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Melinda Clarke

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Melinda Clarke
Clarke at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival
Born
Melinda Patrice Clarke

Upland, California, U.S.[1]
Other namesMindy Clarke
OccupationActress
Years active1989–present
Spouses
Ernie Mirich
​
​
(m. 1997; div. 2005)​
Adam Farmer
​
(m. 2015)​
Children1

Melinda Patrice "Mindy" Clarke is an American actress.[2] Clarke is known for portraying Faith Taylor on the soap opera Days of Our Lives (1989–1990), Julie Cooper on Fox's teen drama series The O.C. (2003–2007),[3] Lady Heather on CBS' crime drama series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2001–2015) and Amanda on the action thriller series Nikita (2010–2013).[2][4]

Early life

Melinda Clarke was raised in Dana Point, California,[5] the daughter of Patricia Lewis, a ballet dancer, and John Clarke, an actor who was an original cast member of the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives.[citation needed] One of three siblings, Clarke's sister, Heidi, died in 1994 of a malignant heart tumor.[6]

Career

Clarke appeared on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives as Faith Taylor (where her father was a senior cast member), and starred on Soldier of Fortune, Inc. for both of its seasons. She also guest starred on Xena: Warrior Princess as the Amazon chieftain Velasca, Firefly as the brothel madam Nandi, Charmed as the Siren, and has had six appearances on CSI where she played the dominatrix, Lady Heather. She also appeared in the Seinfeld episode "The Muffin Tops", playing Jerry's girlfriend who likes anything hairless. She also played a lead role in the horror film Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993).[7]

She portrayed Julie Cooper in the teen drama series The O.C., that originally aired on the Fox network from August 5, 2003, to February 22, 2007, running a total of four seasons.[8][9][10] Clarke's character Julie Cooper is often characterized as devious and selfish,[11] with USA Today calling her a "shallow vixen".[12] However, she reveals a more vulnerable side of herself a number of times during the series. Clarke was originally billed as a guest star in the first few episodes, and due to fan response was offered a series regular contract; Clarke accepted the role and her character became an integral part of the show's storyline.[3] The series premiered with high ratings and it was widely referred to as a pop culture phenomenon.[13][14]

In July 2009, Entertainment Weekly placed Clarke's The O.C. character Julie Cooper at No. 3 on their list of "21 Top TV Bitches".[15] In January 2021, Vogue wrote about the fashion choices on The O.C., commenting: "Speaking of the Coopers, I also want to end by saying Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke), Marissa’s mom, is so underrated during this whole series. First of all, she’s gorgeous. Secondly, she commands every single room she walks into, whether it’s in a pink Juicy Couture tracksuit or a groovy, off-the-shoulder top. Clearly Marissa got all her fashion sense from her."[16]

As well as starring on The O.C., she has appeared on HBO's comedy-drama series Entourage as a fictionalized version of herself, married to Malcolm McDowell's character Terrance McQuewick.[17][18] She auditioned for the role of Number Six on Syfy's series Battlestar Galactica but the role ultimately went to Tricia Helfer.[19] Clarke portrayed Blithe Meacham in the television film She Drives Me Crazy (2007), which was produced by Kelly Rowan. She had guest roles in several television shows, including Chuck (2007), Reaper (2007) and Ghost Whisperer (2010). In 2010, she appeared on The CW show The Vampire Diaries as Kelly Donovan, a mother who discovers her daughter has died when she returns to Mystic Falls.[20][21] Los Angeles Times praised her performance as Kelly by saying: "In a scene without any dialogue, Clarke made Kelly's grief believable and powerful."[22]

Clarke at the Comic-Con panel session held at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013.

In 2010, she landed one of the main roles as Helen "Amanda" Collins in The CW's action drama series Nikita.[23] Clarke's character was the main antagonist in the show's third and fourth season.[24] The series concluded after four seasons on December 27, 2013.[25][26] She lent her voice to several voice acting projects, voicing Alexa in The Animatrix: Matriculated, Sofia Ivanescu in the video game Mission Impossible: Operation Surma, Madame Macmu-Ling in Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Charlene in King of the Hill.

