Kathryn Erbe

Det. Alexandra Eames

Kathryn Erbe stars as Detective Alexandra Eames in Season 8 of the USA Network original series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Erbe is a veteran of both film and television and has been a working actress since she graduated from New York University in 1989.

Erbe's television credits include playing the infamous death row inmate Shirley Bellinger on the acclaimed HBO series "Oz." She also appeared on NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street," the miniseries "George Wallace," Showtime's original production of "Naked City: Justice with a Bullet," NBC's "Another World" and the television movie "Breathing Lessons."

Erbe also gained notice in the 1999 box office hit "Stir of Echoes" opposite Kevin Bacon and "Dream with the Fishes" with David Arquette. Her additional film credits include "Entropy," "Kiss of Death," "D2: The Mighty Ducks," "Rich in Love" and "What About Bob?" Most recently, she appeared in the feature film "Speaking of Sex" with Lara Flynn Boyle and Bill Murray.

Before appearing in feature films, Erbe began her career on the stage. She is a member of the Steppenwolf Theater Company and has starred in many of their productions, including Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" as Stella, "Curse of the Starving Class" and "My Thing of Love." She earned a Tony Award nomination in 1991 for her portrayal of Mary in "Speed of Darkness." Erbe is also an active member of the Atlantic Theatre Company.

Most recently, Erbe completed filming on "Three Backyards," starring opposite Embeth Davidtz and Edie Falco.

Erbe currently resides in New York with her two children.