Laura Leighton
Encyclopedia
Laura Leighton is an American actress. She is best-known for the role of Sydney Andrews
, introduced in the 1990s television series Melrose Place. She reprised the role in the 2009 series of the same name
. In 2010, she joined the cast of the television series Pretty Little Liars
, playing Ashley Marin.
in the prime time series Melrose Place. The part was originally intended for only two episodes in season 1, but was developed into a full-time role for the subsequent seasons 2 to 5 (1993-97).
During breaks on filming of Melrose Place, Leighton starred in television films, including In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy as Laurette Wilder, a woman from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for a rich boy, much to the disgust of his grandparents. She also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live
in 1995 with musical guest Rancid
.
Leighton left Melrose Place in 1997 at the end of her contract, and later appeared on Beverly Hills, 90210
. Aaron Spelling
created the role of wannabe actress Sophie Burns for her, and she received a six-figure salary per episode.
In 1999, Leighton appeared in the independent feature film Angels, Baby!, it received a limited release late that year, that same year she appeared in the romantic comedy Seven Girlfriends and the thriller Clean and Narrow which was released direct to video in early 2000.
In the 2000s, she has guest-starred in shows such as Cupid and The Outer Limits
, and lent her voice to the animated series Duckman
. She later starred in the indie film
The Sky Is Falling before taking a long break to have children. In 2003, Laura returned to the small screen in the much-hyped, but little-watched SKIN
, which lasted three episodes, and in the short-lived 2005 ABC series Eyes
. In 2006–2007, Laura has made numerous prime-time guest appearances, on shows such as the ABC drama/comedy Boston Legal
, Law & Order: SVU, CSI: Miami
, and Shark
. In 2004 she starred in Deadly Encounter as Joanne Sanders, a single mother who is the victim of a stalker. Leighton was seen in the made-for-TV movie Love Notes on Lifetime the western/horror/thriller The Burrowers
directed by J.T Petty and the Hallmark Channel movies Daniel's Daughter and Mending Fences
, opposite Angie Dickinson
.
On April 5, 2009, The Hollywood Reporter
announced that Leighton would appear in the 2009 series Melrose Place
, reprising her role as the presumed-dead Sydney, who will serve as landlord at Melrose Place. On December 7, 2009, ABC Family
announced that Leighton had been cast in the TV series Pretty Little Liars
, a TV adaptation of a book of the same name
by Sara Shepard
.
' s 1994 Fall TV Preview issue. She also appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone
with her co-stars Heather Locklear
and Josie Bissett
in May 1994, in an issue entitled "The Hot Issue". In 1995, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award
for her work on the series. Also in '95, Leighton was named one of the most beautiful people in the world by People
magazine. The role of Sydney Andrews, which she signed on to reprise in the 2009 Melrose Place spin-off, has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter
as "one of the most popular characters" from the original series.
, and is a 1986 graduate of West High School in Iowa City. She assumed her grandfather's surname in 1988.
In 1998, she married her Melrose Place co-star Doug Savant
. They have two children together: Jack (born October 2000) and Lucy (born June 2005). She also raises Savant's two children from a previous marriage.
Sydney Andrews
Sydney Andrews is a fictional character in the American television series Melrose Place and the 2009 series of the same name, portrayed by Laura Leighton....
, introduced in the 1990s television series Melrose Place. She reprised the role in the 2009 series of the same name
Melrose Place (2009 TV series)
Melrose Place is an American television series broadcast on The CW Television Network from September 8, 2009 to April 13, 2010. The fifth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise, it is an updated version of the 1990s Fox prime time drama of the same name, featuring a group of young adults...
. In 2010, she joined the cast of the television series Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars (TV series)
Pretty Little Liars is an American mystery-thriller teen drama television series created by Marlene King. Based on the popular series of novels written by Sara Shepard, the show premiered on June 8, 2010 on ABC Family...
, playing Ashley Marin.
Career
In the early 1990s, she took her first major acting role as Sydney AndrewsSydney Andrews
Sydney Andrews is a fictional character in the American television series Melrose Place and the 2009 series of the same name, portrayed by Laura Leighton....
in the prime time series Melrose Place. The part was originally intended for only two episodes in season 1, but was developed into a full-time role for the subsequent seasons 2 to 5 (1993-97).
