Nancy Valen

Nancy Valen (December 14, 1965) is an American actress and television producer. She is best known for portraying Captain Samantha Thomas on Baywatch and Melissa in ‘’The Heavenly Kid’’ (1984). Early life Nancy Valen was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Hallandale, Florida. By the time she was 12 years old, she was spending summers modeling in New York City and studied acting at Uta Hagen's HB Studios. After graduating from Dillard High School of Performing Arts, a magnet program in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Valen won a theatrical scholarship to the University of Florida. She ultimately declined the scholarship in favor of continuing her professional career in Miami. Meanwhile, she attended Broward Community College, where she studied theatre and paid for her tuition by modeling and acting, appearing in two episodes of Miami Vice. After one year of college, Valen went to New York City to pursue a theatrical career. Within one month of being in New York, she landed a series regular role on the daytime drama Ryan's Hope. Valen stayed with Ryan's Hope for two years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue other interests. Career