Dana Welles Delany is an American actress. After appearing in small roles early in her career, Delany received her breakthrough role as Colleen McMurphy on the ABC television drama China Beach (1988–1991), for which she received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1989 and 1992.
Delany graduated from Wesleyan University in 1978 with a degree in theater. After graduating, she moved to New York City and began her acting career. She appeared in several off-Broadway productions, and she also had small roles in films and television shows.
After China Beach ended in 1991, Delany continued to appear in films and television shows. She starred in the films Light Sleeper (1992), Tombstone (1993), Exit to Eden (1994), and The Margaret Sanger Story (1995). She also had recurring roles on the television shows The L Word (2004–2009) and Desperate Housewives (2004–2007).
In addition to her acting career, Delany is also a writer and producer. She has written several articles and essays, and she has also produced several films and television shows. She is also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out against sexual harassment and assault.
Was Dana Delany in Boston legal?
Yes, Dana Delany was in Boston Legal. She guest-starred in the episode “Truth Be Told” in the first season. She played Samantha Fleming, the wife of mayoral candidate Jack Fleming (Brian Kerwin).
In the episode, Samantha seeks the help of Alan Shore (James Spader) when her husband’s bid for Boston’s highest office is threatened by dirty politics just days before the election. Alan’s tactics put him on a collision course with the city’s new power elite.
Delany’s performance in the episode was well-received by critics. The AV Club said that she “brought a welcome dose of gravitas to the proceedings.” TV Guide said that she “gave a strong performance as a woman who is both strong and vulnerable.”
Delany’s appearance on Boston Legal was a brief one, but it was memorable. She showed that she could hold her own in a courtroom drama, and she gave a performance that was both complex and nuanced.
What movies has Dana Delaney been in?
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | The Fan | Saleswoman in record store | |
| 1984 | Almost You | Susan McCall | |
| 1986 | Where the River Runs Black | Sister Ana | |
| 1988 | Masquerade | Anne Briscoe | |
| 1988 | Patty Hearst | Gelina | |
| 1988 | Moon over Parador | Jenny | |
| 1992 | Light Sleeper | Marianne | |
| 1992 | Housesitter | Becky Metcalf | |
| 1993 | Tombstone | Josephine Marcus | |
| 1993 | Batman: Mask of the Phantasm | Andrea Beaumont | Voice |
| 1994 | Exit to Eden | Lisa Emerson | |
| 1995 | Live Nude Girls | Jill | |
| 1996 | Fly Away Home | Susan Barnes | |
| 1998 | The Curve | Dr. Ashley | |
| 1998 | Wide Awake | Mrs. Beal | |
| 1999 | Outfitters | Cat Bonfaim | |
| 2000 | The Right Temptation | Anthea Farrow-Smith | |
| 2002 | Mother Ghost | Karen Bennett | |
| 2003 | Spin | Margaret Swift-Bejarano | |
| 2005 | Getting to Know You | Marla | Short |
| 2006 | Superman: Brainiac Attacks | Lois Lane | Voice |
| 2007 | Route 30 | Amish Martha | |
| 2008 | A Beautiful Life | Anne | |
| 2008 | Flying Lessons | Jeanne | |
| 2010 | Multiple Sarcasms | Annie | |
| 2010 | Camp Hope | Patricia | |
| 2010 | Drunkboat | Eileen | |
| 2012 | Freelancers | Lydia Vecchio | |
| 2013 | Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox | Lois Lane | Voice |
| 2017 | Literally, Right Before Aaron | Wendy |