show name	8 Simple Rules
show name 2	''8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter'' (seasons 1-2)
format	Sitcom
camera	Film; Multi-camera
runtime	22 minutes
creator	Tracy Gamble
starring	John RitterKatey SagalKaley CuocoAmy DavidsonMartin SpanjersBilly Aaron BrownJames GarnerDavid Spade
executive producer	Tom ShadyacMichael Bostick (entire run)Tracy Gamble (seasons 1–2)Flody Suarez (seasons 1–2)James Widdoes (seasons 2–3)Judd PillotJohn Peaslee (season 3)
company	Shady Acres EntertainmentTouchstone Television(entire run)FlodyCo (seasons 1–2)Tracy Gamble Productions(season 2)
distributor	Disney-ABC Domestic Television(U.S. syndication)Disney-ABC International Television(international syndication)
theme music composer	Dan Foliart
country	United States
language	English
location	Walt Disney StudiosBurbank, California
network	ABC
picture format	480i (SDTV)720p (HDTV)
first aired
last aired
num seasons	3
num episodes	76
list episodes	List of 8 Simple Rules episodes
status	Ended }}

''8 Simple Rules'' (originally known as ''8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter'') is an American sitcom television series, originally starring John Ritter and Katey Sagal. It debuted on ABC on September 17, 2002, and concluded on April 15, 2005. Ritter's character in the series was not replaced following his death on September 11, 2003. After entering a hiatus, the series continued without Ritter, incorporating the death of his character. James Garner and David Spade joined the cast afterward. ABC cancelled the series on May 17, 2005 after three seasons due to low ratings.

Premise

The rules are: # Use your hands on my daughter and you'll lose them after. # You make her cry, I make you cry. # Safe sex is a myth. Anything you try will be hazardous to your health. # Bring her home late, there's no next date. # If you pull into my driveway and honk, you better be dropping off a package because you're sure not picking anything up (Alternative rule #5: Only delivery men honk. Dates ring the doorbell. Once.) # No complaining while you're waiting for her. If you're bored, change my oil. # If your pants hang off your hips, I'll gladly secure them with my staple gun. # Dates must be in crowded public places. You want romance? Read a book.

The third season (after Ritter's death) took a creative turn, revolving more around cousin C.J. (David Spade), and grandfather Jim (James Garner), than the immediate Hennessy family, more specifically not revolving around the raising of the Hennessy girls. After the novelty of newly added ensemble characters wore off, the series returned to its original format.

Notable episodes

The episode "Come and Knock on Our Door" features a dream sequence in which Paul is on the set of ''Three's Company'', the sitcom in which John Ritter gained fame. His co-star on ''Three's Company'', Don Knotts, appeared in a cameo at the end of the episode. Knotts was the last ''Three's Company'' co-star to work with Ritter before Ritter's death.

In the third season episode "Old Flame", Cate sneaks away from the house for an evening with her ex-boyfriend, Matt (Ed O'Neill). O'Neill and Sagal portrayed Al and Peg Bundy in ''Married... with Children''.

In the first season episode "The Doyle Wedding", former ''Cheers'' stars (John Ratzenberger and Shelley Long) appear as the Doyle parents at their daughter's wedding. Ratzenberger guest-starred in three episodes, again playing Fred Doyle, the Hennessys' pesky and annoying neighbor. Although ex-''Cheers'' co-star Shelley Long played Fred's wife Mary Ellen in "The Doyle Wedding, for Ratzenberger's other episodes, ''Laverne and Shirley'''s Cindy Williams played Mary Ellen. Ratzenberger's last appearance on ''8 Simple Rules'' was on the first segment of the "Goodbye" episode following Ritter's death from an aortic dissection in 2003.

The first season finale and second season premiere featured Cybil Shepherd as Cate's sister, Maggie. Throughout the first season it is suggested that Cate and Maggie have a similar sibling bond to that of Bridget and Kerry, with Cate being like Bridget. But in the second episode, they switched roles.

Production

Ritter's death

The first three episodes of the second season had been completed when, following an interview on the set with the Museum of Television & Radio, Ritter suffered an aortic dissection. After he experienced discomfort during a rehearsal of the season's fourth episode that afternoon, crew members took Ritter to a nearby hospital, where he died that night following a misdiagnosis of a heart attack. Following Ritter's death, ABC announced that the show would continue after a hiatus, and would incorporate the death of Ritter's character. The three new episodes that Ritter completed were aired with Sagal introducing them.

The show returned on November 4, 2003, with a one-hour episode, "Goodbye", dedicated to Ritter's death. Subsequent episodes dealt with the family's reaction to his death and them moving on from it. The first four post-Ritter episodes were shot without a live audience (except for the cold open on "Goodbye"), and Suzanne Pleshette and James Garner guest-starred as Cate's parents. David Spade later guest-starred as Cate's wayward nephew, C.J. Both Garner and Spade eventually received starring roles.

Third season and subsequent cancellation

In its first season, the series ranked 42nd in the Nielsen ratings. By the end of the second season, it had slipped to 50th, but was renewed for a third season, for which ABC moved the show to Friday night at 8:00 pm as part of its ''TGIF'' comedy line-up. The series' creator and show-runner, Tracy Gamble, left the series for a time over creative differences prior to the third season (he later returned as a consulting producer midway through the third season). He was replaced by Judd Pillot and John Peaslee who had performed the same role in the final season of David Spade's previous sitcom, ''Just Shoot Me!'' The series plunged to 94th in the ratings. Even before the third season finale's airing, rumors began circulating that ''8 Simple Rules'' was facing cancellation.

