VANESSA MARCIL

as SAMANTHA "SAM" MARQUEZ

Starring as the wheeling and dealing Samantha Jane on NBC's hit series "Las Vegas," Daytime Emmy Award-winner Vanessa Marcil showcases her ability to wine-and-dine the high rollers.

A native of Palm Desert, California, Marcil demonstrated a passion for the performing arts at a very young age, leading her to spend her early teen years working in theater. She earned roles in such productions as Neil Simon's "Fools," and the classic "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Marcil received critical acclaim for her performance in the stage production "Southern Rapture," starring country singer/actor Dwight Yoakum and Golden Globe winner Sally Kirkland.

Making her television debut on the daytime drama "General Hospital," Marcil garnered several nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress and Hottest Female Star, winning a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress last year. After her six-year run on the daytime series, Marcil ventured into primetime television appearing as a series regular on "Beverly Hills, 90210." Her other television credits include guest-starring roles on "NYPD Blue," "High Incident" and "Spin City."

Marcil made her feature film debut in the blockbuster "The Rock," starring alongside Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery. Her other feature credits include the independent films "The Space Between Us" and "Nice Guys Sleep Alone" with Sean O'Bryan.

Marcil's work extends beyond her performances on screen. She works closely with Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Their Children, as well as with programs assisting those who have been affected by drug and alcohol abuse. She also has designed a line of children's clothing called Kass (named in honor of her son, Kassius) for Africa. A portion of the proceeds will go to help build schools and open centers to support and empower mothers and their children in Africa

Marcil currently resides in Los Angeles. Her birthday is October 15.