Born April 18, 1976, in Smithtown, New York, she began her acting career in commercials and minor TV roles. Gaining fame as the lead in "Clarissa Explains It All" (1991-1994), she became a household name with "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" (1996-2003). Her career spans film, television, and theater, with notable projects including "Drive Me Crazy" (1999) and "Melissa & Joey" (2010-2015). Beyond acting, she is a director, producer, and entrepreneur, actively involved in charitable work.