Roxana Zal Explained

Roxana Zal
Birth Date:November 8, 1969
Birth Place:Malibu, California, U.S.
Occupation:Actress, Fashion designer
Years Active:1981–2006

Roxana Zal (born November 8, 1969) is an American former actress and fashion designer. In 1984, at the age of 14, she became the youngest Primetime Emmy Award winner for her title role in the television film Something About Amelia.[1]

Life and career

Zal was born and raised in Malibu, California, the daughter of Maureen and Hossein Zal, an Iranian-born Los Angeles investor.[2] Her first acting role was a guest spot on Hart to Hart at age 12.

In 1983, Zal appeared in the films Table for Five starring Jon Voight and Testament opposite Jane Alexander. In 1984 she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the television film Something About Amelia. She also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film nomination for her performance.[3] Zal later starred in the 1986 independent crime film River's Edge and in 1989 starred in the teen romantic drama film Under the Boardwalk.[4]

In 1990, Zal appeared in a number of made-for-television and independent films playing supporting roles. She also guest starred in a number of television series, including , The Pretender and NCIS. In 2006, she was a regular cast member on the MyNetworkTV telenovela Watch Over Me.

Zal left acting and became a fashion designer in the 2000s.[5]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1983 Table for Five Tilde Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film
1983 Testament Mary Liz Wetherly Nominated — Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama
1986 River's Edge Maggie
1988Goodbye, Miss 4th of July
1989 Under the Boardwalk Gitch
1995 Red Line Gem
1996 Kiss & Tell Sissy
1996 The First Man Nan
1996 Daddy's Girl Karen Conners Direct-to-video
1997 Firestorm Lara
1998 The Waterfront Cristina
1998 Broken Vessels Elizabeth Also producer
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Award for Best Feature Film
2000Her Married Lover Katie Griffin Alternate Title: A Clean Cut
2000 Ground Zero Victoria Heflin
2001Blind ObsessionBedelia Rose
2004 Three Way Janice Brookbank

Television

!Year!Title!Role!Notes
1981Hart to HartRileyEpisode: "The Hartbreak Kid"
Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress, Guest on a Series
1982Walt Disney's Wonderful World of ColorMarileeEpisode: "The Adventures of Pollyanna"
1984Something About AmeliaAmelia BennetTelevision movie
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film
1986Shattered SpiritsLesley MollencampTelevision movie
1986CBS Schoolbreak SpecialAllie NewtonEpisode: "God, the Universe & Hot Fudge Sundaes"
Young Artist Award for Exceptional Young Actress Starring in a Television Special or Movie of the Week
1989Cissy McClureTelevision movie
1990Daughter of the StreetsCharleyTelevision movie
1992CBS Schoolbreak SpecialMichael's sisterEpisode: "Please, God, I'm Only Seventeen"
1992TracyTelevision movie
1993Deadly RelationsMartyTelevision movie
1993The Hidden RoomMarionEpisode: "Marion & Jean"
1995Lucy LaneEpisode: "Metallo"
1998Fame L.A.TinaEpisode: "Haunting Refrains"
1998The PretenderCarla ParksEpisode: "Silence"
1998Mixed BlessingsLaura
1999Primal ForceTara MatthewsTelevision movie
2003Crossing JordanMrs. StrahanEpisode: "John Doe"
2004NCISMarie FoleyEpisode: "UnSEALED"
2006Watch Over MeNatalie Weller64 episodes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: In a Controversial TV Movie, Teen Actress Roxana Zal Tackles a Taboo Subject—Incest. PEOPLE.com.
  2. News: Armstrong. Lois. Eric Estrin. In a Controversial TV Movie, Teen Actress Roxana Zal Tackles a Taboo Subject—Incest. People. 1984-01-16. 2010-09-13.
  3. Web site: Roxana Zal. www.goldenglobes.com.
  4. Web site: Under the Boardwalk (1989). www.rottentomatoes.com.
  5. Web site: Meet Roxana Zal of GoldDust Dresses in Silverlake - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide. Local. Stories.