Biography

Melanie has been a working actress in Hollywood for 12 years. She has appeared in more than 20 television shows including "Seinfeld","Suddenly Susan", and "The Drew Cary Show". Her movies rolls include Howard Stern’s "Private Parts", and "What Women Want". Comedy was her passion. She has been a body double for movies, posters, and commercials. Her commercicals incllude 24 Hour Fitness, Magic Mouintain, Miller Lite, Sears, and numerous others.

After graduatiion, it was her modeling that took Melanie to Los Angeles. Her first job was as the lead dancer with “Jane’s Addiction” and Ice T on the first Lollapalooza Tour. Music videos in the rock era made her name a regular on the video call sheets.

A brief stint as a stand-up comic lead her to partner eventually now former husband that then lead to Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation and let her see how to combine her love for animals with organized rescue efforts which lead to GAR.

She co-wrote, co-produced, and co-starred in "Lana’s Pupil: Every Woman’s Guide to Golddigging" which ran for six weeks in 2001 at The Globe Theater in Hollywood. It became notorious when Lana Clarkson, who was hired to play Melanie’s role, was murdered by Phil Spectrum. Melanie left the play to concentrate on interior design and real estate.

Melanie grew up in Greece, NY, a suburb of Rochester. She was involved in competitive sports from the age of 4 when she trained as a gymnast with the Bright Raven Athletic Club. Then she competed with the Blue Marlins Swim Team winning many ribbons and trophies especially in Back, Butterfly and Relay events. From Jr. High through High School, she played basketball, finally being selected to the All Greater Rochester Girls Basketball Team and being recognized as the MVP of the MacDonald’s All Star Game among other recognitions. NEXT PAGE