Deborah Cresswell

Actor, Acting Teacher and Theatre Director

Los Angeles, California

Member Since:
November 2017

Last online:
> 2 weeks ago

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About Deborah

From Kindergarten through College I was in plays, and then majored in Drama/Theatre at Vanderbilt University with a minor in Music through Peabody School of Music (now officially part of Vandy). I was in my first professional play at the age of 15 as Margie, one of the teenagers in "Bye, Bye Birdie" at Theatre Under The Stars at Chastain Park in Atlanta, GA (it later became Theatre OF The Stars and was housed in The Fox Theatre, until closing its doors Sept. 11, 2013 after 60 years of amazing theatre.) After graduation from Vandy, I got on a bus and took the 17-hour bus ride to Augusta, Michigan, where, after 2 seasons, I earned my Equity Card at the well-known Summer Stock Theatre THE BARN THEATRE, founded by Jack and Betty Ragotzy, and now run by their son Brandon and his wife Penelope. I then became Asst. Director of Theatre at Georgia State University and directed "The Fantasticks", "The Odd Couple", and "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", and was Assistant Director of Anouilh's "Antigone". After one full year of that, I took off for New York City, where I studied with many, many incredible teachers -- among them a short stint at HB Studios and seminar with Uta Hagen, Scene Study with individuals such as Geraldine Page, Betty Buckley and John Strasberg, Technique with David Man and others, Film/On Camera with Bob McAndrew, Improvisational Technique with Shakespeare with Jane Lapotaire, and several WONDERFUL YEARS with Gene Feist (and some guest artist teachers) in both acting classes and as a member of The Roundabout Ensemble Company. Los Angeles teachers include: Improvisational Technique with Stephen Book and classes with Annie Grindlay (at Marge Haber studios), and Doug Warhit, and Voice Over technique with Rick Zieff. I have had roles on several different television shows both in NYC and LA
-- recurring on "Gilmore Girls", "As The World Turns" and "All My Children", a couple Guest Stars on "Law & Order", U5 on "Days of Our Lives" Co-Stars on "Ed", "Boston Legal" and "Bunheads" and also several roles in films -- most recently the lead in a short titled "The Fly". (see IMDb) Also, several Off- and Off-Off-Broadway shows in New York City. For Off-Broadway, see http://www.lortel.org/Archives/Search?searchText=Deborah+Cresswell&searc... (Off-Off-Bway has no official listings site anywhere). I look forward to connecting.

Unique traits: Husky Voice,

Gender:
Female

Height:
5' 3"

