Tracee Ellis Ross has worked as a fashion editor for Mirabella and New York Magazine, written and produced segments for cable shows, hosted her own television show, appeared in national advertising campaigns and traveled the world. Her true gift and love, however, lies in acting.

Ross was named by the Los Angeles Times as a "Face to Watch" following her television debut as host of "The Dish." Her other television credits include "Lyricist Lounge," a sketch comedy show for MTV. This year, she made history with her cast mates when they co-hosted the "2004 NAACP Image Awards," which marked the first year any woman has hosted the program.

Ross' theatrical experience includes a leading role in "The Vagina Monologues." She made her debut at the Canon Theater in Los Angeles and has also performed with the production in San Francisco.

Ross' big-screen debut was a leading role in the feature film "Far Harbor," co-starring with Marcia Gay Harden and Jennifer Connelly. She also appeared in the feature film comedy "Hanging Up," in which she played Meg Ryan's distracted assistant.

As a model, Ross worked with some of the most highly regarded photographers in the fashion industry, including Herb Ritts, Peter Lindberg, Francesco Scavullo and Mario Testino. She has graced the pages of top fashion and consumer magazines, including Harper's Bazaar, Essence, Mirabella, Life, US, O and InStyle. She has also appeared in advertising campaigns for The Gap, Donna Karan Collection, DKNY and Paul Mitchell.

Ross has earned three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress and a Prism Award nomination (2003) for her portrayal of Joan on GIRLFRIENDS. Named by Essence magazine as an "It" woman of 2000, she is described as a "trend setter with signature style." She was also named one of America's "Leading Ladies," along with Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer, on the American Elite 1000 List for 2000, which acknowledges women who are gracefully redefining the rules for success.

Ross is a graduate of Brown University and the William Esper Acting Studio. Although a New Yorker at heart, Ross currently lives in Los Angeles.

credit: upn.com