During breaks on filming of Melrose Place, Leighton starred in television films, including In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy as Laurette Wilder, a woman from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for a rich boy, much to the disgust of his grandparents. She also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
in 1995 with musical guest Rancid
Rancid (band)
Rancid is an American punk rock band formed in Berkeley, California in 1991. Founded by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, both of whom previously played in the ska punk band Operation Ivy, Rancid is credited—along with Green Day and The Offspring—for reviving mainstream interest in punk rock in the...
.
Leighton left Melrose Place in 1997 at the end of her contract, and later appeared on Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
. Aaron Spelling
Aaron Spelling
Aaron Spelling was an American film and television producer. As of 2009, Spelling's eponymous production company Spelling Television holds the record as the most prolific television writer, with 218 producer and executive producer credits...
created the role of wannabe actress Sophie Burns for her, and she received a six-figure salary per episode.
In 1999, Leighton appeared in the independent feature film Angels, Baby!, it received a limited release late that year, that same year she appeared in the romantic comedy Seven Girlfriends and the thriller Clean and Narrow which was released direct to video in early 2000.
In the 2000s, she has guest-starred in shows such as Cupid and The Outer Limits
The Outer Limits (1995 TV series)
The Outer Limits is an American television series that originally aired on Showtime,the Sci Fi Channel and in syndication between 1995 and 2002...
, and lent her voice to the animated series Duckman
Duckman
Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man is an American animated sitcom that aired from 1994–1997, created by Everett Peck and developed by Peck. The sitcom is based on characters created by Peck in his Dark Horse comic...
. She later starred in the indie film
Independent film
An independent film, or indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced...
The Sky Is Falling before taking a long break to have children. In 2003, Laura returned to the small screen in the much-hyped, but little-watched SKIN
Skin (TV series)
Skin is a television serial drama which aired at 9:00 p.m. Monday on Fox in 2003. It followed the tale of two teenagers who came from feuding families on opposite sides of the moral and legal spectrum. Adam is the son of the Los Angeles District Attorney, and Jewel is the daughter of a pornographer...
, which lasted three episodes, and in the short-lived 2005 ABC series Eyes
Eyes (TV series)
Eyes is an ABC television series starring Tim Daly as Harlan Judd. Eyes follows the firm of Judd Risk Management which uses marginally legal means to investigate individuals and crimes where law enforcement would fall short...
. In 2006–2007, Laura has made numerous prime-time guest appearances, on shows such as the ABC drama/comedy Boston Legal
Boston Legal
Boston Legal is an American legal dramedy created by David E. Kelley, which was produced in association with 20th Century Fox Television for the ABC...
, Law & Order: SVU, CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation....
, and Shark
Shark (TV series)
Shark is an American legal drama created by Ian Biederman that originally aired on CBS from September 21, 2006 to May 20, 2008. The series stars James Woods.-Synopsis:...
. In 2004 she starred in Deadly Encounter as Joanne Sanders, a single mother who is the victim of a stalker. Leighton was seen in the made-for-TV movie Love Notes on Lifetime the western/horror/thriller The Burrowers
The Burrowers
The Burrowers is a 2008 horror/thriller film with a Western theme. The film is based on a seven-part television series from director JT Petty.-Plot:...
directed by J.T Petty and the Hallmark Channel movies Daniel's Daughter and Mending Fences
Mending Fences
Mending Fences is a television movie that premiered on Hallmark Channel July 19, 2009. The film stars Laura Leighton and Angie Dickinson.-Plot summary:...
, opposite Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson is an American actress. She has appeared in more than fifty films, including Rio Bravo, Ocean's Eleven, Dressed to Kill and Pay It Forward, and starred on television as Sergeant Suzanne "Pepper" Anderson on the 1970s crime series Police Woman.-Early life:Dickinson, the second of...
.
On April 5, 2009, The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Formerly a daily trade magazine, The Hollywood Reporter re-launched in late 2010 as a unique hybrid publication serving the entertainment industry and a consumer audience...
announced that Leighton would appear in the 2009 series Melrose Place
Melrose Place (2009 TV series)
Melrose Place is an American television series broadcast on The CW Television Network from September 8, 2009 to April 13, 2010. The fifth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise, it is an updated version of the 1990s Fox prime time drama of the same name, featuring a group of young adults...