The Friday night "death slot" ratings took their toll on ''8 Simple Rules''. The third season finale (in which Katey Sagal's character tells her family that she has been dating the school principal played by Adam Arkin) was not aired for May sweeps. The finale received a 3.9/8 rating share which gave ABC a third place finish behind NBC's ''Dateline'' (5.8/11) and CBS' ''Joan of Arcadia'' (4.9/10), which starred Ritter's son Jason. On May 17, 2005, ABC officially cancelled ''8 Simple Rules''.

Characters

Main characters

Paul Hennessy, portrayed by John Ritter (2002–2003). A former sports writer who worked from home as a Lifestyle columnist. Described as being "the master of the double standard", a "Psycho-Dad" as well as a perceived hypocrite who often embarrasses his children, even if he wants what is best for them. Nonetheless, he loves his children, and wants them to have happy futures. Paul dies in the second season after collapsing in the store while buying milk. (Though no real reason is given for why he collapsed, it's believed that it had something to do with his heart, as was the reason for John Ritter's death.)

Cate S. Hennessy (née Egan), portrayed by Katey Sagal. The wife, mother, nurse and easily the most sane and composed person in the family. She takes a nursing job at the kids' school so that she can work standard hours and spend more time with the kids. Cate starts dating her kids' high school principal, Ed Gibb (portrayed by Adam Arkin), towards the end of Season 3. She received her middle name "Stinky" as a result of her father promising his best friend he would name one of his children after him after accidentally stabbing him with a bayonet while they were drunk in Korea; to hide this, she claims that the S stands for "Stacy." Bridget Erin "Bridge" Hennessy, portrayed by Kaley Cuoco. Bridget is the beautiful, dim-witted oldest child. She is depicted as a stereotypical blonde, a popular bombshell who is interested in her looks, teenage boys and little else. She has many times mentioned she wears thongs. Bridget once complained that all she had left was thongs having worn her "only real underwear to church". Sometimes she has a deep or intelligent moment, but these are initially few and far between, yet often surprisingly poignant, like when she reveals her favorite book is J. D. Salinger's ''The Catcher in the Rye''. After her father dies, she starts to mature more. Bridget initially felt guilty about Paul's death because the last words she ever spoke to him were "I hate you" after arguing with him earlier that morning, because he said no to her using the car. It is mentioned many times that Bridget has a tattoo, though it is not known what it depicts. (However, there have been a very few times when a tattoo is seen on her lower back for brief moments.) It was revealed in season 2 that Bridget was conceived on a beach.

Kerry "Care Bear" Hennessy, portrayed by Amy Davidson. She is the middle child, but she's not very happy about it. She is often seen as unattractive when compared to her beautiful older sister, Bridget. She was accused by Bridget of stealing her (ex-) boyfriend, Kyle, though it was quite clear that Bridget's actions drove Kyle away. Kerry is sarcastic, often making snide remarks about essentially everybody, though less to her mother. She is also a passionate activist who cares about animal rights. She lost her virginity to Bruno (her boyfriend in Europe) later in the third season. She is often annoyed at her sister and is easily upset, yet frequently the two girls team-up against their parents' authority or at the expenses of their younger rascal brother. Kerry is also very artistic and keeps a sketchbook. She is the smart child, but often shows naiveté. After she starts dating Bridget's popular ex-boyfriend Kyle, her own popularity increases, and she begins to act a little more like her older sister.

Rory Joseph Hennessy, portrayed by Martin Spanjers, is Cate and Paul's son and their youngest child. He constantly tattles on his sisters, getting twisted pleasure out of it, as per his remark when he had stirred the pot to his liking: "This is just like my birthday!" Usually he waits until his sisters already commit an infraction, then he tattles to see his father explode. Rory is his father's favorite, being the boy. He becomes involved in money-making schemes with C.J. He is commonly seen playing in the living room and mentions wanting a monkey, which he once had by trading some of his father's baseball cards; the monkey was later traded for a guitar, which was short-lived as Rory annoyed the family with it. He also delights in showing his friends the private aspects of his sister Bridget's life, mentioning once that his friends looted Bridget's underwear drawer. Rory was hit hard by Paul's death and ended up punching a hole in his wall out of anger, cutting his hand. He covered for it saying he burnt it taking a casserole out of the oven. After he enters high school, Rory matures, leaving C.J. to be the wisecracker of the family. However, Rory still had his moments.

Jim Egan, portrayed by James Garner (2003–2005), is Cate's father. Jim served in the Korean War and is proud of his service (he angers whenever it is mentioned as a "police action"). He is very protective of the family. He often sneaks away to smoke tobacco. He is divorced, having formerly resided in Florida before moving into Cate's basement and often used to try to beat C.J. with his cane. He once sent CJ on a long journey to Canada to buy "acetylsalicylic acid" for him. When C.J. discovers this is merely aspirin, Jim explains, "C.J., the pain in my hip is still here. But now the pain in my ass is in Canada!" He takes pride in C.J.'s success as a teacher. When C.J.'s biological father comes to visit his son, Jim feels out of place and angry because he prepared a car for C.J. after he becomes a full-fledged teacher, but then Mr. Barnes gives C.J. a sports car.

