Born: New York, NY
DOB: May 22, 1967
Sign: Gemini

Personal: Showbiz is truly in Brooke's blood: Her mom, Lois, is a publicist whose clients have included Robert Redford and Sean Penn. After high school, Brooke studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She's been hitched to cameraman Steve Lubensky since 1999. The bi-coastal couple -- they have homes in New York and L.A. -- have one daughter.

Professional: Brooke's first break came as Catherine Martin, kidnapping victim of serial killer Buffalo Bill, in "The Silence of the Lambs." She gained 30 pounds for the role and wasn't afraid of being typecast as the "fat girl." Her other big-screen work includes Louis Malle's "Vanya on 42nd Street," "Last Summer in the Hamptons," and the reality TV spoof "Series 7: The Contender." She's also done stage work, including Neil LaBute's "Some Girl(s)" on Broadway.

On TV, Brooke's had recurring guest roles in shows like "Six Feet Under," "Law & Order," "Crossing Jordan," and "Weeds." Seems people really like her to stick around: Her "Grey's Anatomy" role as Dr. Erica Hahn also started out as a guest spot. She arrived in the second season and became a regular in the fourth season.

Did You Know? Brooke was once roommates with revered alt-rocker Jeff Buckley, who died in 1997.