NBC.com

Rachel Melvin joins the cast as the recently orphaned and older-than-her-year's teenager Chelsea Benson, best friend to Abby (Ashley Benson) on NBC's "Days of our Lives."

Melvin's professional credits include numerous national commercials, co-starring roles on "8 Simple Rules" and "Jack and Bobby." She also had the experience of performing a skit with comedian/actor Andy Dick on "The Teen Choice Awards." Her recent film credits include a lead in the independent film "Boo." She has done extensive musical theater and received superior ratings at the Clear Lake Drama Festivals in Group Acting, Improv, Mime, Storytelling and Lip Sync. She was also a National Finalist for the "Teen Choice Awards" representative contest and choreographed the Mountain Pointe Dance Company concerts in Arizona. Melvin is a former member of the Southwest Valley Youth Orchestra where she studied and played violin.

Melvin passed up a full scholarship to Arizona State University to pursue her acting career in Los Angeles. Having trouble deciding whether to pursue entertainment or something more steady, she left her decision making up to fate. She and some friends visited a casino in Phoenix, at the time the legal gambling age was still 18, and played BINGO. Melvin won the jackpot and walked away with enough money to cover acting classes - she took this as the sign she needed and realized "it was a gamble but it worked out!"

Melvin began to fly to Los Angeles every weekend to study at Scott Sedita Studios in Hollywood. She was offered a space in his showcase class but was then forced to make the commitment to move to Los Angeles permanently. She has relocated, living with a cousin at first, and has now been here for 18 months. Melvin believes that "everything does happen for a reason!"

Although most young actresses emulate famous actresses, Melvin credits Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp as her idols. "They never do the same thing; they take on new challenges with every role and really showcase their talent. I also love the period pieces!" She does list Julia Roberts, Brittany Murphy and Rachel McAdams among her favorites as well.

Melvin is single and enjoys art, specifically ceramics, drawing and scrap booking. She also enjoys creative writing, swimming, rollerblading, cooking and loves animals. Melvin lives in Los Angeles with her 2 dogs, Riley and Cali, a yellow lab and golden retriever. Her birthday is February 9.