Amy Acker
Amy Louise Acker (born December 5, 1976) is an American actress.
Biography
Early life
Acker was born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Rodney Acker, a lawyer, and Judy Bruyere, a housewife of French ancestry. She is the oldest of four children. Acker studied ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance for 13 years. She underwent knee surgery while in high school, ending her ballet career, and she began to study acting in her sophomore year. She enrolled at Southern Methodist University in 1995 to take advantage of that school’s renowned theatrical program.
Career
In her junior year of college, Acker enjoyed a short stint of modeling work for the J. Crew clothing catalog. In 1999, she was nominated for a Leon Rabin award for “Outstanding Performance by an Actress in A Lead Role” for her performance in the play Thérèse Raquin. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the same year.
Acker appeared as Winifred “Fred” Burkle on the second through fourth seasons of Angel and as Fred/Illyria for the fifth and final season. She won the 2003 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her portrayal. On April 25, 2003, Acker and actor James Carpinello were married in California. On January 22, 2005 she gave birth to a son, Jackson James Carpinello, and on September 1, 2006, a daughter, Ava Grace. In 2005, she joined the cast of Alias for its final season, playing the villainous Kelly Peyton. Acker graduated from guest star to fully credited cast member as the show entered the final episodes in April and May 2006.
Acker guest starred on fellow Buffyverse actress Alyson Hannigan’s new show How I Met Your Mother, in which she was reunited with Angel co-star Alexis Denisof (Hannigan’s real-life husband), who had a recurring role on the show.
She has also been cast as Dr. Claire Saunders, a recurring character on Joss Whedon’s new series Dollhouse.
Filmography
Movies
- A Near Death Experience (2008) … Ellie/Elly
- Mr. Dramatic (2005) … Jodi
- The Novice (2004) … Jill jill
- Catch Me If You Can (2002) … Miggy
- Groom Lake (2002) … Kate
- The Accident (2001) … Nina
Television
- Dollhouse … Dr. Claire Saunders
- Ghost Whisperer (2007) (1 episode - “Weight of What Was”) … Tessa
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2007) (1 episode - “Smile”) … Leslie LeZard
- Drive (2007) … Kathryn Tully
- Alias (2005 - 2006) (12 episodes) … Kelly Peyton
- How I Met Your Mother (2006) … Penelope
- Justice League Unlimited (2005 - 2006) (4 episodes - voiceover) … Huntress
- Supernatural (2005) … Andrea Barr
- Angel (2001 - 2004) (70 episodes) … Winifred “Fred” Burkle / Illyria
- Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003) … Kathy Kersh
- Special Unit 2 (2001) … Nancy
- To Serve and Protect (1999) (miniseries) … Melissa Jorgensen
- Wishbone (1995 - 1997) … various characters