She’s best known for her standout performances, particularly as Dr. Dani Santino on the USA Network series Necessary Roughness—a role that really put her on the map. Fans also recognize her for playing Sheila Keefe on the FX drama Rescue Me, where she brought depth and intensity to the character. Earlier in her career, she had a recurring role as Elena McNulty on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire, which helped establish her presence in the industry. Before all the fame, though, her journey began in high school, where she landed the role of Anita in West Side Story. That experience was a turning point—it sparked her passion for acting and set her on the path she’s on today. She and her younger sister, Lily, were raised by their single mother, Karen, who played a big role in shaping her early life. Her name has since become synonymous with strong, memorable characters across television.
She comes from a diverse background—her family is partly Armenian and partly British, with a mix of Italian and Portuguese heritage as well. It’s interesting how her roots span across several cultures, really shaping who she is. Her name seems to carry that rich blend, reflecting both tradition and diversity. You can tell there’s a lot of history behind her name, passed down through generations with Armenian, British, Italian, and even Portuguese influences. Her name, in many ways, tells the story of her family’s journey.