Dana Delany is an American television and film actress.
Growing up in Stamford, Connecticut, she attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, for her senior year and was a member of the school's first co-educational class.
After college, she found acting work in New York City in daytime soap operas. Delany moved to Hollywood and during the next few years found work guest starring in TV shows like Moonlighting, Magnum, P.I., and thirtysomething.
Delany won two Primetime Emmy Awards (in 1989 and 1992) for her lead role as nurse Colleen McMurphy on ABC’s critically acclaimed drama series China Beach, which aired from 1988 to 1991. After China Beach ended, she worked steadily in television, including roles on episodes of Cheers, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Boston Legal, and The L Word.
In 2007, Delany joined the cast of ABC’s Desperate Housewives, playing housewife Katherine Mayfair. She remained with the show until 2010, returning for a guest star appearance in 2012.
She has served as host of the Television Academy Honors ten times since its inception.
Delany continues to do film, television, and voice-over work.
