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Nancy Valen (born December 16, 1965 in Hallandale Beach, Florida) is an American actress. Her best known role on a television series was probably that as Capt. Samantha Thomas on Baywatch. Nancy Valen was born and raised in Hallandale Beach, Florida, near the beaches of the southern Atlantic coast. By the time she was 12 years old, Nancy was spending summers modeling in New York City. After graduating from a performing arts high school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Nancy won a theatrical scholarship to the University of Florida. Nancy 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. After college, Nancy went to New York 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. Nancy stayed with Ryan`s Hope, dating director Michael Lesner for two years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue other interests.

Since October 9, 1994, Nancy Valen has been married to Nels Van Patten (son of actor Dick Van Patten). Her cousin is actress Talia Balsam. She is close friends with Baywatch co-star Yasmine Bleeth.