Carolyn Hennesy

Carolyn Hennesy

63 · Born: Jun 10, 1962

Personal Details

Official Socials
BornJun 10, 1962 Los Angeles, California, USA
Parents
  • Dale Hennesy
Relatives
  • Barbara Rush (Aunt or Uncle)
  • Claudia Cowan (Cousin)
  • Christopher Hunter (Cousin)

Biography

Carolyn Lee Hennesy, professionally known as Carolyn Hennesy, is a talented American actress, writer, and passionate animal advocate. She is widely recognized for her captivating portrayal of Diane Miller on the popular daytime television series General Hospital, earning her two Daytime Emmy Award nominations and a win for her exceptional work on The Bay. With a career spanning television, film, and stage, Hennesy has made notable appearances in various productions, including Cougar Town, Dawson's Creek, Revenge, and Jessie.

In addition to her acting career, Hennesy is a skilled author, having penned novels connected to General Hospital, such as The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli, which remarkably reached the New York Times Best Seller list. Beyond her acting endeavors, she is a dedicated animal advocate, actively promoting accredited zoos, aquariums, and marine parks like SeaWorld.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Hennesy comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her father, Dale Hennesy, is an Academy Award-winning production designer, and her aunt, Barbara Rush, is a renowned actress. Hennesy received formal training at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, also honing her skills in improvisational comedy with the Groundlings.

Early in her career, Hennesy landed guest roles in television shows and films before achieving prominence with recurring roles on popular series. Her extensive stage experience and foundation in dramatic education have contributed to her remarkable versatility as an actress.

Throughout her illustrious career, Hennesy has left a lasting impact on the industry, showcasing her impressive range in daytime television and comedy. Her memorable roles and literary work tied to established television franchises have contributed to her significant influence on popular culture. Furthermore, her tireless advocacy for animal welfare and her success as a writer and performer have highlighted her multifaceted career and influence within entertainment and beyond.

Career

2024
Deck the Walls
Deck the Walls as Aunt Gigi
2023
Echo Base
Echo Base as Kathleen Wolff
Wineville
Wineville as Aunt Margaret
2022
Big Nate
Big Nate as Mrs. Godfrey (voice)
2020
The Swing of Things
The Swing of Things as Mama McGursky
Calling for Love
Calling for Love as Mercy Lewis
2018
St. Agatha
St. Agatha as Mother Superior
Lego Star Wars: All-Stars
Lego Star Wars: All-Stars as General Leia Organa
2016
The Wrong House
The Wrong House as Angela Chasen
The Holy Man
The Holy Man as Betty Rodriguez
Better Criminal
Better Criminal as Police Chief Ackerman
General Hospital
General Hospital as Diane Miller
2015
A Kind of Magic
A Kind of Magic as Maggie Paris
2012
True Blood
True Blood as Rosalyn Harris
2011
2010
Scream of the Bikini
Scream of the Bikini as Ronda (voice)
2009
Cougar Town
Cougar Town as Barbara Coman
2008
Shattered!
Shattered! as Adrienne
Necessary Evil
Necessary Evil as Carole Fielding
2007
Believers
Believers as Lina Vance
Cougar Club
Cougar Club as Judge Margaret Emerson
Sublime
Sublime as Cheryl
2006
Bambi II
Bambi II as Bambi's Mother (voice)
Conversations with God
Conversations with God as Sharon Parker
Click
Click as Kathy O'Doyle
2003
Wave Babes
Wave Babes as Maureen
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde as Congresswoman with Haircut
2002
Global Effect
Global Effect as Meredith Tripp
2000
Dawson's Creek
Dawson's Creek as Mrs. Valentine
1993
Lightning in a Bottle
Lightning in a Bottle as Marsha Timmons
1992
I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore
I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore as Bowling Alley Waitress
1991