Biography for
Dana Delany

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Dana Welles Delany was born on March 13, 1956, in New York City and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. Dana knew early in life that she wanted to be an actress. Following graduation from Wesleyan University, this tall (5'7") beauty moved to New York and developed her skills working in daytime television and theater. Dana starred in the Broadway show "A Life" and received critical acclaim in a number of off-Broadway productions as well. Her role in Nicholas Kazan's controversial "Bloodmoon" in New York led her to Hollywood. Dana acted in a number of TV series, working steadily until she could get her own starring vehicle. That happened in 1988 when Dana became identified with Army nurse Colleen McMurphy in ABC TV's critically acclaimed series "China Beach" (1988), the role earning her three Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards as Best Actress.

Dana moved on to movies and eventually started getting starring roles in films, such as Exit to Eden (1994). With over a dozen TV and movie projects within the last few years, Dana is one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood.

Trivia

Her grandfather invented the Delany valve, a flushing device still use in today's toilets.

Had a brief romance with Treat Williams and Don Henley.

1991: Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.

Attended and graduated from Wesleyan University.

She was the voice of two superheroes' girlfriends: Andrea Beaumount, girlfriend of Bruce Wayne, in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993), and Lois Lane in "Superman" (1996).

Although she is from New York City and is a stage-trained actress, she admitted in an interview that she prefers film and television work to stage work.

Measurments: 34C-25-36 (on Exit to Eden (1994) set) (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).

Attended Phillips Academy Andover for high school.

Attended Stamford, Connecticut, public schools until her senior year in high school.

3/18/81: Her father, who was her biggest fan, died from pancreatic cancer.

Shares a birthday with her True Women (1997) (TV) co-star Annabeth Gish.

Has an older brother, Sean Delany, and a younger sister, Corey Delany.

Dated Henry Czerny for 4 years.

When she moved to New York City in the 1970s, she worked as a cocktail waitress while waiting for her big break.

Friend of Arleen Sorkin and Bob Saget.

Her first and last names are quoted in the final rhyme to the "Animaniacs" (1993) theme song.

Original choice for the role of "Bree" on "Desperate Housewives" (2004). Role went to her friend, Marcia Cross. They both appeared on "Cheers" (1982), but on different episodes.

Favorite TV shows are "Mad Men" (2007) and "30 Rock" (2006).

Her mother is related to Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of Navy, Gideon Welles.

Personal Quotes

If you put Willem Dafoe, Liam Neeson and James Woods in a room together, there wouldn't be room for anyone else.

[describing to David Letterman her eccentric family's devotion to their patriarch's invention of the Delany flush valve] My grandfather used to say, "It may be shit to you, but it's our bread and butter."

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