Judith Light

Los Angeles, California, USA
Actor and activist

At a glance: Judith has created a new chapter in an already-remarkable acting career with her current role as Claire Meade in the hit comedy "Ugly Betty" (ABC/U.S.) — and she's a 2007 Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Guest Actress as a result ... Judith's television career began in 1977 with a memorable five-year portrayal of Karen Wolek on "One Life to Live," for which she won two Emmys, two Soapys, and a Soap Opera Hall of Fame Award ... She is still widely recognized for her portrayal of Angela Bower in the 1980s on another ABC series, the long-running sitcom "Who's the Boss?" ... In 1989 she starred in "The Ryan White Story" as the mother of teenage AIDS victim Ryan White, which inspired her to begin volunteer work on behalf of AIDS charities ... She has earned critical acclaim in recent years for numerous stage appearances, including a triumph Off-Broadway and on a national tour as Dr. Vivian Bearing in the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Wit" ... One of Hollywood's most dedicated activists for numerous causes, she was the first heterosexual to sit on the board of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Services Center; the Center later named its library in her honor.

Judith's connection with the Gay Games began with her support for Gay Games IV in New York in 1994, during which she gave one of the week's most memorable speeches at the opening ceremony ... She is among the four charter members of the Gay Games Ambassadors program begun in 2002 and is warmly appreciated by the Federation for her attendance and support at Gay Games VI in Sydney that year ... Judith resides in Los Angeles with her husband Richard Desiderio, whom she met on "One Life to Live".

Judith's Web site: www.judithlight.com