Her on screen persona as ‘Sydney’ on FOX’s “Melrose Place” earned Laura Leighton a genuine place in America’s heart. As viewers gripped to their love/hate relationship with the character, the success of this nighttime drama became enormous.
In 2003, Leighton made her return to series television in Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Skin” on FOX and followed it up when she appeared opposite Tim Daly on the ABC series “Eyes.” Most recently, she has made memorable appearances on such series as “CSI: Miami,” “Boston Legal,” “Shark” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Leighton was recently seen in the television movie “Love Notes” for Lifetime, “Daniel’s Daughter” for The Hallmark Channel and in the feature film “The Burrowers,” a horror/thriller from Sony/Lionsgate.
Other credits include Showtime’s “Naked City,” “The Clean and Narrow,” an independent feature directed by William Katt and co-starring Jack Noseworthy and “Seven Girlfriends” with Tim Daly, Olivia D’Abo, Jami Gertz and Mimi Rogers.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa, to a mid-western family, Leighton found a passion early on for the arts. Shortly after high school, she left Iowa to tour the country with the song and dance troupe “Young Americans.” Leighton eventually moved on to study acting, and soon after began landing television commercials and was cast in a guest spot on “Melrose Place.” Her guest spot turned into a permanent gig, which has since earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and an US Magazine Entertainer of The Year Award.
Over the years, Leighton has lent her name and energy to several charities, especially ones focusing on AIDS research, including AIDS Project LA, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, AMFAR and the Step Up Women’s Network.
In June 1999, Leighton married her “Melrose Place” costar Doug Savant.
