Born:
August 16, 1946
in
New York
Best Known For:
Playing Dana Lambert in the Mission: Impossible TV series.
Early-life:
Lesley was born in New York on August 16, 1946. Her father, a Second World War veteran, was a real estate agent, while her mother gave up her nightclub singing act to be a full-time mum. As a child, Lesley loved attending Broadway shows and going to museums. She also had horseriding and dance lessons, and intended to be a ballerina. Unfortunately, the career choice took its toll on her health so, inspired by Audrey Hepburn, she turned to acting.
Career:
Warren entered the Actors Studio at the age of 17. Work on Broadway followed, and her appearance in a 1965 TV version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella gained numerous plaudits. Her film debut came in 1967's The Happiest Millionaire. In 1970, she began a year-long stint in the Mission: Impossible TV series and in 1971 played the title role in a TV adaptation of Cat Ballou. She's worked steadily ever since, and won a Golden Globe for Harold Robbins' 79 Park Avenue. Warren also received an Oscar nomination for 1982's Victor/Victoria. More recently she's made guest appearances in Will and Grace, Desperate Housewives and Psych.
Quote:
"I have come far, but not far enough. It is still a man's world."
Trivia:
She was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for her role in the Color of Night (1994).