Danneel Harris Biography / Pictures

Danneel Harris (born March 18, 1979) is an American actress, best known for her role on the TV show One Tree Hill and Kumar's ex-girlfriend in Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.

Biography

Danneel was born Elta Danneel Graul in Lafayette, LA and was raised in the small town of Eunice. Danneel was named after her great-grandmother. Her first name, Elta, is a French name, but she always goes by her middle name. The name "Danneel" was inspired by Danneel Street in New Orleans.

Danneel Harris' cousin is actress Mary Lou. She moved to Los Angeles and continued her acting training with John Homa, Calmeson and Calmeson, and Craig Wargo.

Before Danneel Harris landed her first acting role, Danneel worked as a model with such companies as Big Sexy Hair and Juicy Jeans. Danneel Harris first appeared in a television commercial. The independent film The Plight of Clownana marks her first major acting role. Danneel Harris' other credits include the WB's What I Like About You, guest appearance on Mad TV and a supporting role in the yet-to-be released indie Rule Number One starring Ed Harris.

Danneel is skilled in gymnastics and her musical talents include playing the piano and singing. She relocated to New York in 2004 for her role on One Life to Live.

In 2005, Danneel scored a recurring role on the hit TV show One Tree Hill, playing the fiery redhead Rachel Gatina, a thorn in many of the character's sides. She went on to become an integral part of the show, featuring in the main credits of the fourth season. However in season five she was only in two episodes due to its format change. Danneel revealed to The CW Upfront that she has been contacted about returning to One Tree Hill in season seven. Danneel appeared on the cover of the November 2006 edition of Maxim with One Tree Hill costars Hilarie Burton and Sophia Bush.

Danneel appeared in the episode Shelter Island as Nora Zinman in CBS's How I Met Your Mother. The episode premiered on the 20 of October, 2008 and Danneel replaced Actress Sara Paxton who dropped out.

In 2010 Danneel will appear in three films The Back-Up Plan, The Roomate and Mardi Gras. She is appearing in the 2010 sequel to Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay as Vanessa Flemming in A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas.