Sela is the oldest of four children. She studied art and advertising at the University of Alabama, where she also was a cheerleader and was elected homecoming queen. She moved to New York to do storyboards for an advertising agency, but soon was tapped to be a model. Soon got commercials and decided to move to L.A. to seek a break in films, which she got only two weeks after arriving when she was selected to appear in The Man Who Loved Women (1983).

Sela's big break finally arrived in 1991, when Sela Ward was cast as one of 4 sisters in the NBC comedy/drama, Sisters. After her 6-year in Sisters, had a bit part in the Julia Roberts romantic comedy, Runaway Bride. Sela auditioned to be a Bond Girl, but was deemed too old for the part no matter Sela has already picked up an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2000 and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama in 2001.

Sela Ward she dated Richard Dean Anderson from 1983 until 1986; was engaged to actor Peter Weller until 1990; and is currently married to real-estate executive Howard Sherman, since 1992. She recently starred in the much anticipated sequel to Dirty Dancing, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Ward has also released her first book, Homesick, which appeared on The New York Times bestseller list, part inspirational story, part memoir.

Birth Name: Sela Ann Ward
Date of Birth: July 11, 1956
Place of Birth: Meridian, Mississippi, USA

Filmography

• The Guardian, 2006
• "House M.D.", 2005-2006
• Suburban Madness, 2004
• The Day After Tomorrow, 2004
• Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, 2004
• The Badge, 2002
• "Once and Again" , 1999-2002
• Catch a Falling Star, 2000
• The Reef, 1999
• Runaway Bride, 999
• "The New Batman Adventures", 1998
• Rescuers: Stories of Courage: Two Women, 1997
• "Frasier", 1997
• My Fellow Americans, 1996
• Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story, 1995
• "Sisters", 1993
• The Fugitive, 1993
• Killer Rules, 1993
• Double Jeopardy, 1992
• Child of Darkness, Child of Light, 1991
• Rainbow Drive, 1990
• "Christine Cromwell", 1990
• The Haunting of Sarah Hardy, 1989
• Bridesmaids, 1989
• The King of Love, 1987
• Hello Again, 1987
• Cameo by Night, 1987
• Steele Justice, 1987
• "Night Court", 1987
• "L.A. Law", 1986
• "Hotel", 1986
• Nothing in Common, 1986
• Rustlers' Rhapsody, 1985
• The Man Who Loved Women, 1983
• "Emerald Point N.A.S.", 1983

Awards

• Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a Television Series (Drama) "Once and Again" 2000
• Emmy Oustanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series "Once and Again" 1999
• CableACE Award Best Actress in a Movie or Miniseries "Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story" 1996
• Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series "Sisters" 1993 - 94