Ambitious and bright, Tameka Jacobs has beat the odds and managed to win the love of millions of viewers each week as Case Model #21 on NBC's hit show "Deal or No Deal." Even in Los Angeles, where the beautiful and talented are a dime a dozen, sometimes you do find that special woman with a rare combination of looks and talent that radiates superstar.

Jacobs was born in the small California town of French Camp and at age three was the center of a racially charged custody battle. Her groundbreaking story was featured in People Magazine, Inside Edition, Extra and Star Magazine.

Jacobs beat all odds and was adopted by a beautiful San Francisco Bay Area family who saw a shine in her.

She was quickly enrolled in jazz, tap and ballet classes and she studied dance for all of her adolescent life. Coupled with classes in acting, modeling and public speaking, she became a force to be reckoned with.

While living in the Bay Area, Jacobs got the opportunity of a lifetime when she became the morning news and traffic reporter for one of San Francisco's highest-rated radio stations, KYLD 94.9. She did radio in the mornings, and used the rest of the day to continue her modeling and dance career by booking jobs in catalogs, magazines, television commercials, live shows, and music videos. A few years into her internship, she relocated to Los Angeles.

Within weeks of arriving in Hollywood, Jacobs was able to secure the leads in high fashion editorials, music videos, and commercial print work, and also took part in Apple iPod's first worldwide silhouette campaign. She is featured in runway shows by fashion favorites Joy Han and British Vogue's Deborah Lindquist, and she has graced the pages of YRB Magazine as their 2006 U.S. representative for "The Color of Beauty" feature.

However, the glitz and glam of Jacobs rising stardom have not gone to her head. This beauty keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground by using her own successful life as an inspiration, and continues her work with girls and young women in foster homes and adoption agencies.

This dynamo wants to do it all and continues to prove she can. From model to actress to host to personality, there is no doubt that we will see her in the next few years either starring in a Hollywood blockbuster film, playing the lead in a hit television show, or hosting her own show - because she has been built for stardom.

Questionnaire

1. Are there particular qualities you like in a contestant?
I love when they're energetic and bouncy! I love when they have a "touchdown" dance!

2. Do you have a favorite contestant?
I loved Gary Riotto! Sweet, energetic and POSITIVE!!

3. How tough is it to stand in place for the entire taping? Is there something like martial arts training for long term smiling?
It's very tough at first but eventually you go numb.

4. What was your most embarrassing moment on the show?
Ooops... sorry... don't get embarrassed.

5. What would you like to be doing next in your career?
I would love to host! I've always wanted to work for MTV! Or maybe, hopefully, a comedy sitcom!

6. What do you like doing most with your free time?
I love chillin' out! I like jazz, fine wine and when I have time, I enjoy outdoor activities.

7. What one person, besides you parents, has had the most influence on your life? Why?
Josephine Baker. She stood up for her rights, broke color lines and was a phenomenal dancer. She also adopted so many children! She's my kinda girl!

8. Where are you from originally? What brought you to LA?
French Camp, California, but Bay Area raised! I came to Los Angeles to pursue modeling and acting because unfortunately the industry isn't that big in the Bay Area.

9. What has been a particularly memorable experience in you life, something that really stood out?
The day I packed and moved to L.A. All my dreams were crammed into my old Honda not knowing what was next... DREAMS!

10. Now for the important question: What was your favorite TV show when you were ten?
"Alf," "Small Wonder," "The Littles," "Fraggle Rock."