Popular Tammy

Background:

"I was overweight, not popular at all. It wasn't until the drama club in junior high that I felt I belonged to a group." Tammy Lynn Michaels.

American actress Tammy Lynn Michaels first gained recognition with her role of Nicole Julian in the 1999 teenage soap, Popular. She recently gained more notice while portraying Tess on the NBC's series, Committed (2005).

Tammy's private life raised the public's attention with her controversial relationship with her lesbian partner, singer Melissa Etheridge. Etheridge, who suffered from breast cancer, was reported to be back on her feet again after struggling with the devastating crisis.

A Drama Nerd

Childhood and Family:

"My mother had four jobs. She's been through a lot of struggles, and she's an inspiration." Tammy Lynn Michaels

In the small town of Lafayette, Indiana, Tamara Doring, later known as Tammy Lynn Michaels, was born on November 26, 1974. Together with her older sister, Tammy was raised by her mother and while growing up, played sports and delivered newspapers during summers. Drama nerd Tammy attended Jefferson High School and following her graduation she joined a theater camp at Indiana State University.

After dating musician Melissa Etheridge (born on May 29, 1961) for two years, Tammy and Melissa announced their engagement on April 15th, 2003. The couple tied the knot in a closed ceremony in Malibu, California on September 20th 2003. About their wedding the couple said, "We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and begin the rest of our lives together."

D.E.B.S. Agent

Career:

Planning to pursue her acting career, Tammy Lynn Michaels moved to New York with her mother after graduating high school. In the "Big Apple," Tammy held various jobs such as babysitter and waitress until an agent discovered her in the restaurant where she worked. Soon Tammy landed her first acting gig doing commercials and odd jobs, including being a goblin in Macy's Santa Land.

Tammy decided to pay serious attention to her future acting career and moved to Los Angeles. Shortly after her arrival, Tammy won the co-starring role of bad-characterized Nicole Julian in the WB's teen drama comedy series, Popular (1999-2001, starring Leslie Bibb and Carly Pope). About the character she portrayed, Tammy commented, "Early on, I saw how quickly a girl can get pigeonholed into the 'blond-haired, blue-eyed girlfriend' or 'ingénue sweetheart.' I don't find much interest in [that kind of role] unless she's really, really funny."

Subsequently, Tammy was busy guest starring in shows like That 80's Show (in 2002, playing Patty) and The L Word (in 2004, playing Lacey). She also appeared in her companion's music video titled I Want To Be In Love.

In 2003, Tammy debuted on the silver screen. Film director Angela Robinson cast her as Max, teamed with Alex Breckenridge, Shanti Lowry, and Jill Ritchie, in her short action comedy film, D.E.B.S. In the film, the four actresses play a high school girl quartet group who are recruited to do a secret and dangerous mission.

In early 2005, Tammy could be seen in the NBC's comedy series Committed, in which she portrayed the role of Jennifer Finnigan's fellow nanny, Tess. Being asked the reason why she took the role in Committed, Tammy responded, "I liked the really dark, crunchy humor.

I liked that the wacky people were suddenly in the center and it was the normal people [who were sidekicks], as opposed to other sitcoms, which are usually vice versa. I liked everything about it... and the clown in the closet? Are you kidding me? Come on! Somebody's in the closet, I gotta go!"

Awards:
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