Jane Leeves was born April 18, 1961 in Ilford, Essex, England. Leeves had originally aspired to become a ballerina but had to abandon that dream after suffering an ankle injury when she was 18. She went on to do modeling and less strenuous dancing for television ads and music videos, appearing as a tourist in David Lee Roth’s 1985 “California Girls” video. She was also a dancer on The Benny Hill Show before she moved to Los Angeles to become an actress. She eventually gained prominence when she was cast as Daphne Moon on the television show, Frasier.

Daphne Moon, played by Jane Leeves on Frasier, is the English, physical therapist of Miles Crane. Coming from a working class background, she settled in with the Crane household, winning them over with her excellent work ethic and down-to-earth demeanor. She was the secret object of Niles Crane’s affection for nearly seven years until he got divorced and found the courage to reveal his emotions.


(Photo courtesy of NBC)