Amy Acker - Definition and Overview

Illyria, as played by Amy Acker, in the fifth season of Angel (circa 2004)

Amy Louise Acker (born December 5, 1976) is a Dallas, Texas-born American actress. The oldest of four children, Acker studied ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance for 13 years. Knee surgery received in high school cut short her plans for ballet and she began to study acting in her sophomore year. She enrolled at Southern Methodist University in 1996 to take advantage of that school's renowned theater program. In her junior year, Acker enjoyed a short stint of modeling work for the J. Crew clothing catalogue. In 1999, she was nominated for a Leon Rabin award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in A Lead Role for her performance in the play Therese Raquin. Received a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from SMU in 1999. She appeared as Winifred Burkle on the second through fourth seasons of Angel and as Burkle/Illyria for the fifth and final season. She won the 2003 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her portrayal. On April 25, 2003, Acker and actor James Carpinello were married in California. On January 22nd, 2005 she gave birth to a son, Jackson James Carpinello.

Filmography

• The Perfect Man (2005) (completed)
• The Novice (2004) ... Jill
• Catch Me If You Can (2002)... Miggy Acker
• Groom Lake (2002) ... Kate
• The Accident (2001)... Nina

Television

• Return to the Batcave (2003)... Kathy Kersh
• Angel (2001-2004)... Winifred Burkle/Illyria
• To Serve and Protect (1999)... Melissa Jorgensen
• Wishbone (1995-1997)

External links

• Amy Acker (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009918/) at the Internet Movie Database
• Acker's interview (http://cityofangel.com/behindTheScenes/bts3/amySpot.html) with City of Angel an Angel fansite