‘EDGE OF THE GARDEN’

CAST BIOS

ROB ESTES (Brian Connor) – Rob Estes was last seen by television audiences starring in the hit CW Network series “90210,” where he starred for its first two season in the role of Harry Wilson. Prior to that, Estes had leading roles in two ABC series, “Women’s Murder Club,” in which he starred opposite Angie Harmon, and “The Evidence,” for producer John Wells. Before achieving mainstream stardom he was probably best known for his starring role as Chris Lorenzo, the fast-and-loose Palm Beach homicide detective in the cult favorite “.” More recently, he played recurring roles on “Providence,” “Suddenly Susan” and “.”

A graduate of USC, Estes took a utilitarian approach to entering Hollywood, initially making plans for a career as a stuntman. It was quickly apparent, however, that his talents deserved a wider berth. Following several years on the hit show “,” Estes starred in several well-received but ultimately unsuccessful television pilots.

Frustrated with being limited to his work on screen, Estes made the decision to rediscover his craft on stage. He received excellent reviews in his starring role in Tennessee Williams’ play The Rose Tattoo at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. When he moved with his family to Seattle in early 2003 he sought out opportunities in that city’s thriving theatre scene. He had co-starring roles in productions in Seattle and at the nationally recognized Coeur D’Alene Rep in Idaho. This experience culminated in his co-starring performance as the duplicitous Solyony in Chekhov’s Three Sisters (adapted by Craig Lucas) at the famed Intiman Theatre under the tutelage of Artistic Director Bartlett Sheer.

In early 2010, Estes starred in “Tailor Made Murder,” an Italian-financed drama. He has also starred in such telefilms as “Sweet Temptation,” opposite Beverly D’Angelo. In 2000, he produced and starred opposite Jason Alexander in the independent feature “How to Go On A Date in Queens,” which also featured Ron Perelman and Kimberly Williams.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Estes continues to reside in Bellevue, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. He is married and has two children, Mason and Maya.

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SARAH MANNINEN (Nora) – A graduate of Toronto’s George Brown Theatre School, Sarah Manninen was nominated for a Gemini award for Best Leading Actress in BBC/Alliance’s television movie “AKA Albert Walker” and for “Keep Your Head Up Kid: The Don Cherry Story.”

Manninen’s theatre credits include George F. Walker’s Better Living and Escape from Happiness at The Factory Theatre, The Wedding Pool at Atelier du Rhin Theatre de la Manufacture and

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The Belfry Theatre, The Shape of Things at Manitoba Theatre Centre directed by Chris Abraham and Our Town at Royal Alex Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre company.

Manninen is perhaps best known for her series regular role on two seasons of “The Line.” Other television credits include “Live Through This” for MTV, “Platinum” for UPN and a recurring role on Showcase’s series “Naked Josh.” She has also enjoyed several leading roles in made- for-TV movies, including “Martin and Lewis,” “Beautiful Girl,” “The Riverman,” “Touch the Top of the World,” “Molly: An American Girl on the Homefront,” produced by Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films for Disney and 'When Love Is Not Enough.”

Her guest starring roles include “NCIS,” “Burnt Toast,” “This is Wonderland,” “The Eleventh Hour,” “Angela’s Eyes,” “Wild Card” and “Veritas,” among others. Feature film credits include “The Prince and Me,” “All You Got” and “Never Forget.”

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DAVID LEWIS (Thomas) – Born and raised in South Vancouver, British Columbia, David Lewis knew from a young age he wanted to be an actor.

At the beginning of his television career, Lewis cut his teeth on numerous commercials, which taught him not to look into the lens and the joys of looping dialogue. Climbing the ladder towards Canadian stardom, he paid his dues with one-line jobs. Then, in 1999, after landing the lead role in “Shoes Off,” which won Best Short Film in Cannes, Lewis decided to get serious about his acting career. Lewis continues to enjoy and contribute to the independent film scene and finds it some of his most rewarding film work to date.

Lewis enjoyed a supporting role on the dramatic feature film “Personal Effects” opposite Ashton Kutcher and Michelle Pfeiffer and in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” with Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly. Previous television work includes a lead on the hit CBS series “Harper’s Island.” Some of Lewis’s other television credits include recurring roles on “Dead Like Me” and “The L Word” as well as guest star roles on “Stargate” and “The Dead Zone,” to name a few. Film career highlights include working with William H. Macy on the award winning film “Door To Door” and with Harrison Ford on “Firewall.”

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KELLY MONACO (Julie) – Kelly Monaco has secured a spot in pop culture as the first winner of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” managing to win the love of millions of viewers each week. Since the show debut, she has had over 20 million hits on her website and is the most searched woman on Yahoo.

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This beauty has graced the big and small screen numerous times with starring roles in “Idle Hands,” “Mumford” and “Late Last Night.” Monaco can currently be seen on “General Hospital” where her role of the sexy and rebellious Samantha “Sam” McCall, has garnered her two Daytime Emmy® nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Lead Actress. She was also the co-host of the 2006 Daytime Emmy’s with friend and “Dancing With The Stars” alum Tom Bergeron. Monaco’s other television credits include “Baywatch,” “Port Charles” and “Football Wives.”

Monaco also starred opposite Charlie Sheen and Heather Locklear in the season finale of “Spin City” and has graced the cover of Maxim Magazine. Her cover was voted the sexiest Maxim cover of all time.

When Monaco’s family moved from the bustling city of Philadelphia to the more peaceful environment of the Pocono’s, she developed her love for theater and began studying acting, speech and debate. In addition to ballroom dancing, Monaco also excels in soccer, swimming, track, and softball, among others, and she occasionally competes in triathlons. She is also involved in numerous children’s charities and volunteers for several programs to assist the elderly.

Monaco currently resides in Los Angeles

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