Graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1981 [1981]
When she was portraying the character of 'Jessica Griffin' on the daytime drama "As the World Turns" (1956), one of her mentors, actress/director/drama coach Billie Allen, portrayed her character's mother 'Louise' (1994).
After five years of portraying Medical Examiner Melinda Warner on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1999), she was finally given main cast billing in the seventh season. (2005)
Shares a birthday with Michael Caine, Mercedes McNab, Kylie Tyndall, Keaton Tyndall, Quincy Jones, Chris Klein, & Jamie Bell
Tamara Tunie Detailed Biography -
Tamara Tunie (born March 14, 1959 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania) is an African American actress, best known for her work as lawyer Jessica Griffin McKechnie Harris on the soap opera As the World Turns. She played the role originally from 1986 to 1995, and again since 1999.
She is best known to nighttime audiences for her roles on detective crime dramas. She played the recurring role of Lillian Fancy on N.Y.P.D. Blue from 1994 to 1997, and has played medical examiner Melinda Warner on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 2000.
She started her career with bit parts in films like Sweet Lorraine and Wall Street. Her most notable role in film was in Eve's Bayou, in which she narrated the story. Other notable film credits include The Devil's Advocate and Snake Eyes.