C.J. Barnes, portrayed by David Spade (2004–2005), is Cate's nephew. He was once in the Army and claims to have studied aerial photography during the Gulf War, and to have received a Purple Heart in combat, which is in complete contrast with his generally childish attitude. He is a teacher at the school and often pursues women, albeit unsuccessfully. When C.J. first arrives, the family is initially surprised. He reveals to them that he was ashamed that he did not live up to be the person Paul had once said he would be and avoided them because of that. He lives along with his grandfather, Jim, in the basement (having previously lived in a van, which was burned by that same grandfather). He once dated Mrs. Krupp, his cousins' (Kerry and Bridget) math teacher, but he ended up cheating on her with his ex-girlfriend Cheryl. He once revealed that his first initial stands for Corey (while trying to get a woman to go out with him) to Rory's girlfriend's sister Sissy, but Rory said that was untrue. CJ previously smoked marijuana heavily (and in fact used to smoke with Kyle's older brother), but at the start of his appearances, he claims not to have touched it in two years (he originally claimed it was five, though he relented after Jim expressed disbelief).

Other characters

Kyle, portrayed by Billy Aaron Brown, is Bridget's – and later Kerry's – ex-boyfriend. He is often seen spending time with Rory when not with either Kerry or Bridget. His father, Tommy, used to work with Paul.

Ed Gibb, portrayed by Adam Arkin, is the principal of the local high school. He and Cate knew each other in high school, and even dated. When discussing it, his and Cate's account of their first romantic encounter varied, with either believing they had more self-control and admitting to the other that they liked the other as just friends. Despite this, they have had some very intimate moments.

Coach Scott, portrayed by Dan Cortese, is a high school coach on whom Bridget had a crush. He likes Cate, and Cate initially likes him, but then discovers Bridget's crush, which causes her to deny Scott's romantic advances towards her.

Jenna Sharpe, portrayed by Nikki Danielle Moore (2003–2005). Paul's boss Nick's daughter, and one of Bridget's rivals, who later becomes her friend. She has a younger sister, Rachael (Nicole Mansour), who is a friend of Kerry.

Missy Kleinfeld, portrayed by Daniella Monet (2003–2005), is Rory's love interest in Season 2. She has a sister, Sissy (Elena Lyons), who likes CJ.

Jeremy, portrayed by Jonathan Taylor Thomas (2003–2004), is Bridget's tutor and eventual boyfriend. He is considered a nerd at school, and because of this, Bridget at first denies her interest in him by saying it was only because he was her tutor.

Anthony W., portrayed by Cole Williams (2002–2003), is a student in Bridget's class. He was a white boy who spoke like a black rapper, often resulting in confusion. It is revealed in "Cool Parent" that he plays lacrosse.

Maggie Barnes (née Egan), portrayed by Cybill Shepherd, is Cate's sister and CJ's mother. Maggie shares the same sensitive, moody nature as Kerry. However it appears (from a conversation between Ed Gibb and Cate) that Cate was the smarter one as well as being more popular.

Fred Doyle, portrayed by John Ratzenberger, is a persistent and over-friendly neighbor of the Hennessys, and husband of Mary Ellen (portrayed originally by Shelley Long and then by Cindy Williams). He is the father of Donald "Donny" Doyle who has dated Bridget for some time. Fred was the head of the neighborhood watch, and it was noted that his family is religious when Bridget claims she is going over for Bible study in an episode in Season 2.

Mrs. Crupp, portrayed by Suzy Nakamura, is a math teacher from school.

Episodes

American ratings

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" !colspan="2"|Season !!Episodes !!Premiere !!Season finale !!U.S. ratings |- | 1 || 2002–2003 ||28 ||September 17, 2002 || May 20, 2003 || 10.9 million (46th place) |- | 2 || 2003–2004 ||24 ||September 23, 2003 || May 18, 2004 || 10.0 million (50th place) |- | 3 || 2004–2005 ||24 ||September 24, 2004 || April 15, 2005 || 6.8 million (90th place) |}

Syndication

While ''8 Simple Rules'' ratings were well above those of the surrounding TGIF shows during its third season, ABC canceled it due to the inability to sell it to syndication. Due to John Ritter's death, ''8 Simple Rules'' could not air two daily cycles (with episodes from varying seasons), as some think doing so would confuse and/or upset viewers. However, Danish channel TV3 and the Canadian channel YTV and ABC Spark do air episodes featuring Ritter.

On July 11, 2005 (less than two months after ABC officially canceled it), the WB television network announced it would air back-to-back repeats of all 76 episodes of ''8 Simple Rules'' from 4–5 p.m. weekdays from January 2, 2006 to September 15, 2006 when it was replaced by ''Reba'' on ''The CW Daytime''.

On Tuesday, June 12, 2007, the show joined the ABC Family line-up, airing weekdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Then in September 2008, the show started airing from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, until October 10, 2008. On October 3, 2009, ''8 Simple Rules'' returned to ABC Family, having been absent for a year, airing on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and Sundays at 11:00 a.m.-12:00 pm Airings have mostly been sporadic due to the channel's unpredictable movie schedule and holiday programming block. On February 8, 2010, the series was added back to ABC Family's weekday lineup, airing from 6-7PM/ET, replacing ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air''. After a few months of being absent on the channel, ''8 Simple Rules'' resumed airings on ABC Family at 7/6 c on select weekend mornings, beginning July 18, 2010, and lasting through August 7, 2010. ''8SR'' currently airs in an hour block from 1:00–2:00 pm, on weekday afternoons, on ABC Family.

