Connie Sellecca is an American actress, model, producer and spokesperson, who will endure in the memory of the public for her role in the television prime time soap opera “Hotel”. In fact, her appearance in the series afforded her a Golden Globe Award nomination for best actress in a television series drama, and remains her most iconic appearance. However, the talented actress, who recently celebrated her 65th birthday, appeared in numerous memorable films and shows. Follow us as we uncover the naked truth about Connie and her rise to stardom.
Early life and family
Concetta Sellechia was born on 25 May 1955 in The Bronx, New York City, USA to parents Ann and Primo Sellechia, and is of Italian descent, but little else is known about her early life and upbringing. She has a sister Rosann Mack, however, any details on her life have been successfully kept out of public knowledge.
At the age of 12, Connie moved with her family to Pomona, New York, where she lived until her matriculation from school. While attending high school, Connie’s interest developed for the performing arts which inspired her to chase a career as an actress.
She actually gave-up her college education to pursue a career in show business.
Educational background
Connie attended Pomona Junior High School, and later Ramapo High School in Spring Valley, New York from which she matriculated. After that, she had the chance to attend Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, but dropped out to go in search of fame.
Career
Connie’s first employment was as a model, supporting herself with appearances in advertisements and infomercials while living in New York.
She is also reported to have done lingerie and fashion modelling, but little record of it remains, safe for a few vintage photos.
Connie’s first screen test was in 1978, which landed her a debut role in the television film “The Bermuda Depths”, cast as Jennifer Haniver. In the same year, she landed a role in the series “Flying High”, which she retained through 19 episodes which ended in 1979.
Connie played the role of Dr Wendy Day in the original “Captain America 2: Death Too Soon” film of 1979, which was one of the first to be made about the comic book superhero.
In the same year, she starred in the slasher film “She’s Dressed To Kill”.
She starred in two series in the early ‘80s, namely in four episodes of “Beyond Westworld”, and “The Greatest American Hero” portraying Pam Davidson, also known as Hinkey, for 41 episodes between 1981 to 1983. Connie’s true success and claim to fame came later in1983, when she landed her most memorable role as Christene Francis in “Hotel”, which she retained for 115 episodes, spanning from 1983 to 1988.
Following her rise to fame, Connie appeared in several more films and had short roles in a few television series.
In 1984, she appeared in an episode of “Finder Of Lost Loves”, and the following year co-starred with her husband at the time, Gil Gerard, in “International Airport”.
She appeared in the film “The Last Fling” in 1987, and in the 1989 miniseries “Brotherhood Of The Rose”, but it would not be until the early nineties that she once more gained a recurring role in a television series.
In 1991 to 1992, Connie landed the role of Dani Powell for 13 episodes of the crime drama series “P.S. I Luv U”, having just starred in the film “Miracle Landing”, which was based on a 1988 true story about Aloha Airlines Flight 243’s disastrous journey.
In 1992, she starred in another disaster film, “Eye Of The Storm”, and in 1993 featured in six episodes of the television series “Second Chances”.
The list of appearances that Connie made throughout the twenty-first century includes numerous titles. Some of the more memorable include “Anna’s Dream” and “The Wild Stallion”. Her most recent work has been as the host of the television show “Intelligence For Your Life”, depicting the musical career of John Frank Tesh
Hobbies, favourite things and interesting facts
Little is known about Connie’s personal preferences, but some trivial facts have been widely spread.
In an interview with TV Guide while acting in “The Greatest American Hero”, Connie stated that she is fond of playing practical jokes, some of which include faking her own death. She would at times use fake blood to depict these scenes, and her husband, Gil, became so used to these pranks that he developed a system by which to rate her performance.
Although a successful actress, Connie also invested some of her time into running her own business. She had a six-year contract in 1991 with Montgomery Ward to design a line of clothing. lingerie and jewellery. She is also the co-founder of Sellecca Solutions, a line of skincare products. She is also known for being an activist and spokesperson for several charities, most of which involve environmental preservation missions.
Relationships
Connie married fellow actor Gil Gerhard in 1979, but their relationship ended in divorce in 1987. They have one child together, a son, Gib Gerard. She later married the pianist and TV presenter John Tesh, who is famous for presenting the “Entertainment Tonight” show. They made their vows on 4 April 1992, after dating for two years. During their relationship, Connie has stood by her husband as he struggled with prostate cancer which is now cured, and the couple is still seemingly happily married. Connie’s second child was born from their relationship, a daughter, Prima Tesh, named after Connie’s father.
Physical characteristics
- Date of Birth: 25 May 1955
- Hair colour: Black
- Eye colour: Green
- Height: 5ft 9in (1.75m)
- Weight: 137lbs (62kgs)
- Shoe Size: 9 (US)
- Bra Size: 38B (US) 85B (EU)
- Star Sign: Gemini
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Italian
Net worth
As of mid-2020, Connie has, as an actress and entrepreneur, accumulated an estimated net worth of over $500,000.