Born on October 6, 1966, she is an American actress known for her roles in both film and television. Raised in California, she gained early recognition with her performance in the film "Tortilla Soup" and later became widely known for her role as Detective Rita Ortiz on the television series "NYPD Blue." Over her career, she has appeared in various films like "Six Days, Seven Nights" and "Unstoppable," showcasing her versatility across genres.