In 2003 the show began airing in the UK on the Disney Channel, which was edited for kid's viewing. It was picked up by ABC1 which aired the show until the channel's closure in 2007. The same year, Channel 5 began airing the series in which season one only aired, then in 2008 was shown on 5*.

DVD releases

On August 7, 2007, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released Season 1 of ''8 Simple Rules'' on DVD in Region 1. Season 1 was released in Britain on September 1, 2008.

In August 2008, Lionsgate Home Entertainment announced that they had acquired the rights to the series from ABC Studios. They subsequently released Season 2 on DVD in Region 1 on May 19, 2009.

align="center" align="center" align="center"

!DVD Name!!Ep #!!Region 1!!Region 2!!Region 4
8 Simple Rules (season 1)	The Complete First Season	28 ||	August 7, 2007	September 1, 2008	November 12, 2008
The Complete Second Season	24 ||	May 19, 2009	TBA	TBA
The Complete Third Season	24 ||	TBA	TBA	TBA

References

External links

An online (archived) version of Bruce Cameron's article presenting the premise of the 8 Simple Rules

Jump The Shark – 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter

James Garner Interview on the ''Charlie Rose Show''

James Garner interview at Archive of American Television

Category:2000s American television series Category:2000s American comedy television series Category:2002 American television series debuts Category:2005 American television series endings Category:American Broadcasting Company network shows Category:American television sitcoms Category:English-language television series Category:Teen sitcoms Category:Television series by Buena Vista Television Category:Television shows set in Detroit, Michigan

ar:8 قواعد بسيطة bg:Осем прости правила da:Fingrene væk fra min teenagedatter de:Meine wilden Töchter es:8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter fr:Touche pas à mes filles it:8 semplici regole lt:8 paprastos taisyklės ms:8 Simple Rules nl:8 Simple Rules ja:パパにはヒ・ミ・ツ pl:8 prostych zasad pt:8 Simple Rules ru:8 простых правил для друга моей дочери-подростка fi:Teinitytön kasvatusopas sv:8 Simple Rules

name	Kaley Cuoco
birth name	Kaley Christine Cuoco
birth date	November 30, 1985
birth place	Camarillo, California, US
residence	San Fernando Valley, California
nationality	American
occupation	Actress, voice actress
years active	1992–present
known for	''8 Simple Rules''''Charmed''''The Big Bang Theory''
website	Twitter
footnotes	}}

Kaley Christine Cuoco ( ; born November 30, 1985). is an American film and television actress. She first came to attention for her role as Bridget Hennessy on the Emmy Award-winning sitcom ''8 Simple Rules'' (2002–2005). She later starred as Billie Jenkins on the final season of the supernatural drama series ''Charmed'' (2005–2006). She has gained international acclaim and recognition for her current role as Penny on the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning comedy series ''The Big Bang Theory'' (2007–present), which became the highest rated comedy on television among adults 18–49 for the 2009–10 season. Cuoco's success within the television industry has launched her film career, appearing in films such as ''Lucky 13'' (2005), ''The Penthouse'' (2010), ''Hop'' (2011), and ''The Last Ride'' (2011).

Career

As a child, Cuoco was once a nationally-ranked amateur tennis player, a sport she took up when she was three years old but had to give up when she was six. Her role as Maureen McCormick in the 2000 TV movie ''Growing Up Brady'' brought her much attention, as well as a role on the CBS sitcom ''Ladies Man''. In 2004 in addition to her role on ''8 Simple Rules'' in which she played a teenager, she had starring roles on the NBC miniseries, ''10.5'', on the ABC Family original movie, ''Crimes of Fashion'', and in the independent film, ''Debating Robert Lee''. In 2000 she starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie ''Alley Cats Strike''.

Cuoco was named number 77 on ''FHM-Us'' 100 Sexiest Women in 2005 and number 21 in 2008. She was also named number 28 on Maxim's annual Hot 100 list in 2010 and number 13 in 2011.

She began voicing the character of Brandy Harrington on the Disney Channel's cartoon, ''Brandy and Mr. Whiskers'', later in 2004.

Cuoco played Bridget Hennessy on the ABC sitcom ''8 Simple Rules''. Bridget was the eldest child, despite Cuoco being six years younger than her on-screen little sister (Amy Davidson), and was portrayed as "the most beautiful girl in the school." She had several boyfriends throughout the series and used her feminine wiles to exert significant control over the boys she encountered.

In the eighth season of the hit cult TV show ''Charmed'', Cuoco appeared as Billie Jenkins a young powerful witch who was also one of whitelighter Paige Matthews' charges. Executive producer Brad Kern stated Kaley's character was initially brought in as a possible spin-off. In 2004 Cuoco co-starred in the movie ''The Hollow'' with Nick Carter and Kevin Zegers.

In September 2007, Cuoco began a starring role in the CBS sitcom ''The Big Bang Theory''. She plays Penny, an aspiring actress and employee at The Cheesecake Factory who lives across the hall from two nerdy scientists, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki). Prior to the 2010–2011 season, she earned $60,000 an episode for the series, the same as Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons. In 2010 the cast negotiated a raise for each actor to make $200,000 per episode. On September 13, 2010, she broke her leg in a horse-riding accident and missed two episodes of the series.

Cuoco also starred in the Lifetime film ''To Be Fat Like Me'', which premiered on January 8, 2007. She also played a minor role in the ''Prison Break'' episodes "The Message" and "Chicago" as well as taking the leading female role in the comedy horror spoof ''Killer Movie'' in 2008.

