Charisma Carpenter Charisma Carpenter's name was actually inspired by an Avon fragrance, and the sweet smell of success seems to have followed the actress throughout her life. Carpenter was born on July 23, 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada. At five years old, she began studying classical ballet. Ten years later, the family had moved to Mexico, and Carpenter was still keeping up with her performance pursuits, making the daily commute to San Diego’s School of the Performing Arts. After graduating from high school, Carpenter moved to San Diego, where she worked various odd jobs including a stint as a video clerk as well as a member of the San Diego Chargers' cheerleading squad. At this time, Carpenter was working to fund her college tuition, with the hopes of eventually becoming an English teacher. During one workday waiting tables on Sunset Boulevard, Carpenter was scouted by an agent who saw potential in the young waitress and encouraged her to polish her acting skills. Carpenter went on to spend eighteen months studying acting at Playhouse West and appearing in various television commercials.
In the mid 90s, Carpenter landed a starring role in an Aaron Spelling's short-lived series Malibu Shores, alongside Keri Russell. After more appearances followed on such shows as Boy Meets World, Pacific Blue, and Baywatch, Carpenter eventually landed her breakthrough role in 1997, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Although Carpenter also tried out for the lead role of Buffy, which went to Sarah Michelle Gellar, she perfected the part she was eventually chosen to play – the snooty and sardonic Cordelia Chase. In 1999, Cordelia’s popular character was parlayed onto the show’s spin-off series, Angel, starring David Boreanaz. Since Buffy the Vampire Slayer wrapped in 2003, Carpenter has had recurring roles on such series as Miss Match, with Alicia Silverstone; Charmed, with Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan; as well as another Buffy-style smart teen series, Veronica Mars. Carpenter is still very much revered for her role as Cordelia; however, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel have taken on a cult fan following and continue to draw crowds to fan conventions, at which Carpenter is reportedly the only cast member who does not charge for her autographs.
On October 5, 2002, Carpenter took on a role of a different kind, as wife to Damien Hardy; and one year later, the role of mother to their son, Donavan Charles. By 2004, Carpenter had already bounced back into shape, and her sleek post-natal figure was featured in the June 2004 issue of Playboy magazine. YUDDY |
