Pam Dawber
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Who is Pam Dawber?
Pamela Dawber is an American actress. She starred in television sitcom roles as Mindy McConnell in "Mork & Mindy" from 1978 to 1982 and as Samantha Russell in "My Sister Sam" from 1986 to 1988. She is married to Mark Harmon.
Early life:
Pamela Dawber was born in Detroit, Michigan to Thelma M. (née Fisher) and Eugene E. Dawber. She had a younger sister and attended Reid Elementary School in Goodrich. Dawber went on to enroll at North Farmington High School before attending Oakland Community College. She initially intended to transfer to a four-year college but deferred her studies and eventually dropped out to pursue a career in modeling.
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Career:
Dawber signed with one of the top modeling agencies in New York, Wilhemina. She was quickly seen in magazine advertisements and on TV commercials. Even though her modeling career was blossoming, Dawber set her sights on an acting career instead. She took up voice and acting classes.
These classes paid off when she landed the leading role in "Sweet Adeline" at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. The role boosted her confidence, and she auditioned for a significant role in the TV series, "Tabitha" in 1976. Unfortunately, she did not get the part but shortly after she landed an essential role in the film, "A Wedding" in 1978. In the same year, Dawber signed an exclusive contract with ABC-TV and was cast in the lead role in "Mork & Mindy."
Her career was at its peak when Dawber decided to return to the stage. She took a role in "My Fair Lady."
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Personal life:
Dawber and actor Mark Harmon married on March 21, 1987. They had a private ceremony. Together, the couple has two sons: Sean Thomas Harmon and Ty Christian Harmon. The entire family keeps a very low profile and keep their personal lives extremely private.
Movies/Series:
- Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)
- Stay Tuned (1992)
- Swan Lake (1981)
- Life... and Stuff (1997)
Awards/Achievements:
1987
- Winner - People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Program
1979
- Winner - People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Program
“I've worked very hard at understanding myself, learning to be assertive. I'm past the point where I worry about people liking me.”~ Pam Dawber
Trivia:
- Helped Mark Harmon to pull a man from a burning car in 1996
- Sister-in-law of Kelly Harmon and Kristin Harmon
- Daughter-in-law of Elyse Knox and Tom Harmon
- Aunt, by marriage, of Tracy Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Sam Nelson, and Gunnar Nelson
- Has two sons with husband Mark Harmon: Sean Harmon (born April 26, 1988) and Ty Christian Harmon (born June 25, 1992)
- Ex-sister-in-law of Ricky Nelson, Mark Tinker, and John DeLorean
- Second-cousin of actress Mandy Roveda