In 2011 Cuoco appeared in ''Allure'' magazine's annual "Naked Truth" feature. The photograph, which appeared in the May issue, was taken by Patrick Demarchelier. That same year, she appeared in the films ''Hop'' and ''The Last Ride''. She was also chosen to host both the 2011 Teen Choice Awards and the 2012 People's Choice Awards.

Personal life

While working on ''The Big Bang Theory'', Cuoco dated co-star Johnny Galecki for two years. They kept their relationship private until they broke up.

In October 2011 Cuoco announced her engagement to boyfriend Josh Resnik, an addiction specialist and former bassist for Danzig. However, in March 2012 she revealed that she was no longer engaged.

Filmography

+ Film	! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
1992	''Quicksand: No Escape''	Connie Reinhardt	Television film
1995	''Virtuosity''	Karin Carter
1997		Little Girl
1997		Lori	Television film
1998	''Mr. Murder''	Charlotte Stillwater	Television film
2000	''Alley Cats Strike''	Elisa Bowers	Disney Channel Original Movie
2000		Maureen McCormick	Television film
2000	''Can't Be Heaven''	Teresa Powers	Credited as Kaley Cuaco
2003	''''	Herself
2004	''Debating Robert Lee''	Maralee Rodgers
2004		Amanda Williams	Television film
2004	''Crimes of Fashion''	Brooke	Television film
2004	''''	Karen
2005	''Lucky 13''	Sarah Baker
2006	''Separated at Worth''	Gabby	Television film
2006	''Wasted''	Katie Cooning
2006	''Bratz: Passion 4 Fashion — Diamondz''	Kirstee Smith
2007	''To Be Fat Like Me''	Alyson Schmidt	Television film
2007	''Cougar Club''	Amanda
2008	''Killer Movie''	Blanca Champion
2010	''''	Erica Roc
2011		Samantha O'Hare
2011	''''	Wanda	Post-production
2012	''''	Stacy Peterson	Television film
2013	''Psychotic''	Carly Banks	Pre-production

+ Television	! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
1994	''My So-Called Life''	Young Angela Chase	Episode: "Father Figures"
1994	''Northern Exposure''	Miranda (Randi)	Episode: "Hello, I Love You"
1996		Little Ellen Morgan	Episode: "The Bubble Gum Incident"
2000	''Homewood PI''	Lauren Crane	Episode: "Pilot"
2000	''Don't Forget Your Toothbrush''	Ashley
2000–2001		Bonnie Stiles	8 episodes
2001	''7th Heaven''	Lynn	Episode: "Relationships"
2002	''First Monday''	Alyssa	1 episode
2002	''''	Vanessa	Episode: "Shallow Gal"
2002	''''	Kristin Ferris	Episode: "My Name Is Evil"
2004	''''	Carly Michaels	Episode: "Pilot"
2004	''Complete Savages''	Erin	Episode: "For Whom the Cell Tolls"
2004	''Punk'd''	Herself	Season 3 Episode 3
2002–2005	''8 Simple Rules''	Bridget Hennessy	Main role
2005–2007	''Loonatics Unleashed''	Paula Hayes/Weather Vane	Episode: "Weathering Heights"Episode: "Acmegeddon: Part 1"Episode: "Acmegeddon: Part 2"
2006	''Secrets of a Small Town''	Misty Anders	Episode: "Pilot"
2004–2006	''Brandy and Mr. Whiskers''		Voice; main role
2004–2009	''6teen''	Chrissie Baldwin	Voice; supporting character
2005–2006	''Bratz''	Kirstee Smith	Voice
2005–2006	''Charmed''	Billie Jenkins	Main role (Season 8)
2007	''Prison Break''	Sasha	Episode: "The Message" and "Chicago"
2007–present	''''		Main role

Awards

Awards
Year	Result	Award	Category	Nominated work
1993		Young Artist Awards	Best Young Actress in a Cable movie	''Quicksand: No Escape''
2000		YoungStar Awards	Best Young Actress/Performance in a Miniseries/Made-For-TV Film	''Growing Up Brady''
		Young Artist Awards	Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama): Leading Young Actress
		Choice TV Actress: Comedy
	Choice TV Breakout Star: Female
		Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress: Comedy
	Young Artist Awards	Best Young Adult Performer in a Teenage Role
2006			Best Ensemble Cast	''Debating Robert Lee''
2010			Choice TV Actress: Comedy
2011		Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress: Comedy
2012		People's Choice Awards	Favorite TV Comedy Actress

References

External links

Category:1985 births Category:Actors from California Category:American child actors Category:American television actors Category:American voice actors Category:Living people Category:People from Ventura County, California

ar:كالي كوكو bg:Кейли Куоко ca:Kaley Cuoco cs:Kaley Cuoco da:Kaley Cuoco de:Kaley Cuoco es:Kaley Cuoco eu:Kaley Cuoco fa:کیلی کواکو fr:Kaley Cuoco ko:케일리 쿼코 hy:Քեյլի Կուոկո hi:केली क्वोकोह hr:Kaley Cuoco it:Kaley Cuoco he:קיילי קווקו hu:Kaley Cuoco nl:Kaley Cuoco ja:ケイリー・クオコ no:Kaley Cuoco pl:Kaley Cuoco pt:Kaley Cuoco ro:Kaley Cuoco ru:Куоко, Кейли simple:Kaley Cuoco sk:Kaley Cuocová sl:Kaley Cuoco sr:Кејли Квоко sh:Kaley Cuoco fi:Kaley Cuoco sv:Kaley Cuoco tr:Kaley Cuoco uk:Кейлі Куоко zh:凯莉·库柯

birth date	April 09, 1986
birth place	Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
birthname	Leighton Marissa Meester
occupation	Actress, singer, model
yearsactive	1999–present
website	leightonmeestermusic.com }}

Leighton Marissa Meester (born April 9, 1986) is an American actress and singer. Meester first garnered attention and critical acclaim for playing Blair Waldorf in the CW's teen drama television series ''Gossip Girl''. She most recently appeared in the 2010 country drama film ''Country Strong'', the 2011 thriller ''The Roommate'', and the 2011 romantic-comedy ''Monte Carlo''.