Weight:
160

Body type:
Heavyset

Hair:
Shoulder Length

Hair color:
Red

Eyes:
Green

Ethnicity:
Caucasian

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Credits

Days of Our Lives (2014)
Television (Drama and Romance) Passenger #1 "Like sands through the hourglass... so are the Days of Our Lives." These words, spoken by late cast member Macdonald Carey, open every episode of this daytime drama, chronicaling the trials and tribulations of the citizens of the fictional city of Salem. Written by Kevin Ackley <kackley1@aol.com>
Shelf Life (2014)
Television by Yuri Lowenthal (Comedy and Sci-Fi) Sponsor VO ( 1 episode, 2014 ) The irreverent antics of four action figures on a young boy's shelf.
Four Chaplains (2013)
Film (Short) Narrator (voice) In 1943, four Army chaplains of different faiths banded together to save military and civilian personnel aboard the sinking troop ship USAT Dorchester. In a time of crisis, these "Immortal Chaplains" demonstrated the common foundation of their religions: they gave selflessly to aid and comfort the men around them, sacrificing themselves so that others could live. Written by SpiritClips
Bunheads (2013)
Television by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Comedy and Drama) Equity Rep Michelle is a Las Vegas showgirl who would like to return to her true love... dancing. After a tumultuous experience at an audition for the musical Chicago, Michelle excepts a marriage proposal from an admirer. On impulse Michelle & Hubble get married & she relocates to a small town where she learns she will be sharing a house with her mother in law Fanny. Little to Michelle's knowledge, Fanny owns a dance studio in the back of the property & Michelle sees all these young ballerinas striving to reach their dreams. After an unexpected tragedy, Michelle's entire world will change. Written by Carrie DeCosta
Cutting the Apron Strings (2011)
Film by Lucas Flanagan (Comedy and Short) Mona An overbearing mother buys her son a prostitute in an attempt to break up his current relationship.
Made in China (2011)
Film by Kellen Moore (Comedy, Family and Short) Mrs. Dessle James, a kindhearted ten year old boy is roped into the efforts of Ivy, his twelve year old sister, who is determined to raise S.A.T. prep funds by operating a neighborhood lemonade stand in hopes of getting into Harvard.
The Over-the-Hill Slumber Party (2011)
Film by Sarah Streicher (Comedy and Short) Peg Throwing a slumber party when you're age 12 is pretty cute. When you're over 40 - it's less cute.
The Lonely Hour (2011)
Film by Caylee So (Crime, Drama and Short) Grandma Sara On a fateful Valentines Day, the lives of eight people are tragically ended at the hands of a gunman. This is a glimpse of their stories, their lives, and their moments leading up to the seconds before their deaths.
The Unemployment of Danny London (2010)
Television by Doug Cwiak (Comedy) Miscellaneous Crew/Consultant When Danny London, a star PR guy, finds himself without a job due to layoffs, he struggles to adapt to his new life and those around him that just don't understand.
North Star (2010)
Film by Chris Hosch (Drama and Short) Miscellaneous Crew/Consultant A woman reluctantly tells her son that his father, presumed dead, is alive but is dying. The woman makes a decision to go visit this man and brings her son with her. Her son learns the truth about his parents' relationship on the trip. Does he have the courage to meet the father he never knew he had before it's too late? Written by Anonymous
Ex Men (2008)
Film by Brendan Pollecutt (Comedy and Short) Mrs. Davis Comedy about men who are exes.
Boston Legal (2008)
Television by Arlene Sanford (Comedy, Crime and Drama) Nurse #1 EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Shirley pursues a court order to euthanize her father, who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's Disease. The residents of Nantucket petition for the right to have a nuclear weapon, and Jerry is sued by a sexy female companion. SHOW DESCRIPTION:Ethically-challenged attorney Alan Shore, formerly of Young, Frutt & Berluti, settles in at a wealthy and powerful firm focusing on civil cases. With some help from his friend and mentor, veteran attorney Denny Crane, Shore quickly makes his mark winning cases no one would take, often using less than honest methods. In doing so, he develops a rival in his colleague Brad Chase, who has been assigned to the office partly to keep an eye on the increasingly eccentric (and possibly senile) Denny Crane. Though his questionable conduct might make him a few enemies along the way, Alan's not one to be underestimated, nor will he let trivial things like honesty or integrity get in the way of winning a case. Written by Todd Smitts
The Homecoming of Danny Flynn (2007)
Film by Peter Kwong (Horror and Short) The Mysterious Bag(V/O) Short horror film about a young man who has returned from an army conflict, with a mysterious bag in tow.
Rochez and Company (2007)
TV Movie by Jonathan Robert Williams (as Jonathan Williams) (Comedy) Pat Smears The Sisterhood of Charity inducts a new member, Ms. Shirley Jackson, into their circle. Through a series of misunderstandings, Gavin is locked in the freezer as he tries to prepare for the ladies luncheon. Victor rescues Gavin from the freezer and Gavin goes on a tirade against the kitchen and wait staff. After Gavin serves the salads at the luncheon for the ladies, he offers the ladies fresh ground pepper. Suddenly, the Sisterhood of Charity's luncheon is ruined by Margaret Devine's sneeze, which has epic repercussions. Florida and her crew plot to destroy Rochez and Company while Victor and his crew try to save it. Written by Sean Allen Jones, Jonathan Williams, and Michael Marcelin
Satisfy Me (2007)
Film (Short and Comedy) Miscellaneous Crew It seems Tom can't quite get dating right, so now he's trying a computer date. There's just one interesting detail -- his friends and family are watching. Throughout the evening, Superman, Wonder Woman and even The Tin Man appear; each taking a turn coming to the rescue. Written by jh for Big Johnson Productions
Equal Opportunity (2007)
