Genuine, intelligent, and independent are just a few of the words that can describe actress Nancy Lee Grahn. The seasoned actress, who arrived at "General Hospital" in 1996, plays strong and savvy Alexis Davis, a brilliant attorney who is completely loyal to her family, the Cassadines, sometimes against her better judgment.

Grahn grew up in Skokie, Illinois, where her parents were choreographers for a local community theater. However, her first taste of acting occurred in a high school production of "Oklahoma." With a very small part in the chorus, Grahn knew then that she would follow in her parents' footsteps. As she prepared to start her freshman year at University of Illinois, a friend suggested she audition for "Guys & Dolls" at the Goodman Rep Theatre, where she landed her first big break in the role of Mimi. Grahn went on to perform on stage in a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with the Dallas Theatre Center.

After "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Grahn went to New York, where she had the good fortune of studying acting with Sandy Meisner. In New York, she continued to perform in numerous plays, such as "Tomorrow," "Cole," "Fathers Day," and "Two for the Seesaw," among many others.

Grahn's television career came next with a move to Los Angeles for a change of pace. Her first television role was Beverly Wilks, Marco Dane's secretary on ABC's "One Life to Live." She went on to guest-star in episodes of "Moonlighting," "Murder, She Wrote" and "Magnum P.I.," to name a few. In 1989, she won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Julia Wainwright on "Santa Barbara." She has most recently been seen in the recurring role of Denise Fielding on "Melrose Place," Connie Dahlgren on ABC's "Murder One," and as Principal Russell on "7th Heaven." Grahn has also guest-starred in "Diagnosis Murder," "Perry Mason" and "Babylon V," in addition to starring in numerous television movies.

When Grahn is not at work, she enjoys escaping to her beach house to daydream, visualize and write. "I am curious about why we do the things we do, and I've made a career trying to figure it out," explains Grahn. But if one looks at the generosity that Grahn displays to charitable and important causes, no one would even think twice about why Grahn does what she does. "I think it is important to use the soap box to do other things than promote storyline," and to that end, Grahn has turned her fan club into a community service contest, and has lobbied the support of other daytime talent to create "Daytime for Choice." Grahn helped in the Clinton presidential campaign because of his enormous support for women, and she continues to give time and energy to many women's causes. She also chaired the Media Access Awards, which promote the appropriate portrayal of disability in the media.

Birthdate/Birthplace
April 28
Skokie, Illinois

Parents:
Bob and Barbara Grahn

Siblings:
Wendy and Suzie

Spouse:
Single

Children:
Katharine Grace born 2/24/98

FYI:
She was born and raised in Skokie. She began acting at age 12 and made her professional debut while in high school with the Goodman Theatrein Chicago in the musical "Guys and Dolls". She remained active during her high school days by performing in many other theatre productions while also fulfilling her obligations as an honors student, class president and homecoming queen. After graduating in 1976, she moved to New York where she converted a two-day stint on the daytime series"One Life to Live" into a one-year contract playing the villainess Beverly Wilkes. For a change of pace, she then moved to Los Angeles where she was cast in the "Little House on the Prairie." She has also appeared in "Magnum P.I.", "Simon & Simon", "Quincy", "Knight Rider","Murder, She Wrote", as well as television movies that included "Kids Don`t Tell" and "Obsessed With A Married Man". She has formed the ProChoice Organisation "Daytime For Choice" speaking with her father, a recovering alcoholic, about the family dynamics envolving from this disease as well as serving as the spokesperson for the National VictimCenter. She can be seen in "General Hospital" as Alexis Davis. Nancy appeared in "Melrose Place" as Denise Fielding, Matt Fielding`s sister. Nancy also has a recurring role on 7th Heaven.