 |
Reiko AylesworthAmerican actress, theater, film and television.
Date of Birth: 09.12.1972
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Reiko Aylesworth
Reiko Aylesworth is an American actress of theater, film, and television. She was born on December 9, 1972, in Evanston, a northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Aylesworth is best known for her role as Michelle Dessler in the popular TV series "24."
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Aylesworth first became interested in acting in Springfield, Illinois, where she lived from 1987 to 1988. After gaining some experience in dubbing several productions at the Springfield Theatre Center, the aspiring actress joined the cast of the play "West Side Story," where she played the role of Consuelo. Her family later moved to Seattle, Washington, and Aylesworth stayed with their friends while the play was being performed.
She attended the University of Washington in Seattle and studied neurology with the ambition of becoming a neurosurgeon. However, during her college years, Aylesworth participated in several local theater productions, including "Invisible Friends" at the Seattle Children's Theatre and the role of Wendy in "Peter Pan" at the Intiman Theatre. Her performance as Wendy caught the attention of a talent agent.
Television and Film Career
Aylesworth began her career in film and television with a role in the soap opera "One Life to Live." After her character, Rebecca Lewis, was written out of the script, she appeared in the independent film "Childhood's End" and the final episode of the series "Lifestories: Families in Crisis." Around the same time, she also had the opportunity to appear in at least three off-Broadway productions.
After a brief stint in the series "Law & Order" as Tiffany Sherman and a supporting role in the miniseries "Their Own Desire," Aylesworth had minor roles in the films "The Truth About Cats & Dogs" and "You've Got Mail" before earning a guest-star role in the series "Now and Again." She also won the role of Becky Coltrane in the pilot episode of the series "Sherman's March," which never became a full series but was released as a TV movie.
Continuing her television work, Aylesworth appeared in series such as "The West Wing," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "Ed." She also landed the lead role in the horror-drama series "All Souls," which received low ratings. After the cancellation of "All Souls," Aylesworth joined the cast of the series "American Embassy," which only lasted for one season. She then unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Nina Myers in the series "24," which ultimately went to Sarah Clarke. However, impressed by her talent, the producers asked Aylesworth to portray CIA agent Michelle Dessler for ten episodes, which eventually became a regular role.
Later Career
Aylesworth's time as a star on "24" came to an end when her character was killed off in the first episode of the fifth season. She then received her first leading role in the film "Crazylove," playing a schoolteacher with a nervous disorder, alongside Bruno Campos and former "24" star Paul Schulze. Another "24" cast member, Xander Berkeley, appeared with Aylesworth in the TV movie "Eruption."
In 2006, Aylesworth portrayed attorney Sheila in the thriller "Mr. Brooks" with Kevin Costner and Demi Moore and worked on the set of another thriller, "The Killing Floor," starring Mark Blucas. Following these projects, the actress became one of the stars of the famous science-fiction film "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem." In January 2007, Aylesworth appeared in two episodes of the series "Knights of Prosperity" and then landed a supporting role in the comedy film "The Substitutes" by Hannah Davis and David Connolly. Although the film participated in several film festivals, it was never released on DVD.
Continuing to work with independent directors, Aylesworth collaborated with Stephen Kampmann and played the role of Sarah in his comedy film "Buzzkill." In May 2008, she portrayed hospital chaplain Julia Dupree in the series "ER" and later became involved in the independent comedy "The Assistants" by Steve Morris. Aylesworth's recent television appearances include roles in the series "Forgotten" and "Stargate Universe."
Reiko Aylesworth's heritage includes Dutch, Welsh, and Japanese ancestry.
