Julie Bowen (born March 3, 1970) is an American film and television actress.

Biography

Early life

Bowen was born Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of Suzanne (née Frey) and John Alexander Luetkemeyer, Jr., a real estate agent. She first attended St. George's School, then Roland Park Country School and continued on to Brown University, majoring in Italian Renaissance studies. In her junior year, Bowen spent a year abroad in Florence, Italy. During college, she had roles in Guys and Dolls, Stage Door, and Lemon Sky. Before graduating, Bowen had the lead role in the independent film Five Spot Jewel. Among other places, Bowen studied acting at the Actor's Institute.

Career

After graduation, Bowen had a role in the soap opera Loving and made her primetime debut on an episode of the college drama Class of '96. She also had the lead role in the 1994 television film Runaway Daughters, playing opposite Paul Rudd.