Emily Procter was born and raised in the beautiful state of North Carolina. She learned early on the joy of traveling and thus spent many summers with family in Tennessee where she perfected the art of making sweet tea. Emily graduated from Raleigh?s Ravenscroft School and was then off to East Carolina University where she earned a B.F.A. in journalism and dance. While in college, she landed her first television job as a weekend weather anchor for CBS affiliate WNCT. When she began falling asleep between takes she knew it was time to move on to something that could keep her interest.

Consequently, Emily moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Her early work includes small movie roles in Leaving Las Vegas and Jerry Maguire. She also made memorable appearances in the well-known television shows Friends, Lois and Clark, and Just Shoot Me.

In the late 1990?s, Emily starred in such movies as HBO?s Breast Men with David Schwimmer and Chris Cooper, Family Plan with Leslie Nielsen, Body Shots with Ron Livingston, Amanda Peet, Jerry O?Connell, and Tara Reid, and Guinevere with Jean Smart and Sarah Polley.

The year 2000 marked a turning point in Emily?s career when she was offered a role on the highly acclaimed and award-winning NBC television drama, The West Wing. She played Ainsley Hayes, a feisty Republican lawyer working in the midst of a Democratic administration, who bantered and debated political ideology with Rob Lowe?s character, Sam Seaborn.

In 2002, Emily was offered the starring role of Calleigh Duquesne in CBS's CSI: Miami. (Be careful folks, she carries a gun). The show was well received in its first season and was given the People?s Choice Award for Best New Drama.

When not at work, Emily enjoys playing poker with her friends, interior decorating, and participating in events to aid with issues close to her heart.

While Hollywood is currently home, Emily still makes her way back to her Southern roots whenever she gets a chance or whenever she gets thirsty for sweet tea.

--Emily's Official Site