In April 2021, Clarke and her former The O.C. co-star Rachel Bilson launched a weekly podcast titled Welcome to the OC, Bitches!.[27][28][29] The podcast focuses on the hosts and guests re-watching and discussing episodes of The O.C..[28][30] Several notable guests have appeared on the podcast such as Adam Brody, Peter Gallagher, Josh Schwartz, Jem, Bonnie Somerville and Elizabeth Gillies.[31][32] In August 2021, the podcast was named one of "7 Top Celebrity Podcasts You Should Subscribe To Right Now" by Bustle.[33]

Public image

Two toy action figures have been made of Clarke. The first was for her role as Jessica Priest in Spawn (1997) and the second was for her role as Velasca from the television series Xena: Warrior Princess (1997).[34][35] In August 2005, TV Guide ranked her at No. 5 on their list of "TV's Top Ten Scene Stealers".[36] Clarke has often portrayed characters that are tough, manipulative and villains.[37][38][39] In 2011, she said that fans and viewers of Nikita wanted her character Amanda to be "evil" and "as bad as possible".[40] Clarke described her The O.C. character Julie Cooper by saying: "You believe your character's truth–and her truth was maintaining this beautiful façade. Physically and monetarily. But ultimately she is an outsider, and that's what Josh has explained is the biggest theme of this show: everyone is really an outsider. They were one, or they become an outsider, or they feel like an outsider."[41]

During her career, Clarke has appeared in magazine covers and pictorials such as In Touch Weekly,[42] Fangoria and Regard magazine.[43]

Personal life

Clarke was married to Ernie Mirich from 1997 to 2005,[44] and they have a daughter born in 2000.[45][46] In September 2015, Clarke married Adam Farmer in in a ceremony held in Dana Point, California.[47][44] The couple's wedding photos were exclusively featured in People magazine.[48]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1992 Hot Under the Collar Monica
1992 Out for Blood Laura
1993 Young Goodman Brown Faith Brown
1993 Return of the Living Dead 3 Julie Walker
1995 Return to Two Moon Junction Savannah DeLongpre
1996 Mulholland Falls Cigarette girl
1996 Killer Tongue Candy
1997 Critics and Other Freaks Mrs. M.
1997 Soldier of Fortune Margo Vincent Television film
1997 Spawn Jessica Priest
2002 Cold Sweat Starring
2002 .com for Murder Agent Williams
2003 The Animatrix Alexa (voice) Segment: "Matriculated"
2004 Dynamite Beta
2007 She Drives Me Crazy Blithe Meacham Television film
2014 How Divine! Chelsea Kirk Television film
2017 Enough About You Short film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1989–1990 Days of Our Lives Faith Taylor 130 episodes
1991 Jake and the Fatman Angel Alexander Episode: "Every Time We Say Goodbye"
1994 The George Carlin Show Christy Episode: "George Helps Sydney"
1994 Heaven Help Us[49] Lexy Monroe Main role; 12 episodes
1996 Strange Luck Lola Vale Episode: "Lightning Strikes"
1997 Xena: Warrior Princess Velasca 2 episodes
1997 Nash Bridges Karen Decker Episode: "Out of Chicago"
1997 Seinfeld Alex Episode: "The Muffin Tops"
1997 Sliders Allasandra Episode: "This Slide of Paradise"
1997–1999 Soldier of Fortune, Inc. Margo Vincent Main role; 37 episodes
2000 The Pretender Miss Eve Episode: "Meltdown"
2000 Nash Bridges Abby Gordon Episode: "End Game"
2001 Star Trek: Enterprise Sarin Episode: "Broken Bow: Part 2"
2001–2015 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Lady Heather 8 episodes
2002 First Monday Unknown Episode: "Pilot"
2002–2003 The District Olivia Cahill 5 episodes
2002 Charmed Siren Episode: "Siren's Song"
2002 Everwood Sally Keyes Episode: "Till Death Do Us Part"
2003 Tremors Megan Flint Episode: "Night of the Shriekers"
2003 Firefly Nandi Episode: "Heart of Gold"
2003–2007 The O.C. Julie Cooper Main role; 90 episodes
2004 50 Most Wicked Women of Primetime Herself / Co-host E! television special
2005–2011 Entourage Melinda Clarke 6 episodes
2006 Avatar: The Last Airbender Madame Macmu-Ling (voice) Episode: "The Tales of Ba Sing Se"
2007 Reaper Mimi Episode: "Ashes to Ashes"
2008 King of the Hill Charlene (voice) Episode: "Untitled Blake McCormick Project"
2008 Chuck Sasha Banacheck Episode: "Chuck Versus the Seduction"
2008–2009 Eli Stone Dr. Lee 3 episodes
2009 Hell's Kitchen Herself Episode: "13 Chefs Compete"
2010 Ghost Whisperer Donna Episode: "Old Sins Cast Long Shadows"
2010–2013 Nikita Helen "Amanda" Collins Main role; 70 episodes
2010, 2017 The Vampire Diaries Kelly Donovan 5 episodes
2013 Vegas Lena Cavallo 4 episodes
2014 Dallas Tracey McKay 2 episodes
2016 Gotham Grace Van Dahl 3 episodes
2018 Swedish Dicks Rebecca Glos Episode: "It Had to Be Lou"