Early life

Meester was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Constance and Douglas Meester and lived most of her life in New York City and Los Angeles. Meester's last name is the Dutch word for "master" or "teacher".

Her mother was serving time in a federal prison for her involvement in a drug ring that smuggled marijuana from Jamaica to the United States. She was able to give birth to Leighton in a hospital and nurse her for three months in a halfway house, before returning to prison to complete her sentence, after which Leighton's grandmother cared for her. She has a brother, Alexander, who is 8 years younger.

Meester has maintained that her parents gave her a normal upbringing and, despite their criminal past, are good people with experience that has only made Meester more open-minded and non-judgmental, "It made me realize that you can't judge anyone — especially your parents — for what they've done in their past, because people change." Meester has joked, "Look, I could've turned out a lot worse." She has cited her mother as her style icon.

Meester grew up in Marco Island, Florida, where she participated in productions at a local playhouse. When she was 11 years old, Meester and her mother moved to New York City. Meester attended the Professional Children's School and also began working as a model with Wilhelmina, booking a Ralph Lauren campaign shot by Bruce Weber and working with then photographer (now film maker) Sofia Coppola as well as many commercials including Tamagotchi toys and Clearasil. She has also posed for Limited Too campaigns alongside fellow future actress, Amanda Seyfried, in which Seyfried recalls, "Leighton was very confident." Meester made her television acting debut as a murder victim's friend on an episode of ''Law & Order''. At 14, Meester moved to Los Angeles, California, wanting more stable work, and attended Hollywood High School and Beverly Hills High School. She then transferred to a small private school and graduated a year early.

Career

Acting

After her television debut in 1999 playing Alyssa Turner in ''Law & Order'', Meester appeared as a guest in two more series before landing her big role in the movie ''Hangman's Curse'', based on the best-selling book by Frank Peretti. She appeared in ''Tarzan'', which ran for only eight episodes. Meester then started to land guest roles in other series such as ''Crossing Jordan'', ''8 Simple Rules'', ''7th Heaven'', ''Veronica Mars'', ''24'', and ''Entourage''.

In 2005, Meester began a regular role in the series ''Surface'' as Savannah Bennet. Meester appeared in two more 2006 movies, ''Flourish'' and ''Inside''. She also guest appeared in ''Numb3rs'' and in two episodes of ''House M.D.'' as Ali, a young girl who has a crush on House. She had guest roles on ''CSI: Miami'' and ''Shark'', and played the female lead in the horror film ''Drive-Thru''.

In 2007, Meester was cast in the CW's teen drama series ''Gossip Girl'' as Blair Waldorf. The show is based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar about the lives of New York's privileged Upper East Side young adults. Her performance is the most critically acclaimed of the show, with Blair being cited as the series' breakout character, and also garnering much media recognition due to her wardrobe. She dated ''Gossip Girl'' co-star Sebastian Stan.

Meester appeared on the television film ''The Haunting of Sorority Row'', and played a part in the ensemble comedy/drama ''Remember the Daze''. She also appeared in the horror/thriller film ''Killer Movie'' in 2008.

Meester starred in three films in 2010 with small roles in the comedies ''Date Night'' and ''Going The Distance'' and a bigger role in Screen Gems' country drama ''Country Strong'' starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Garrett Hedlund. ''The Boston Globe'' found the best thing in the film was Meester because "she’s just doing Reese Witherspoon’s June Carter Cash in ''Walk the Line'' with dabs of Miley Cyrus and Kellie Pickler. But it’s not an impersonation; it’s a performance with its own comedy and sweetness." ''USA Today'' was also positive towards her performance writing "Meester shows she can do more than play one of Gossip Girl’s privileged Manhattan socialite."

In 2011, she played the role of Rebecca, an obsessive bipolar girl in the thriller ''The Roommate''. Though the film mainly received negative reviews, Meester's portrayal was praised by critics. ''Entertainment Weekly'' found she was the only one to bring "the slightest trace of something fascinating to her role" while ''Los Angeles Times'' wrote "her performance often has the feeling of a sports car in neutral. When she punches it for quick changes of tone from manic to wounded or around the bend, she shows how much more she is capable of." Meester's second film of the year was the young femme comedy ''Monte Carlo'', loosely based on Jules Bass's young-adult book ''Headhunters'', in which she plays Selena Gomez's sister and Katie Cassidy's friend. Movieline noted that "As in ''Country Strong'', Meester's crack timing and irresistible poignancy illuminate a part that would leave other actresses simpering themselves off the screen." Her last film of 2011 was the indie dramatic comedy ''The Oranges'' opposite Hugh Laurie, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

She will next star in the comedy ''That's My Boy'', alongside Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and Milo Ventimiglia, which is set to release in June 2012. She is also attached to ''The Uncatchable Cowgirl Bandits of Nottingham, Texas'' alongside Amber Heard.

