One of television’s most beloved talents, Courtney Thorne-Smith has had an enduring career on the small screen. Thorne-Smith played Jim Belushi’s charismatic wife on ABC’s “According to Jim” for eight seasons. Prior to that, her role as Georgia in Fox Television’s Emmy Award-winning series “Ally McBeal” solidified her as a top television personality. With her portrayal of Allison Parker in the much-loved primetime drama “Melrose Place,” she first gained international attention. Thorne-Smith was featured in the comedy hit “Two and a Half Men,” where she recurred opposite Jon Cryer for the last five seasons of the show.
Most recently, Thorne-Smith starred as the title character in Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Site Unseen: An Emma Fielding Mystery,” a role she is reprising in this, the second movie in the franchise. Additional television credits include starring roles in the NBC series “Day by Day,” and the series version of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” She also played a recurring role on “LA Law,” guest-starred on “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Spin City,” and “Anything But Love,” and starred in the television films “Beauty’s Revenge,” “Tour of Duty,” First Flight,” and “Infidelity.”
Thorne-Smith is no stranger to the big screen either. After being discovered in an open casting call in her native San Francisco, she starred as Charlie Sheen’s girlfriend in her first film, the much-loved Lucas. She then moved to Los Angeles and went on to appear in such films as Summer School, Revenge of the Nerds II and Side Out, among others.
She has also conquered the literary world with her first novel titled “Outside In,” published by Broadway Books. As a writer, Thorne-Smith has spoken out about core women’s issues such as body image and healthy living in feature articles for InStyle, Allure, and SELF magazine, for which she served as a contributing editor.
Serving as a celebrity spokesperson, she has collaborated with such animal rescue organizations as Best Friends Animal Society and PAWS/LA, a group dedicated to helping HIV patients to keep and care for their pets. With her philanthropic work in women’s issues and animal rights, Courtney’s commitment to pro-social causes is a cornerstone of her public identity.
