Michelle Hurd is a renowned American actress, born on December 21, 1966, to actor Hugh L. Hurd. She is married to the talented actor Garret Dillahunt.
Growing up, Michelle was influenced by her father's career in the entertainment industry. She attended Saint Ann's School, graduating in 1984, and later earned a degree from Boston University in 1988. Michelle also studied with the prestigious Alvin Ailey School and spent time at Great Britain's National Theatre after her college graduation.
Michelle's Broadway credits include the 1996 production of Getting Away with Murder, as well as notable roles in Othello, A.M.L., Hamlet, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Looking for the Pony at Manhattan Theater Source, alongside her sister Adrienne Hurd.
Michelle met her husband, Garret Dillahunt, while working at Circle Repertory Theater Company in 1990. She has received numerous awards, including the Robbie Award and the California Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her performance in the world premiere of Richard Greenberg's The Violet Hour.
In addition to her stage work, Michelle has appeared in several films, including Random Hearts, Personals, and the unshown TV-pilot Justice League of America, where she played the comic book superhero B.B. DaCosta/Fire.
Michelle's television career has been marked by a wide range of roles, including The Cosby Mysteries, New York Undercover, The Practice, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, where she played the role of Det. Monique Jeffries. She co-starred with Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay for the first season before leaving the series in 2000.
Michelle has also appeared in notable television shows such as Charmed, The O.C., According to Jim, Shark, Bones, and Gossip Girl. From 2006 to 2007, she had a recurring role on ER as television news producer Courtney Brown, who developed a close relationship with Dr. Kerry Weaver.
In 2009, Michelle played the leading role of Diana in the Washington Shakespeare Theatre Company's production of Lope de Vega's Dog in the Manger. She won a Robbie Award as "best actress" for her work in the world premiere of The Violet Hour at South Coast Repertory.
Michelle has also appeared in Hamlet at the North Shore Theater and began a starring role on the A&E Network drama The Glades in 2010, playing the character Colleen Manus.