Tawny Cypress was born on August 8, 1976 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey and is of mixed heritage. Her mother is Hungarian and German while her father is African-American and Native American as well. Her older brother is Toby Cypress, a comic book artist. Cypress was educated at Boston University; Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey; and Mason Gross at Rutgers University. Her television appearances include those in NYPD Blue, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, All My Children (where she played Professor Shambala Stevens), Third Watch (where she played Sharon Burns) and Heroes, where she played Simone Deveaux. Cypress' film credentials include Autumn in New York, The Time Tunnel, World Trade Center and Bella.

Ginger "Love Tap" LeBeau is played by Tawny Cypress in FOX's K-Ville. Ginger is one of the eclectic personalities of the NOPD's Felony Action Squad headed by Captain James Embry. She is the only woman in the team, however she has proven herself to be tough as nails and could give as much as she gets.



(Photo courtesy of FOX)