Falcon Crest: A Tribute | Cast Biographies | Kristian Alfonso (Pilar Ortega Cumson)

Kristian Alfonso, born September 5, 1964, in Brockton, Massechusetts, played Pilar Ortega Cumson, wife of Lance Cumson (Lorenzo Lamas). Although Pilar was introduced as a wishy-washy executive with a hidden past, the character became infinitely more compelling when her desire for power over 'Falcon Crest' was at odds with the love she felt for her husband. Pilar had an affair with distributor Ned Vogel in order for him to renew the Falcon Crest contract. Lance was devastated when he found out and Pilar had to convince him of her love. The two ended up happy, expecting a second child in the final episode.

Alfonso, whom "Soap Opera Digest" called one of the most beautiful women on television, made her debut on "Days of Our Lives" as Hope Williams in 1983. The following year, she was named Outstanding Female Newcomer at the first annual "Soap Opera Digest" Awards. Alfonso left "Days" in 1987 but reprised her role for a brief time in 1990. In May 1994, she returned as the amnesiac Gina (now Hope Williams Brady).

Alfonso has starred in several prime-time television programs. At the age of 16, she played opposite Rock Hudson in the NBC movie "Starmaker." In addition to her two-year run on 'Falcon Crest', she appeared in the recurring role of Lauren Etheridge on "Melrose Place." Alfonso also starred with Shannen Doherty and Judd Nelson in the USA Network movie "Blindfold." Her other television credits include hosting the syndicated talk show "Love Stories" and guest-starring on the drama series "Burke's Law." Alfonso's feature-film credits include starring opposite Dolph Lundgren in "Joshua Tree."

Alfonso won a gold medal in figure skating at the Junior Olympics when she was 13. A bobsledding injury ended her skating career, however, so she began modeling. By age 15, she had appeared internationally on the covers of 30 magazines, including "Vogue" and "Bazaar."

A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, Alfonso lives in California. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her 5-year-old son, Gino.

From nbc.com, in part.

For more about Kristian Alfonso, click on a link below:

Kristian Alfonso interviews from our Interviews & Press Reports page.
Kristian Alfonso pictures at our Multimedia Gallery.

You can also find out more about Kristian via the sites below:

Kristian's biography and photo at NBC-TV.com.
Internet Movie Database listing for Kristian Alfonso.

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