Music

In April 2009, Meester signed a recording contract with Universal Republic. Meester's first official single, "Somebody to Love", featuring R&B; singer Robin Thicke, was released for airplay on October 13, 2009, and became available for digital download on October 14, 2009. In November 2009, Meester revealed that Lil Wayne had worked with her on one of her songs titled "Make It Rain", which hasn't been released. Her second single, "Your Love's a Drug", was digitally released on March 30, 2010.

Meester is featured on Cobra Starship's song "Good Girls Go Bad", which reached the Top 10 on ''Billboard'' Hot 100 peaking at #7, and on Stephen Jerzak's song "She Said". She recorded a cover of the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" for the compilation album ''A Very Special Christmas 7''. For her 2010 country drama film ''Country Strong'', she recorded a cover of the song "Words I Couldn't Say" by Rascal Flatts as well as "A Little Bit Stronger" by Sara Evans featured on the film's soundtrack; a promotional single titled "Summer Girl"; and a duet with Garrett Hedlund titled "Give In To Me".

In October 2010, Meester said she had been working with a band called Check in the Dark and had been writing for the last six months being inspired by ''Country Strong'', "I've just been having fun and writing from my heart". She revealed her influences, "I love Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, that style of music, and as far as songwriting I think that's where my heart is."

Endorsements

Meester has fronted many charity as well as advertising campaigns. In 2008, she was a spokesperson for Sunsilk's "Life Can't Wait" campaign to motivate women to pursue their dreams and collaborated with Safe Horizon to raise awareness about and prevent domestic violence. Early in 2009, Meester partnered with Reebok to model their new Top Down sneakers. Outside of ''Gossip Girl'', Meester has worked with co-star Ed Westwick in a Nikon Coolpix series camera advertisement and both were faces for a Korean clothing line called ASK Enquired. In 2010, Meester signed on to be the spokesperson for Herbal Essences hair products. In the same year, Meester took part in Bulgari's humanitarian efforts for the Save the Children organization with Isabella Rossellini and Maribel Verdútaken. Vera Wang has also chosen Meester to be the face of her newest scent ''Lovestruck'', breaking in summer of 2011, stating that the actress's "beauty, talent and spirit will inspire all the young women that I hope will enjoy this passionate, new young fragrance." In 2011, Italian fashion house Missoni revealed they have tapped Meester to be part of their Spring/Summer 2011 campaign. She fronts another South Korean brand, this time a beauty campaign, called eSpoir. Leighton is additionally the new face of Vera Wang's scent "Lovestruck" which was first sold in Harrods on June 9, 2011.

In the media

Meester was listed several times in ''Maxim'''s Hot 100, starting #48 in 2008, #12 in 2009, #17 in 2010 and #16 in 2011. BuddyTV ranked her #32 on its TV's 100 Sexiest Women of 2010 list. She was ranked #75 by AskMen.com readers in the list "Top 99 Women of 2010" and #53 in 2011. ''Men's Health'' ranked her #30 in its "Hottest Women in 2011" list. ''Glamour'' ranked her #5 among the Most Glamorous Celebrities of 2011.

Personal life

From 2008 to 2010, Meester dated actor Sebastian Stan. In July 2011, Meester and her mother filed lawsuits against each other regarding Meester's financial support of her younger brother, who has multiple health problems. Meester's suit claims the money she sent was misused by her mother; her mother's suit makes a cross-claim alleging breach of contract and physical abuse. In November 2011, Constance Meester dropped the $3 million claim for damages against her daughter. As a result, Leighton obtained a default judgement on December 7, 2011. Leighton is also said to be seeking custody of her 17-year-old brother Alexander, who has suffered health problems, including recently undergoing brain surgery. Meester is currently dating ''Remember the Daze'' co-star Aaron Himelstein, after meeting and briefly dating in 2007.

Filmography

+ List of film credits
! Year	! Film	! Role	Notes
2003	''The Big Wide World of Carl Laemke''	Tanni
2003	''The Jackalope''	Lorraine
2003		Elisha Springfield
2004	''Hollywood Division''	Michelle	TV film
2006		Lucille "Lucy" Covner
2006	''Inside''	Josie
2007		Mackenzie Carpenter
2007	''Remember the Daze''	Tori
2007	''The Haunting of Sorority Row''	Samantha Willows	TV film
2008	''Killer Movie''	Jaynie Hansen
2010	''Date Night''	Katy
2010		Amy
2010	''Country Strong''	Chiles Stanton
2011	''The Roommate''	Rebecca
2011		Meg
2011		Nina Ostroff
2012		Christina	Previously titled "I Hate You Dad"

+ List of television credits
! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
1999	''Law & Order''	Alyssa Turner	Episode "Disciple"
2001	''Boston Public''	Sarah Breen	Episode "Chapter Twenty-Eight"
2002	''Once and Again''	Amanda	Episode "Gardenia"
2002	''Family Affair''	Irene	Episode "No Small Parts"
2003		Nicki Porter	Series regular; 5 episodes
2004	''Crossing Jordan''	Marie Strand	Episode "Missing Pieces"
2004	''7th Heaven''	Kendall	2 episodes
2004		Veronica Farrell	Episode "Pilot"
2004–2008		Justine Chapin	3 episodes
2005		Debbie Pendleton	4 episodes
2005	''8 Simple Rules''	Nikki Alcott
2005	''Veronica Mars''	Carrie Bishop	2 episodes
2005–2006		Savannah Barnett	Series regular; 12 episodes
2006		Poppy
2006	''Secrets of a Small Town''	Kayla Rhodes	Episode "Pilot"
2006	''Numb3rs''	Karen Camden
2006	''House M.D.''	Ali	2 episodes
2007	''CSI: Miami''	Heather Crowley
2007		Megan	3 episodes
2007–present	''Gossip Girl''	Blair Waldorf	Main role