, reprising her role as the presumed-dead Sydney, who will serve as landlord at Melrose Place. On December 7, 2009, ABC Family
ABC Family
ABC Family, stylized as abc family, is an American television network, owned by ABC Family Worldwide Inc., a subsidiary of the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company...
announced that Leighton had been cast in the TV series Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars (TV series)
Pretty Little Liars is an American mystery-thriller teen drama television series created by Marlene King. Based on the popular series of novels written by Sara Shepard, the show premiered on June 8, 2010 on ABC Family...
, a TV adaptation of a book of the same name
Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars is a series of more than 10 young adult novels by Sara Shepard, from 1981–present, which have been made into a television show . The series follows the lives of four girls — Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily — whose clique falls apart after the disappearance of their leader,...
by Sara Shepard
Sara Shepard
Sara Shepard is an American author known for the bestselling Pretty Little Liars series of young-adult novels.-Biography:Shepard graduated from Downingtown West High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania in 1995, and got her undergraduate degree from New York University. She later received an MFA...
.
Accolades
Following her performance in the second season of Melrose Place, Leighton was featured on the cover of Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
with her co-stars Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear
Heather Deen Locklear is an American actress best known for her television roles as Sammy Jo Carrington on Dynasty, Officer Stacy Sheridan on T.J...
and Josie Bissett
Josie Bissett
Josie Bissett is the stage name of Jolyn Christine Heutmaker , an American actress best known for her role as Jane Mancini on the television series Melrose Place.-Early life :...
in May 1994, in an issue entitled "The Hot Issue". In 1995, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award
Golden Globe Award
The Golden Globe Award is an accolade bestowed by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign...
for her work on the series. Also in '95, Leighton was named one of the most beautiful people in the world by People
People (magazine)
In 1998, the magazine introduced a version targeted at teens called Teen People. However, on July 27, 2006, the company announced it would shut down publication of Teen People immediately. The last issue to be released was scheduled for September 2006. Subscribers to this magazine received...
magazine. The role of Sydney Andrews, which she signed on to reprise in the 2009 Melrose Place spin-off, has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Formerly a daily trade magazine, The Hollywood Reporter re-launched in late 2010 as a unique hybrid publication serving the entertainment industry and a consumer audience...
as "one of the most popular characters" from the original series.
Personal life
Leighton was born Laura Miller in Iowa City, IowaIowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, State of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of about 67,862, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County and home to the University of Iowa...
, and is a 1986 graduate of West High School in Iowa City. She assumed her grandfather's surname in 1988.
In 1998, she married her Melrose Place co-star Doug Savant
Doug Savant
Douglas Peter "Doug" Savant is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Matt Fielding on Melrose Place and Tom Scavo on the ABC dramedy series Desperate Housewives.-Career:...
. They have two children together: Jack (born October 2000) and Lucy (born June 2005). She also raises Savant's two children from a previous marriage.
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1999 | Angels, Baby! | Jessica | |
| Clean and Narrow | Marie | ||
| Seven Girlfriends | Anabeth | ||
| 2000 | The Sky Is Falling The Sky Is Falling (film) The Sky is Falling is an American film released in 2000 written and directed by Florrie Laurence and produced by Brad Hall and David Parks. The picture starred Dedee Pfeiffer, Teri Garr, Howard Hesseman, and Eric Close.-Plot:... |
Amber Lee | |
| 2008 | The Burrowers The Burrowers The Burrowers is a 2008 horror/thriller film with a Western theme. The film is based on a seven-part television series from director JT Petty.-Plot:... |
Gertrude | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1993 | Victim of Love: The Shannon Mohr Story | Travel Agent | Television movie Uncredited |
| 1993-1997 | Melrose Place | Sydney Andrews Sydney Andrews Sydney Andrews is a fictional character in the American television series Melrose Place and the 2009 series of the same name, portrayed by Laura Leighton.... |
126 episodes |
| 1994 | Life with Louie: A Christmas Surprise for Mrs. Stillman | Voice role | Television movie |
| 1995 | The Other Woman | Carolyn | Television movie |
| In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy | Laurette Wilder | Television movie | |
