Jessalyn Gilsig has the distinction of portraying some of the most memorable characters on television. She reunited with creator Ryan Murphy for a lead role in his Golden Globe® and SAG Award¬winning FOX musical dramedy “Glee.” Previously Gilsig starred for Murphy on the Globe¬winning “Nip/Tuck” while simultaneously appearing on Brett Ratner’s breakout FOX drama “Prison Break” as Dominic Purcell’s ex¬wife. On “Nip/Tuck,” Gilsig portrayed feisty Gina Russo to Julian McMahon’s slick Dr. Troy. The show garnered Gilsig impressive reviews, enough to garner her additional stand¬out recurring roles on NBC’s hit dramas “Heroes” as the cheerleader’s mother, on “Friday Night Lights” and, more recently, on “CSI: NY.” Next on the horizon is the indie film “Somewhere Slow,” in which she served double duty as star and producer.
No stranger to acclaimed programming, Gilsig is also known for her role as strong¬willed Social Studies teacher Lauren Davis on “Boston Public,” a role that creator David E. Kelly had created with her in mind. Gilsig also achieved series regular status on “Snoops,” as well as in an arc on “The Practice.” She also recurred as a detective on Steven Bochco’s “NYPD Blue,” guest starred on “Law & Order” and starred in the Emmy®¬nominated web series “Imaginary Bitches.”
Also impressive are Gilsig’s film credits. She recently appeared as Brittany Snow’s aunt in Screen Gem’s hit remake of the thriller “Prom Night,” and once again reunited with the film’s director for Sony’s remake of another 80’s thriller “The Stepfather.” Additionally, she starred in the action/thriller “XIII” alongside Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff. Gilsig has also worked with the likes of Robert Redford on “The Horse Whisperer” and appeared as Sally Field’s daughter in Showtime’s “A Cooler Climate.” She took to the ice for the Canadian hockey drama “Chicks with Sticks” with Jason Priestley, starred for the Weitz brothers in the mockumentary “See This Movie,” and also starred opposite Robert Carlyle in Lionsgate’s “Flood.”
A Montreal native, Gilsig honed her talents at Harvard University’s prestigious American Repertory Theatre. An extensive list of stage credits includes the off¬Broadway productions of Fifth of July, in which she starred opposite Robert Sean Leonard and Parker Posey, Gun Shy and Mere Mortals.
Gilsig currently resides in Los Angeles where she enjoys painting when not juggling her many projects. In fact, her works recently appeared in the acclaimed film “The Station Agent” as the painting of Patricia Clarkson’s character.