Discography

Singles

Year	Single	Chart positions		Album
		! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"
2009	style="text-align:left;"	111	13
2010		119	—

Featured singles

Year	Single	Artist	Peak chart positions									Album
			! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"
2009		Cobra Starship	7	5	37	4	7	13	61	2	17	style="text-align:left;"
2010		Stephen Jerzak	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Awards

! Year	! Award	! Category	! Nominated work	! Result
2008	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress Drama
2008	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Breakout Star Female	''Gossip Girl''
2009	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress Drama	''Gossip Girl''
2009			"Good Girls Go Bad" (with Cobra Starship)
2010	Teen Choice Awards	Choice TV Actress Drama	''Gossip Girl''
2010	Hollywood Awards	Spotlight Award	''Country Strong''
2011			''The Roommate''
2011	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Movie Actress Drama	''Country Strong''
2011	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Movie Villain	''The Roommate''

References

External links

Official website

Category:1986 births Category:Actors from Texas Category:Actors from Florida Category:American child actors Category:American child models Category:American female models Category:American female singers Category:American film actors Category:American people of Dutch descent Category:American pop singers Category:American television actors Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Florida Category:Musicians from Texas Category:People from Collier County, Florida Category:People from the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex Category:Songwriters from Texas

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name	Sam Horrigan
birthname	Samuel Emmett Horrigan
birth date	August 23, 1981
birth place	Sacramento County, California, United States
occupation	Actor
years active	1992–present
othername	Samuel Horrigan
spouse	}}

Samuel Emmett "Sam" Horrigan (born August 23, 1981) is an American actor best known for his role as Quentin Kelly on the hit ABC sitcom ''Grace Under Fire''.

Sam played Spike Hammersmith in the movie ''Little Giants'' and also has made guest appearances on TV shows such as ''One Tree Hill'', ''Joan of Arcadia'', ''Desperate Housewives, Still Standing, Grounded for Life'', ''8 Simple Rules'', and ''Veronica Mars'' where he played a guy named Pop. Also appeared in ''Accepted'' as one of the Fraternity Brothers. He played Val in the 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie ''Brink!''. In 1995, he played Xander in the remake of ''Escape to Witch Mountain''. Sam was a contestant in the fourth series of the TV show ''Beauty and the Geek'' as the show's first male beauty, which caused some controversy due to his previous experience in the media.

Filmography

! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
1992	''What If''	Sam Slick	TV movie
1993		Student (uncredited)	Video
1993	''Boy Meets World''	Student #1Costumed Kid #2	Episode: "Cory's Alternative Friends"Episode: "Boys II Mensa"
1994	''Children of the Dark''	Bobby Harrison	TV movie
1994	''Getting Even with Dad''	Boy on Subway
1994	''Little Giants''	Spike Hammersmith
1995		Xander	TV movie
1996-1998	''Grace Under Fire''	Quentin Kelly	39 episodes
1997	''C-16: FBI''	Brad Emerson	Episode: "Orange Kid"
1998	''Brink!''	Val	TV movie
2000		Bart	Episode: "The Dance Episode"Episode: "The Field Trip Episode"
2002	''B.S.''	Shovel and Rake Guy	TV movie
2002	''Do Over''	Judd Chulak	Episode: "Joel Strikes Back"
2003	''''		Episode: "Football"
2003	''Grounded for Life''	Scott Bianco	Episode: "Henry's Been Working for the Drug Squad" Episode: "I Right the Wrongs"
2003		Thing	Episode: "Every Night Is Another Story"
2004		Kyle	Episode: "Still Narcing"
2004	''Sweden, Ohio''	Cooper	TV movie
2004	''Cracking Up''		Episode: "Daddy's Home"
2004	''Oliver Beene''	Coach Wright	Episode: "Superhero"
2004	''8 Simple Rules''	Pete	3 episodes
2004	''Quintuplets''	Luskin	Episode: "Boobs on the Run"
2004	''Jack & Bobby''	College Guy	Episode: "Chess Lessons"
2004	''Joan of Arcadia''	Tommy Belkin	Episode: "Dive"
2006	''Desperate Housewives''	Dale Helm	Episode: "It Wasn't Meant to Happen"
2006	''''	Steve Skinner	Episode: "Flight School"
2006	''Accepted''	Mike Welsh
2006	''Veronica Mars''	Brian 'Pop' Popovich	Episode: "Wichita Linebacker"
2006		Actor	Episode: "Sweet Child O'Mine"
2008	''Bar Starz''	Brad Thunder
2009	''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation''	Eric Tobin	Episode: "The Gone Dead Train"
2010	''Heavy Metal Strawberry Pickers''	Clint Bagswell	Short film
2011	''True Blood''	Fangbanger	Episode: "If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'?"
2011	''A Holiday Engagement''	Greg	Post-production
2012	''Death to Glam Rock''	Clint	Pre-Production

External links

Category:1981 births Category:American child actors Category:American television actors Category:Living people Category:People from Sacramento, California Category:People from Davis, California Category:People from Norwell, Massachusetts

fr:Sam Horrigan