When she's not sparring with "Ally McBeal", or duking it out with HEATHER LOCKLEAR, the gorgeous COURTNEY THORNE-SMITH is posing pretty as the new, fresh-faced Almay cover girl. This talented actress has really "come into her own", taking on great roles on both the small screen and in features.

The San Francisco native started acting during her high school years at the Ensemble Theatre Company in Mill Valley. She landed her first role in the flick "Welcome to 18" in 1986, when she was just 18 herself. That same year she picked up several other projects, including the TV movie "The Thanksgiving Promise" with BEAU BRIDGES directing, "Lucas" opposite CHARLIE SHEEN, and her first TV series, the short-lived "Fast Times".

In 1987 Courtney hit the beach and box office success with the fun flick "Summer School", opposite MARK HARMON. She then appeared in "Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise", and landed yet another spot on the TV show "Day by Day" -- but the hot gig that would put her into household name status was yet to come.

When AARON SPELLING offered Thorne-Smith a part on a new saucy nighttime soap called "Melrose Place", the sexy starlet had no idea what madness she would be involved in. The Fox show became incredibly popular -- countless "Melrose" parties would go on every week as fans tuned in to see what drama would happen next with Billy, Alison and the rest of the Hollywood-based bunch. Thorne-Smith resided at "Melrose" for five years, then decided it was time to move out (a smart decision -- "Melrose" is now off the air).

Was there life after "Melrose"? You bet! Courtney quickly formed an alliance with another TV powerhouse, the brilliant writer DAVID E. KELLEY ("The Practice"). In 1997, she jumped on board another Monday night viewing event, with the Emmy award-winning "Ally McBeal". Along with legal eagles like CALISTA FLOCKHARTand LUCY LIU, Courtney has found herself on yet another wildly successful series. "Ally McBeal" is currently in its third season.

When she's not facing off with her co-stars, Courtney can be found working on that fabulous figure with her top-notch exercise routine that includes running, yoga and meditation.