Cast Bios Teri Polo

‘THE CHRISTMAS SHEPHERD’ CAST BIOS TERI POLO (Sally) – Teri Polo is best known for her role as Robert De Niro’s daughter, Pam Byrnes, in the “Meet the Parents” feature films. She recently starred in “The Little Fockers,” the third installment of the movie franchise and completed production on the feature “Beyond” opposite Jon Voight. Polo has also recently filmed the Lifetime movie “We Have Your Husband” and had a recent recurring role on “Law & Order: Los Angeles.” She played the character of Casey Winters, wife of Detective Rex Winters, played by Skeet Ulrich. Last year, Polo starred in the ABC series “Man Up.” Polo’s other recent credits include the feature film “The Hole,” directed by Joe Dante and the NBC miniseries “The Storm,” both released in 2010. Polo’s other film credits include “Beyond Borders” co-starring Angelina Jolie, the suspense thriller “The Unsaid” opposite Andy Garcia and “Domestic Disturbance” opposite John Travolta and Vince Vaughn. She co-starred opposite De Niro and Stiller in “Meet the Parents,” for which she won a People’s Choice Award and its sequel “Meet the Fockers.” Originally from Dover, Delaware, Polo began her performing career as a dancer. By age 13, she was attending New York’s School of Ballet. The summer before her senior year, she was signed to a modeling contract, which led to a role as Kristin on the daytime drama “Loving.” Polo made her primetime debut in the dramatic series “TV 101.” Television audiences may remember her as Michelle Capra, the doctor’s wife who was determined to master the strange surroundings (and even stranger characters) in “Northern Exposure.” She also starred in the comedy series “I’m with Her” as well as David E. Kelley’s “The Wedding Bells.” Other television credits include the original film “Second String” opposite Jon Voight and the Hallmark Channel Original Movie’s “Straight from the Heart,” “Love Is a Four-Letter Word,” “A Taste of Romance” and “The Christmas Heart.” She was nominated for an Emmy® Award for her role opposite Jimmy Smits on “The West Wing.” Polo is currently the series lead on ABC Family's hit show “The Fosters.” She just wrapped another episode of “Law & Order: SVU” and she also wrapped the movie of the week, “Romantically Speaking.” Polo currently lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her family. ### MARTIN CUMMINS (Mark) – Martin Cummins’ acting experience has been diverse. His credits include four seasons playing Nick, a starring role on “Poltergeist: The Legacy.” The actor later went on to direct several episodes of “Poltergeist” and “The Outer Limits.” Cummins won the 2000 Genie Award for best supporting actor for his gritty performance in Clemente Virgo’s “Love Come Down.” And in 2002 Cummins starred in a new television series pilot, “T.R.A.X.X.” produced and directed by Renny Harlin. (more) HALLMARK CHANNEL / ‘THE CHRISTMAS SHEPHERD – Cast Bios – Page 2 Since winning his Genie, Cummins has worked non-stop. He has been seen on the big screen opposite Linda Fiorentino and Wesley Snipes in Kari Scogland’s “Liberty Stands Still” and on the small screen in the British/Canadian six part mini-series entitled “Dice” of which his performance was nominated for a “Best Lead Actor” Gemini Award. Cummins was also part of the regular cast of James Cameron’s hit show “Dark Angel” for the Fox network. He has had recurring roles on several WB series including “Smallville,” “The Mountain” and “Black Sash.” Quadruple threat Cummins directed, executive produced, co-wrote and starred in the award winning “We All Fall Down.” Cummins plays the tormented and self-destructive Kris, a character based on a close friend from his past. Kris, who lives with his girlfriend Ryan, is a drug-addicted artist on a steady downward spiral. The semi-autobiographical story of “We All Fall Down” is loosely based on Cummins’ experiences in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Darcy Belsher plays a character named Michael modeled on Cummins. Most recently Cummins had the starring role in “39: A film by Carroll McKane” an American independent feature film shot in Chicago. --HALLMARK CHANNEL-- .

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