. In addition to her work for Slims, she also modeled for Pall Mall Gold cigarettes in print advertisements.

Hamel began her television career in 1975 and was considered for the part of Kelly Garrett on Charlie's Angels, although she ultimately chose to turn down the role, which went to Jaclyn Smith. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Joyce Davenport, a passionate public defender who was also the love interest of Captain Frank Furillo, on the iconic TV series Hill Street Blues, which aired from 1981 to 1987. For this performance, Hamel received five Emmy nominations. In the 1988 film A New Life directed by Alan Alda, she starred as his physician and romantic interest. In the 1990 film Taking Care of Business, she played Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Grodin's character. In 1983, she earned a spot on Us magazine's "Best Dressed" list. Later, in 2002, Hamel made an appearance in the legal drama Philly, created by Hill Street Blues' Steven Bochco. More recently, she had a recurring role in the NBC series Third Watch and portrayed Margo Shephard, Jack's mother, on the ABC series Lost.