Film by Howard Duy Vu (Comedy) Managing Producer AEqual Opportunity (USA): Alanna Ubach (also funny in Pre Nup) returns as one of several office workers who tell it like it is (if you happen to be a racist misogynist with a mild form of Tourette's). Winner of Best Picture (and a $25,000 development deal) at NBC/Universal's first Comedy Shortcuts festival.
El Cortez (2006)
Film by Stephen Purvis (Drama and Thriller) Hotel Clerk A man (Lou Diamond Phillips) just released from a mental institution gets involved in a gold mine scheme while trying to avoid the cops, a wrathful drug dealer, and a sultry femme fatale.
Friends with Money (2006)
Film by Nicole Holofcener (Comedy, Drama and Romance) Scowling Neighbor Four women friends: three are wealthy and married plus there's Olivia, a former teacher who's now a maid. The marriages are in various states of health: Franny and Matt are happy and very rich. Christine and David write screenplays together, are remodeling their house, and argue. Jane is angry all the time and Aaron, who's an attentive husband, strikes everyone as gay. Franny sets up Olivia with a friend of hers, Mike, a personal trainer, and Olivia takes him with her to a couple of housecleaning jobs. A benefit dinner for ALS, an awkward guy named Marty whose place Olivia cleans, and a French maid's outfit figure in the story. Is there more to life than its problems? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Gilmore Girls (2005)
Television by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Comedy and Drama) Audrey Moreno (recurring) Thirty-two year old single mom, Lorelai, lives with her teenage daughter Rory in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, with crazy neighbors and many ups and downs.
My Name Is Earl (2005)
Television (Comedy) Wanda Earl is a low-life who buys a winning lottery ticket, only to get hit by a car, losing the ticket in the process. He then realizes in the hospital that his bad luck is the result of karma in which fate punishes him for all the rotten things he's ever done in his life; therefore, he then decides to dedicate his life to making amends to all the people he has hurt in his life. Written by B&M
Coming Up for Air (2005)
Film (Short and Drama) Miscellaneous Crew Helen is suspected of cheating on her second husband. Helen's teenage son, Brian, resents that his mother has entered into an interracial marriage and that she blames his sister, Jennifer, for the break up of her first marriage. But as the plot unfolds, we begin to question who is really telling the truth? Written by Anonymous
Ed (2001)
Television by Marc Buckland (Comedy and Drama) Martha Pulido Ed Stevens is a contracts lawyer at a high-profile New York City firm. Around the same time he splits with his wife (she slept with a mailman), he makes a single error in punctuation when going over a contract; and because of the resulting financial loss to the firm, he's fired. Despondent, he heads back to his (small) hometown of Stuckeyville, "Anytown", USA. There he realizes he's been missed by a lot of friends whom he's missed; and he sees Carol, the girl he'd adored in high school. Swept up in roiling emotions, Ed buys the local bowling alley on a whim, moves to Stuckeyville, and determines to win Carol's heart. His horizons broaden as he settles once more in Stuckeyville, and the series itself settles into a charming, funny, often serious slice-of-life series focused not solely on Ed, but on the lovable ensemble cast of people who live and work with him in Stuckeyville. Written by Katchan
Law & Order (1998 - 2000)
Television by Edwin Sherin (Crime, Drama, Mystery and Thriller) High & Low (May 17, 2000) – Paula Dunbar / Cherished (Sep 23, 1998) – Martha Robertson The show follows a crime, ususally adapted from current headlines, from two separate vantage points. The first half of the show concentrates on the investigation of the crime by the police, the second half follows the prosecution of the crime in court. Written by Mike Menditto
99 Threadwaxing (1998)
Film by Margaret Brown (Drama and Short) Mary Elizabeth Add a Plot »
As the World Turns (1996 - 1997)
Television (Drama and Romance) Episode dated 25 March 1997 (Mar 25, 1997) – Police Dispatcher (voice) Episode dated 6 December 1996 (Dec 6, 1996) – Milltown Woman Episode dated 9 September 1996 (Sep 9, 1996) – 911 Operator (voice) Episode dated 21 May 1996 (May 21, 1996) – Felice Set in the fictional town of Oakdale, this long-running serial focuses on the relationships and difficulties of its inhabitants.
One Fine Day (1996)
Film by Michael Hoffman (Comedy, Drama and Romance) Oyster Bar Customer Melanie Parker, an architect and mother of Sammy, and Jack Taylor, a newspaper columnist and father of Maggie, are both divorced. They meet one morning when overwhelmed Jack is left unexpectedly with Maggie and forgets that Melanie was to take her to school. As a result, both children miss their school field trip and are stuck with the parents. The two adults project their negative stereotypes of ex-spouses on each other, but end up needing to rely on each other to watch the children as each must save his job. Humor is added by Sammy's propensity for lodging objects in his nose and Maggie's tendency to wander. Written by John H. Henderson <johnh@eng.auburn.edu>
New York News (1995)
Television (Drama) Actress The story of a New York City newspaper, headed by Louise Felcott (Mary Tyler Moore) and her team of reporters as they work on stories and deal with their private lives.
All My Children (1989 - 1991)
Television by Various (Drama, Mystery and Romance) Ms. Capshaw Set in the fictional East Coast suburb Pine Valley, All My Children is the decades-old, risk-taking soap that centers around Erica Kane and her long line of husbands.
Search for Tomorrow (1977)
Television (Drama and Romance) Linda Phillips Add a Plot »
The Last Stop (1972)
Film Miner's Wife The Sheriff and his deputy are after "The Hole In the Leg Gang". The gang derived their name from the fact that the Sheriff is a terrible shot, but the deputy, a little person, is a sure-shot, but always hits his target in the thigh. A comedy Western. Written by Anonymous

View all 30 credits

Education

Graduated from Vanderbilt University with major in Theatre and minor in Music
Studied at John Strasberg's THE REAL STAGE in New York City, where I studied with John, and also with Geraldine Page, Betty Buckley, and others.
Studied Improvisation Technique with Stephen Book