The Guardian- Biography:
Erica Leerhsen / Amanda Bowles

The Guardian Character: Amanda Bowles (2001- 2002)

Birth Date: February 14, 1977

Birth Place: Bronx, New York, USA

Family: Has 2 sisters, Nora and Debbie.

Schooling: Attended St. Augustine's School in Ossining, NY. Attended Ossining High School in Ossining, New York. Graduated from Boston University's School of Fine Arts, 1998

Other works: Played "Anna" in elementary school production of "The King and I.", Sang in choir in high school.

Flimography: Click here! to read about her other roles

About Erica: Erica Leerhsen plays Amanda Bowles, the attractive and idealistic associate whose views about life and the law challenge Nick Fallin’s more cynical perspectives in THE GUARDIAN, a new one hour drama from Columbia TriStar Television, airing Tuesday nights, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

A versatile young actress, Leerhsen made her feature film debut in 2000 in the high profile release, "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2." She played the practicing wiccan Erica Geerson, certainly a contrast to the role of Amanda Bowles.

Eclecticism describes Leerhsen’s early career. She has performed in a varied mix of projects since earning her B.F.A., summa cum laude, from Boston University School of the Arts. A performance in a sketch comedy in New York’s East Village led to her being cast in the MTV pilot "The Party," and within months she was cast in "Blair Witch 2." On stage, she has performed in off-Broadway productions of "Tamicanfly" and "Hurricane," as well as regional theater productions of "Emma" and "Collected Stories.” Leerhsen is also recognizable to fans of "The Sopranos" for her third-season guest starring stint as Birgit Olafsdottir.

Leerhsen’s early success is the result of a longtime ambition to be an actress. "I’ve wanted to act since the fourth grade," says Leerhsen, whose first audition was for the role of Anna, in her elementary school’s production of "The King and I." "Kind of ambitious for a nine-year-old," she notes. Now, in addition to THE GUARDIAN, Leerhsen will also be seen in the latest untitled Woody Allen project scheduled to be released in 2002.

Born in the Bronx, Leerhsen grew up in Westchester County, New York. She enjoys staying in shape through yoga, running, and playing basketball (she was on the team in high school). Her birthdate is Valentine’s Day, February 14.