Who is Daphne Zuniga?
Daphne Zuniga is an American actress known for her roles in numerous films and television shows. She gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Jo Reynolds in the popular TV series “Melrose Place” in the 1990s, so establishing herself as a versatile and talented actress in the entertainment industry.
What is Daphne Zuniga Doing Now?
In 2022, Zuniga joined the cast of “Dynasty”, portraying the character Sonya Jackson in the popular soap opera. Since then, there has been no news about Daphne and her work in the industry.
Daphne Zuniga Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Daphne Eurydice Zuniga was born on 28 October 1962, in San Francisco, California, USA, the daughter of Agnes A. and Joaquín Alberto Zúñiga Mazariegos. Her mother, of Polish and Finnish descent, is a Unitarian minister, while her father, originally from Guatemala, was a philosophy professor at California State University.
Zuniga grew up with her sister Jennifer, and showed an early interest in acting. She attended the Young Conservatory program at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, and later moved to Reading, Vermont, with her mother and sister when her parents’ divorced. After graduating from Woodstock Union High School in 1980, she pursued her studies in theater arts at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she became close friends and roommates with future star actress Meg Ryan.
Career Beginnings
In 1982, Daphne Zuniga made her film debut in “The Dorm That Dripped Blood”, appearing alongside a cast of fellow college students in this slasher film directed by Stephen Carpenter. The movie follows a group of students who are stalked by a killer in their deserted dormitory.
In 1984, Zuniga had a minor role in the popular TV series “Family Ties”, appearing as the girlfriend of Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox, in an episode of the show.
Rise to Stardom
1985 was a pivotal year for Zuniga, as she landed lead roles in two films – in “The Initiation”, she starred alongside Vera Miles and Clu Gulager in a college-themed slasher, playing twins, a good sister and an evil sister, in a suspenseful story in which her character is shot.
The same year, Zuniga starred in “The Sure Thing”, directed by Rob Reiner, sharing the screen with John Cusack in this romantic comedy. The film received critical acclaim, with Roger Ebert describing it as a small miracle in a genre known for shallow teenage movies. Zuniga’s performance showcased her talent and charisma, contributing to her rise to stardom.
In 1987, Zuniga took on the iconic role of Princess Vespa in Mel Brooks’s cult comedy “Spaceballs”, appearing alongside Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and John Candy in this parody of popular science fiction films. While the movie received mixed reviews initially, it later gained a devoted cult following.
Continued Success
From 1992 to 1996, Zuniga secured a regular role as Jo Reynolds in the popular Fox soap opera “Melrose Place”. She became a familiar face to television audiences, portraying a complex and driven character in the glamorous world of Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue. This role further solidified her success in the industry.
In 1995, Zuniga appeared in the miniseries “Degree of Guilt”, sharing the screen with actors such as David James Elliott. The miniseries, based on a novel by Richard North Patterson, revolves around a lawyer defending a high-profile murder suspect.
Continuing her television success, Zuniga took on a lead role in the 1996 miniseries “Pandora’s Clock”. Directed by Eric Laneuville, the action thriller is set in Seattle, in which Zuniga’s character must help prevent a deadly virus from spreading aboard a plane.
In 2005 and 2006, Zuniga portrayed Lynn Kerr in the ABC Family series “Beautiful People”, starring alongside actors such as Torrey DeVitto and Sarah Foret in this drama about a single mother and her two daughters navigating the world of New York’s elite.
From 2008 to 2012, Zuniga had a recurring role as Victoria Davis in The CW series “One Tree Hill”, appearing in over forty episodes of the show, which followed the lives of a group of friends in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina.
In 2009 and 2010, Zuniga reprised her role as Jo Reynolds in the updated version of “Melrose Place”. Although the series had a short-lived run, her return to the beloved character delighted fans of the original show.
Recent Projects
In 2010, Zuniga starred in the Hallmark Channel film “A Family Thanksgiving”. The heartwarming movie tells the story of a high-powered lawyer (played by Zuniga) who reconnects with her estranged family during the Thanksgiving holiday. The film explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the importance of family.
In 2013, Zuniga appeared in two projects – she joined the cast of the Hallmark Channel series “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, portraying a postal worker involved in a group of postal detectives who solve mysteries through the letters they deliver. She also starred in the television film “Gone Missing”, alongside Lauren Bowles, in a suspenseful story about the disappearance of two teenage girls during a spring break trip.
In 2016, Zuniga was cast in the TV movie “When Duty Calls”, alongside Judd Nelson and Daniella Monet. The film explores the challenges faced by a military widow who takes on a new mission to honor her husband’s memory.
Venturing into directing, Zuniga helmed the feature film “The Protégé”, released in 2019 as “Deadly Assistant”. In this thriller, she directed Keenan Tracey and Jeannette Sousa in a story about a young woman who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit when she takes a job as a personal assistant to a successful entrepreneur.
Zuniga continued her work in television films, appearing in the 2019 movie “Gates Of Paradise”, opposite Lizzie Boys and Jason Priestley, and the holiday film “Christmas In Paris” with Karl E. Ländler.
Zuniga’s versatility extended to guest-starring roles, such as her appearance in “NCIS” in 2020 as Navy commander Stacy Gordon. In 2021, she made a guest appearance in “Fantasy Island” alongside her former “Melrose Place” co-stars Josie Bissett and Laura Leighton.
Net Worth
According to sources, Daphne Zuniga’s net worth is estimated at $3 million, as of mid-2023.
Personal Life, Marriage, Husband, Children
In 2006, Daphne Zuniga met businessman David Mleczko on a blind date, and they soon began a relationship which eventually led to marriage – on 8 June 2019, the couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony held in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In 2004, Zuniga faced a health challenge when she experienced mercury poisoning, which she attributed to the excessive consumption of fish; consuming sushi four times a week, she started experiencing symptoms such as weak memory, mild depression, headaches, skin rashes and crying spells,. Following her diagnosis, Zuniga made the decision to not only stop consuming fish, but also to abstain from meat.
Zuniga’s deep concern for the environment can be traced back to her family’s camping trips to Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone, which ignited her lifelong interest in nature. In a 2007 interview, she expressed gratitude for the planet’s unwavering support and highlighted the importance of preserving and respecting it. Zuniga has actively participated in environmental campaigns, working with organizations such as the Earth Communications Office (ECO), Natural Resources Defense Council, Waterkeeper Alliance, and Environment California. In 2009, she was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to serve on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation, a non-profit development body dedicated to promoting sustainable development along the Los Angeles River.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Daphne Zuniga has dark brown hair and gray eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 8ins (1.73m), weighs approximately 130lbs (59kgs), with vital statistics of 33-25-33, and bra size 38B.
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