Annie Parisse
Introduction
Annie Parisse (born Anne Marie Cancelmi) is an American actress known for her work in television, film, and theatre.
Her roles include Alexandra Borgia on Law & Order, Julia Snyder in As the World Turns, and FBI Agent Debra Parker in The Following.
Early Life & Background
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She was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to Louis G. “Lou” Cancelmi and Annette, and later grew up on Mercer Island, Washington.
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She attended Mercer Island High School.
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Later she studied at Fordham University, performing in classical plays such as Medea and Antigone during her college years.
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She comes from a family involved in acting; her brother is actor Louis Cancelmi.
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She is married to actor Paul Sparks, and they have a child born in October 2009.
Career Highlights
Television & Soap Operas
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Her first major television role was Julia Snyder on As the World Turns (1998–2002).
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She then joined Law & Order as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Borgia, playing that role until her character’s shocking exit.
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In The Following, she played FBI Agent Debra Parker opposite Kevin Bacon.
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She’s also had guest and recurring roles in series like Person of Interest, Rubicon, Friends from College, Vinyl, and House of Cards.
Film & Theatre
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Her film credits include How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, National Treasure, Prime, Definitely, Maybe, and One for the Money.
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On stage, she has worked in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. For example, she appeared in the Broadway revival of Prelude to a Kiss.
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She did Clybourne Park and other theatre works as well.
Personality & Artistic Approach
From her own remarks in interviews and quotes, some attitudes and values emerge:
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She values the creative process deeply.
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She is candid about how roles get cast and how she is sometimes typecast (“sassy, brassy best friend”).
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She enjoys horror genre, seeing it as a way for people to explore fear in a safe context.
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She also expresses a connection to visual arts via photography, though she doesn’t identify as a painter.
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In her approach to performance, she speaks of being willing to go to “very ugly places” in emotion in order to serve the whole play.
Notable Quotes by Annie Parisse
Here are some attributed quotes that reflect her views on acting, art, and life:
“When I first became an actress, I expected to do regional and classical theater; I just love the whole creative process.”
“I’m usually cast as the sassy, brassy best friend.”
“One man’s cult is another man’s religion.”
“I am a hobbyist photographer so I relate to the visual arts that way, but I’m not a painter.”
“You’d just be amazed what people will do. You really would. And not crazy people. Ostensibly normal people… When the right person touches the right button in someone, you can get them to do almost anything.”
“Reading a play, you view yourself as part of a whole. … you’re willing to go to the very ugly place … to serve the whole.”