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
2003 Mission: Impossible – Operation Surma Sofia Ivanescu Voice
2012 Nikita: Codebreaker Amanda

Music videos

Year Title Artist Notes
1995 "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" Bryan Adams

Awards and nominations

Year Award/Festival Category Nominated work Result
1990 Young Artist Awards Best Young Actress in a Daytime Drama Days of Our Lives Nominated
1994 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actress Return of the Living Dead 3 Won
1996 Sitges Film Festival Best Actress Killer Tongue Won

References

  1. ^ "The Shower with Amanda Righetti". Welcome to the OC, Bitch. October 19, 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  2. ^ a b "Exclusive: Melinda Clarke Reflects on The O.C., Dishes on The Vampire Diaries and Nikita". TeenDramaWhore. 2010-05-09. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  3. ^ a b Cohen, Anne. "We Still Owe Melinda Clarke For Bringing Us Julie Cooper". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  4. ^ "Putting the Fun into Dysfunctional, Melinda Clarke Reflects on 5 of Her Most Memorable Characters | the TV addict". Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  5. ^ Gliatto, Tom; Rhone, Paysha Stockton; November 20, Monica Rizzo Updated; Pm, 2006 12:00. "Picks and Pans Review: Spotlight on the O.C.'s Melinda Clarke". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30. {{cite web}}: |first4= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Melinda Clarke Biography at Yahoo! Movies
  7. ^ Maslin, Janet (1993-10-29). "Review/Film; A Lust for the (Supposedly) Lifeless". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
  8. ^ April 30, Nicholas Rice; Am, 2021 10:48. "The O.C. Creator Shares Which Actors Were Almost Cast Instead of Ben McKenzie and Mischa Barton". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30. {{cite web}}: |first2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ April 27, Nicholas Rice; Am, 2021 09:11. "Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke Are 'Totally Down' for The O.C. Reboot: 'Never Say Never'". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30. {{cite web}}: |first2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Garron, Barry (2019-08-05). "'The O.C.': THR's 2003 Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  11. ^ May 04, Isabel Jones. "The O.C.'s Most Controversial Relationship Got an Important Last-Minute Edit". InStyle. Retrieved 2021-12-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Jensen, Erin. "'The O.C.': Rachel Bilson on dating Adam Brody, the storyline she and Melinda Clarke would kill". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  13. ^ "Ryan, Seth, and co. shine in pop culture phenomenon". The Observer. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
  14. ^ "Welcome (back) to The OC: Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke launch new podcast". Tatler. 2021-03-26. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  15. ^ November 16, EW Staff Updated; EST, 2009 at 03:00 PM. "21 Top TV Bitches". EW.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ "17 Thoughts I Had Re-Visiting the Fashion on The O.C." Vogue. 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  17. ^ "Vegas Exclusive: Who's Playing Mia's Mother?". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  18. ^ "The 25 Best Episodes Of "Entourage"". Complex. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  19. ^ Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion
  20. ^ Ausiello, Michael (January 8, 2010). "'Vampire Diaries' exclusive: Melinda Clarke is the mom from hell!". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 15, 2010. Retrieved April 13, 2010.
  21. ^ "'The O.C.' star Melinda Clarke hits TIFF 2012: See her now!". www.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  22. ^ "Melinda Clarke on 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The O.C.' and her new CW pilot". LA Times Blogs - Show Tracker. 2010-04-15. Retrieved 2021-12-31.
