Best known as Sam Marquez, the resourceful raven-haired casino hostess who kept the high rollers happy on the action series “Las Vegas,” Vanessa Marcil made her television debut on the daytime drama “General Hospital” as Brenda Barrett, a role that ultimately brought her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Born in Indio, California, Marcil became interested in the performing arts at a young age and began working in theatre as a teenager. After breaking into television on “General Hospital,” Marcil went on to join the cast of “Beverly Hills, 90210” as Gina Kincaid. Marcil also appeared as a guest star on “Spin City,” “NYPD Blue” and “Crossing Jordan,” and in 1996, she made her feature-film debut opposite Nicolas Cage in “The Rock.”
In addition to her work in front of the cameras, Marcil has donated her time to Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Their Children in Santa Monica, California and to programs aimed at those affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Marcil has also designed a line of children’s clothing called Kass (named for her son). A portion of the proceeds from the line will go to aid women and children in Africa.
