KaDee Strickland

Smaller parts in a slew of high-profile flicks made audiences take notice of this plucky blonde before she was cast as a series regular on ABC’s "Private Practice."

KaDee Strickland starred in Tyler Perry's "The Family That Preys," with Kathy Bates, Sanaa Lathan and Alfre Woodard. She also appeared opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's highly anticipated "American Gangster."

Strickland's additional film credits include "The Flock," a thriller with Richard Gere and Claire Danes; "Walker Payne," which made its world premiere at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival; "Fever Pitch," directed by the Farrelly Brothers and starring Drew Barrymore; the hit horror film "The Grudge," Woody Allen's "Anything Else," "Something's Gotta Give" and "The Stepford Wives."

Television credits include her recent starring role in the David E. Kelley-produced series, "Wedding Bells" as well as roles on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "All My Children" and "The Street Lawyer."

While studying at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Strickland was cast in "The Sixth Sense" and "Girl, Interrupted." After receiving a Fine Arts degree, she moved to New York and continued her studies with master teacher Maggie Flanagan at the Maggie Flanagan Studio. In May 2006, the University honored Strickland with the Outstanding Alumni Award. During her time in New York, she acquired stage experience in productions of "A Requiem for Things Past" and in John Patrick Shanley's "Women of Manhattan."

With "Private Practice's" conclusion in 2013, Strickland is sticking with ABC with a role on "Secrets and Lies."