  23. ^ Richenthal, Matt (2011-09-06). "The Big C Exclusive: Gabriel Basso on Inspiring Viewers, Getting Crabs". TV Fanatic. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  24. ^ "'Nikita' Star Melinda Clarke On Amanda's Endgame & Her Interest In Owen". HuffPost. 2012-11-09. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  25. ^ Cocks, Simon (2016-11-14). "TV review: Nikita — 'Cancelled'". Medium. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  26. ^ Barr, Merrill. "Nikita's Final Season Isn't About Fan Service, It's About Netflix". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  27. ^ October 26, Topher Gauk-Roger; Am, 2021 08:00. "Rachel Bilson Talks 'Emotional' Reunion with The O.C. Costar Adam Brody: He's 'Super Dear to Me'". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29. {{cite web}}: |first2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ a b Rosario, Alexandra Del (2021-03-25). "'The O.C.'s Rachel Bilson & Melinda Clarke To Revisit Teen Drama For 'Welcome To The OC, Bitches!' Podcast At Kast Media". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  29. ^ Baila, Morgan. "Two Of The OC's Best Characters Are Reuniting For "Welcome To The OC, Bitches"". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  30. ^ Conway, Jeff. "Rachel Bilson & Melinda Clarke Are A Blast From The Past With Their New 'The OC' Podcast". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  31. ^ "Welcome to the OC, Bitches! on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  32. ^ "'We were pinned as the bitches': the OC and 90210 stars reclaiming their voices". the Guardian. 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  33. ^ "7 Top Celebrity Podcasts You Should Subscribe To Right Now". Bustle. Retrieved 2021-12-31.
  34. ^ "Melinda Clarke Trivia - Melinda Clarke Information and Facts - FamousFix". FamousFix.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  35. ^ Barbecue17. "Action Figure Review: Jessica Priest from Spawn: The Movie by McFarlane Toys". Retrieved 2021-12-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ "Melinda Clarke". IMDb. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  37. ^ Becca Bleznak (2017-08-17). "15 Actors Who Always Play the Villain". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved 2021-12-31. There's something about Melinda Clarke that plays as tough and no-nonsense.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  38. ^ "Nikita's Melinda Clarke: Fans Want Amanda to Be Truly Evil". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2021-12-31.
  39. ^ ""Gotham" Adds "The OC" Star Melinda Clarke as New Character". CBR. 2015-12-10. Retrieved 2021-12-31.
  40. ^ Wightman, Catriona (2011-02-24). "'Nikita' star: 'Fans want evil Amanda'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2021-12-31.
  41. ^ "Rachel Bilson & Melinda Clarke Dig Up Old Drama On Their 'The O.C.' Podcast". Bustle. Retrieved 2021-12-31.
  42. ^ "Melinda Clarke". Bellazon. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  43. ^ "#13 Regard Magazine April 2012 by Regard Magazine, LLC - Issuu". issuu.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  44. ^ a b "'The O.C.' Cast's Dating Histories Through the Years". Us Weekly. 2021-09-25. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  45. ^ November 20, peoplestaff225 Updated; Am, 2007 09:47. "Melinda Clarke and daughter attend Enchanted premiere". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29. {{cite web}}: |first2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  46. ^ Crook, John (May 4, 2005). "Julie of 'The O.C.' striving to be a better mom". TV Guide. Gettysburg Times. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Exclusive: All the Gorgeous Details from Melinda Clarke's Wedding". October 7, 2015.
  48. ^ October 07, Sarah Kinonen Updated; Pm, 2015 01:37. "Exclusive: All the Gorgeous Details from Melinda Clarke's Wedding". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30. {{cite web}}: |first2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  49. ^ Thomas, Bob (September 4, 1994). "Ricardo Montalban returns to television". Entertainment. Santa Cruz County Sentinel. Santa Cruz, California. Associated Press. p. B-5. Retrieved June 11, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
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