| 1997 | Duckman Duckman Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man is an American animated sitcom that aired from 1994–1997, created by Everett Peck and developed by Peck. The sitcom is based on characters created by Peck in his Dark Horse comic... |
Ditzi | 1 episode |
| The Larry Sanders Show The Larry Sanders Show The Larry Sanders Show is a satirical television sitcom that aired from August 1992 to May 1998 on the HBO cable television network in the United States. It starred stand-up comedian Garry Shandling as vain, neurotic talk show host Larry Sanders, and centered on the running of his TV show, and the... |
Herself | 1 episode | |
| 1998 | Cupid | Kristy Holbrook | 1 episode, unaired |
| Beverly Hills, 90210 Beverly Hills, 90210 Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise... |
Sophie Burns | 6 episodes | |
| Naked City: A Killer Christmas | Gerry Millar | Television movie | |
| 2000 | The Outer Limits The Outer Limits (1995 TV series) The Outer Limits is an American television series that originally aired on Showtime,the Sci Fi Channel and in syndication between 1995 and 2002... |
Anne Marie Reynolds | 1 episode |
| Early Edition Early Edition Early Edition is an American television series that aired on CBS from September 28, 1996 to May 27, 2000. Set in the city of Chicago, Illinois, it follows the adventures of a man who mysteriously receives each Chicago Sun-Times newspaper the day before it is actually published, and who uses this... |
Ginger | 1 episode | |
| 2002 | We'll Meet Again We'll Meet Again (2002 film) We'll Meet Again is a 2002 film, based on the novel of the same name by Mary Higgins Clark.-Plot:Socialite Molly Lasch is released from prison after serving a six-year sentence for the murder of her husband, Dr. Gary Lasch. Now, with the help of Fran, an investigative reporter, Molly sets out to... |
Fran Simmons | Television movie |
| 2003 | Skin Skin (TV series) Skin is a television serial drama which aired at 9:00 p.m. Monday on Fox in 2003. It followed the tale of two teenagers who came from feuding families on opposite sides of the moral and legal spectrum. Adam is the son of the Los Angeles District Attorney, and Jewel is the daughter of a pornographer... |
Cynthia Peterson | 3 episodes |
| 2004 | Tru Calling Tru Calling Tru Calling is an American television supernatural drama series that premiered on Fox Network on October 30, 2003. It ran for two seasons before being canceled.... |
Jordan Davies | 1 episode |
| A Deadly Encounter | Joanne Sanders | Television movie | |
| 2005-2007 | Eyes Eyes (TV series) Eyes is an ABC television series starring Tim Daly as Harlan Judd. Eyes follows the firm of Judd Risk Management which uses marginally legal means to investigate individuals and crimes where law enforcement would fall short... |
Leslie Town | 12 episodes |
| 2006 | CSI: Miami CSI: Miami CSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.... |
Alyssa Prince | 1 episode |
| Boston Legal Boston Legal Boston Legal is an American legal dramedy created by David E. Kelley, which was produced in association with 20th Century Fox Television for the ABC... |
Erica Dolenz | 2 episodes | |
| 2007 | Shark Shark (TV series) Shark is an American legal drama created by Ian Biederman that originally aired on CBS from September 21, 2006 to May 20, 2008. The series stars James Woods.-Synopsis:... |
Angela Corbin | 1 episode |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is an American police procedural television drama series set in New York City, where it is also primarily produced... |
Lillian Rice | 1 episode | |
| Love Notes | Nora Flannery | Television movie | |
| 2008 | Daniel's Daughter Daniel's Daughter Daniel's Daughter is a 2008 Canadian television film directed by Neill Fearnley. The film is about a magazine editor who returns to her small hometown to fulfill a request from her estranged father.- Plot :... |
Cate Madighan | Television movie |
| 2009 | Melrose Place Melrose Place (2009 TV series) Melrose Place is an American television series broadcast on The CW Television Network from September 8, 2009 to April 13, 2010. The fifth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise, it is an updated version of the 1990s Fox prime time drama of the same name, featuring a group of young adults... |
Sydney Andrews | 13 episodes |
| Mending Fences Mending Fences Mending Fences is a television movie that premiered on Hallmark Channel July 19, 2009. The film stars Laura Leighton and Angie Dickinson.-Plot summary:... |
Kelly Fariday | Television movie | |
| 2010-present | Pretty Little Liars Pretty Little Liars (TV series) Pretty Little Liars is an American mystery-thriller teen drama television series created by Marlene King. Based on the popular series of novels written by Sara Shepard, the show premiered on June 8, 2010 on ABC Family... |
Ashley Marin | TV series |
Award nomination
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Golden Globe Award Golden Globe Award The Golden Globe Award is an accolade bestowed by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign... |
Nominated | Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV | Melrose Place |