Ann Margaret Lewis

Clea Lewis, born July 19, 1965, is an American actress recognized for a variety of roles across television, film, and theatre. She gained prominence for her portrayal of Audrey Penney, the friend of Ellen Morgan, in the sitcom "Ellen." Lewis also appeared as Margaret Redding in "Royal Pains" and Deirdre Kemp in "The Americans." Her television credits include guest spots on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and the initial episode of "Friends," along with regular roles on "Flying Blind" and "Andy Barker, P.I."

Beyond television, Lewis has featured in films such as "The Rich Man's Wife," "Diabolique," and "Perfect Stranger." Her theatrical experience includes a Broadway performance in "Absurd Person Singular." Lewis has also lent her voice to animated projects, notably as Nicky Little in the Disney cartoon "Pepper Ann" and in the film "Ice Age: The Meltdown." Additionally, she has undertaken audiobook narration, including for "The Princess Diaries" series. Lewis is married to playwright and children's book author Peter Ackerman, and they have two sons.

Clea Lewis has established a diverse acting career encompassing television, film, and theatre. She is widely recognized for her role as Audrey Penney on the sitcom "Ellen," where she played the friend of the titular character. Her television work also includes recurring roles on "Royal Pains" as Margaret Redding and on "The Americans" as Deirdre Kemp. Lewis has made guest appearances on popular shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and was part of the pilot episode of "Friends." She has also held series regular positions in "Flying Blind" and "Andy Barker, P.I." In addition to her TV work, Lewis has appeared in several films, including "The Rich Man's Wife," "Diabolique," and "Perfect Stranger."

The distinctive vocal quality of Clea Lewis, described as somewhat nasal and squeaky, has led to significant opportunities in voice acting. She has voiced characters in both animated television series and films. Notable voice roles include Nicky Little in the ABC Saturday morning cartoon "Pepper Ann" and a part in the movie "Ice Age: The Meltdown." Beyond animation, Lewis has also worked as an audiobook narrator, recording books 4-10 of "The Princess Diaries" series. Her contributions extend to the stage, with theatre roles including a performance on Broadway in "Absurd Person Singular."

Born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Clea Lewis's upbringing involved a writer mother and a father who had a background in vaudeville performance and law. Lewis pursued higher education, graduating from Brown University in 1987. She is married to Peter Ackerman, who is a playwright and author of children's books. Together, they have two sons, Stanley, born in 2002, and Alvin, born in 2005.