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Laura Leighton        

Actress; Most Known for "Melrose Place" and "Pretty Little Liars"

After graduating from West High School in Iowa City, Laura Leighton joined a singing and dancing troupe called "The Young Americans," an ensemble that traveled across the United States performing in various local shows. Like all aspiring actresses, Leighton eventually made her way to Los Angeles, and also like so many before her, became a waitress.

While working at a Los Angeles casting office, Leighton heard about the role of Sydney Andrews, the troubled little sister of Jane Mancini on a hip new primetime soap opera in the process of being cast. Encouraged by a friend who thought she would be perfect for the role, Leighton auditioned several times, seemingly to no avail. It was not until series creator Aaron Spelling saw Leighton's audition and begged showrunner Darren Starr to give her the role. She was cast in the hit series "Melrose Place." The role blossomed into a regular role and became one of the most begrudgingly beloved villainesses on TV.

In 1995, Leighton was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV for her work on "Melrose Place."

After "Melrose," Leighton brightened up many a TV series by doing guest spots on "Cupid," "Early Edition" and "The Outer Limits." In 1998 she returned to work for Aaron Spelling on "Beverly Hills, 90210" for a six-episode role created specifically for her. Leighton was paid a six-figure amount per episode, a price usually reserved for stars like the cast of "Friends."

After some time off raising her children and several unsuccessful roles, Leighton joined the cast of the salacious teen melodrama "Pretty Little Liars." Cast as Ashley Marin, the protective mother of Hanna (Ashley Benson), the diva of a popular clique of girls whose veneer of perfection hides a dark mystery, it appeared as though Leighton had once again found her footing on familiar television territory.

News


Katie Cassidy and Laura Leighton, Melrose Place from CW's Sexy ...
Katie Cassidy and Laura Leighton, Melrose Place. Melrose Place, Katie Cassidy, Laura Leighton Michael Desmond /The CW. Related Galleries. Sofia Vergara ...
Dish Of Salt: Laura Leighton Is A 'Pretty Little Liar' | Access Hollywood
Dish Of Salt: Laura Leighton Is A 'Pretty Little Liar'. AccessHollywood.com's Laura Saltman catches up with Laura Leighton on the set of her new ABC Family ...

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