Nancy Valen

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Nancy Valen (born December 16, 1965) is an American actress and television producer. She is best known for her portraying Captain Samantha Thomas on Baywatch.

Early life

Nancy Valen was born and raised in Hallandale, Florida, on the beach of the southern Atlantic coast. By the time she was 12 years old, she was spending summers modeling in New York City and studied acting at Uta Hagen's HB Studios. After graduating from a performing arts high school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Valen won a theatrical scholarship to the University of Florida. She ultimately declined the scholarship in favor of continuing her professional career in Miami. Meanwhile, she attended Broward Community College, where she studied theatre and paid for her tuition by modeling and acting, appearing in two episodes of Miami Vice.

After one year of college, Valent went to New York to pursue a theatrical career. Within one month of being in New York, she landed a series regular role on the daytime drama Ryan's Hope. Valent stayed with Ryan's Hope, for two years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue other interests.

Career

Acting

Valen made her film debut in the 1985 comedy film Porky's Revenge, followed by a role in The Heavenly Kid with Richard Mulligan and Jane Kaczmarek. In 1989, Valen co-starred alongside Patrick Dempsey in the film, Loverboy. She also had a small role opposite Kirk Cameron in the the film Listen to Me. Her other film appearances include Seven Sundays alongside Molly Ringwald; directed by Academy Award-winning director, Jean-Charles Tacchella.

In addition to films, Valen has also appeared in various television series. In 1990, she guest starred in an episode of Saved by the Bell. That same year, she co-starred in the short-lived musical series Hull High. After the series premiere, TV Guide proclaimed her "the most agreeably watchable new star on TV". Valen has also guest starred on Hardball, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Friends, Spin City, Boy Meets World, Miami Vice, Murder She Wrote, and Saved by the Bell.

Valen has also appeared in several infomercials for the Bun and Thigh Roller, Slam man, Thin 'n Sexy Body Wrap, Kevin Trudeau's Debt Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About, and the Instyler.

Producing

Valen, alongside Craig J. Nevius, formed Windmill Entertainment. Among the television programs she has produced include Living in TV Land, Chasing Farrah, William Shatner in Concert, and Let's Kill Scott Baio.

Personal life

Since October 1994, Valen has been married to Nels Van Patten (son of actor Dick Van Patten). Her cousin is actress Talia Balsam.

Filmography

External links

• Nancy Valen at the Internet Movie Database
• Nancy Valen at TV.com
• Baywatch database: actors: Nancy Valen