Dana Welles Delany, born on the 13th March, 1956, is an American television, movie and stage actress and a supporter of many advocacies, who became popular for her performances in “China Beach”, “Desperate Housewives”, and “Hand of God”.
So how much is Delany’s net worth? As of mid-2016, it is reported by sources to be $8 million, acquired from her long career as an actress.
Dana Delany Net Worth $8 Million
Born in New York City, Delany had always known that she wanted to be an actress even at an early age. While growing up in Stamford, Connecticut, her parents would bring her along to Broadway shows, and that is where her fascination with acting began. After completing her high school education in Philips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, she later graduated with her degree in theatre from Wesleyan University.
Delany’s career started with small roles during her years as a college student, but she immediately hit it off in television right after graduation. Her first projects were mostly minor roles or appearances including in the television shows “Ryan’s Hope”, “Love of Life” and “As the World Turns”. Her name also gained attention when she started doing TV Movies like “Threesome”, “The Streets” and “Liberty”, but though she was very active in television and her net worth was beginning to grow, none made her successful just yet.
In 1988, Delany’s career and life changed when she was cast in the part of Colleen McMurphy in the television show “China Beach”. Her performance was well received by the audience and even critics, that led her to win a couple of Primetime Emmy Awards. Delany played the role until the show ended in 1991 which changed her career status in Hollywood and even raised her net worth.
Right after “China Beach”, Delany focused on doing movies and TV specials like “Housesitter”, “Tombstone”, “Light Sleeper” and the controversial “Exit to Eden”. She also lent her voice to some animated series like “Wing Commander Academy” and “Superman: The Animated Series”. Although Delany was very busy with continued guest appearances on various television shows, she had a hard time getting to star in another regular series.
After many short lived television shows like “Pasadena” in 2001 and “Presidio Med” in 2002 and countless guest roles in several shows, Delany once again landed a very memorable role in the series “Desperate Housewives”. Although she was originally offered to play one of its main characters, Delany came in the show in 2007 and played the role of Katherine Mayfair – although only a support role, Delany’s performance gained positive reactions among fans and she stayed with the show until 2010. Once again she became a household favourite and tremendously increased her wealth.
Today, Delany is still active in the world of television, recently joining the cast of the television show “Hand of God”. Aside from acting, she is also an active supporter of several advocacies including Scleroderma Research Foundation, Creative Coalition and Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
In terms of her personal life, Delany has had various relationships in the past but has never been married, so remains single.
Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, People's Choice Award for Favorite Actress in a New TV ...
Movies
“Threesome”, “The Streets”, “Liberty”, “Housesitter”, “Wing Commander Academy”, “Superman: The Animated Series”
TV Shows
“Ryan’s Hope”, “Love of Life”, “As the World Turns”, "Sweet Surrender" (1988-1991), "China Beach" (1987), “Desperate Housewives”, “Hand of God”, “Pasadena” (2001), “Presidio Med” (2002)
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Trademark
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Known for playing independent, free-spirited women with a sarcastic sense of humor
A lot of actors are really uncomfortable with their bodies and when you get to sex scenes, they try too hard because they want to be macho.
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I did ''Equus'' in the nude. That was my first taste of how liberating it could be. The town, however, was shocked. I was like the whore of Augusta, Michigan.
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[on Pasadena] Tommorrow night, I seduce a security guard in the dressing room in the store. Next week, I'm making out with my daughter's boyfriend and the week after that, it's his brother. That's only 3 episodes right there!
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To me, the coolest thing about having a boyfriend is that you can just stare at his naked body and not have to look away out of politeness. I find the male form so fascinating.
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[the first time she had sex] It was wonderful. I had orchestrated the whole thing. My parents were on vacation. I had just turned 16. He made me wait. I skipped school and I did it in my own bed.
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[her sexual fantasy: having a threesome with two bisexual men] I have a "Jules and Jim" fantasy, definitely - you know, two men and a woman in love. And I remember reading in a magazine that the high you get from falling in love only lasts about four years. So with two men, you might be able to make it last eight.
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[on the camping trip with Mike and Dave in the Desperate Housewives (2004) episode, Desperate Housewives: The Story of Lucy and Jessie (2009)] I just got such a thrill out of it because it's always been a fantasy of mine to go camping with two men. So I said it was my "Jules et Jim" fantasy!
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There are two spots on women that need to be touched more: the back and the lower neck. Fireworks.
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We need you [men]. Because a vibrating piece of plastic can't kiss.
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We like younger men for the same reason you like younger women: stamina and skin.
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[when filming Exit to Eden (1994)] I had more fun with the control scene. I mean that's every woman's fantasy come true. I think a lot of women would kill to do what I'm doing.
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I once said that Willem Dafoe, Liam Neeson, and James Woods were among the best endowed males in Hollywood. I said that if you put the three of them in a room together, "there wouldn't be room for anyone else." After that, everyone thought I'd had sex with all three men. I haven't, or else I wouldn't have talked about it. And Jimmy Woods is so proud that he's happy to share the fact with you.... But I have seen Willem--I had a bird's-eye view when we did a nude scene in Light Sleeper (1992). When you do a nude scene with an actor, he sometimes gets an erection if he's into the scene. It's sort of a compliment, isn't it? I told Willem I would be insulted if he didn't get an erection. And one line we had in our nude scene was "Quite an erection you have there." And it truly was.
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I used to be stimulated by sex. Now I'm stimulated by ideas. Or some good ideas about sex.
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Although it was a small part, I auditioned [for Moon Over Parador (1988)] because I knew it was filming in Brazil. I got acquainted with the country two years ago, when I doing Where the River Runs Black (1986). Brazil is the sexiest country in the world!
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I like water; naked in water. The combination's good. Everybody looks good underwater. The truth is because of the water and the buoyancy, you look good. Nobody looks bad underwater.
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There's something liberating about walking around half undressed and not really caring about what people think.
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I actually give my mother full credit for my healthy attitude about sex.
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I'm a big believer in phone sex with my boyfriend. I've been on for about an hour. The anticipation is great. And phone sex is safe too. I should do ads for AT&T.
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[naming her favorite male body part] I have a few. I like that dent right here [indicating pelvic bone], that V. And I love butts. There's nothing better than a good butt.
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I feel guilty very easily. I think, if anything, my exhibitionist side is a reaction to Catholicism.
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I think Middle America has changed in terms of fantasies - I mean, that's who reads ''Penthouse Letters", right?
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I've been dating younger men since my 20s. When I was 29... I dated someone who was 21... younger men are just more fun. I like their energy. I've always been kind of young for my age.
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[on being cast as "Lisa Emerson" in Exit to Eden (1994)] I've always been cast as the girl next door because of anatomy - the round face and round body. Now I get to express another side of me.
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I'd be so happy to be living in the tropics, wearing just a sarong. I hate wearing clothes.
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I love to talk dirty during sex. I've been told to shut up before.
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I love being on stage or in front of the camera. My work brings me a lot of joy. It helps me figure out who I am. I'm really lucky that I get to make a living at acting.
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When you do a nude scene with an actor, he sometimes gets an erection if he's into the scene. It's sort of a compliment, isn't it?
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[describing to David Letterman her eccentric family's devotion to their patriarch's invention of the Delany flush valve] My grandfather used to say, "It may be shit to you, but it's our bread and butter."
Auditioned to play "Jade Butterfield" in Endless Love (1981), and got the part. However, director Franco Zeffirelli turned her down because she wasn't a major movie star at the time, so Brooke Shields was cast instead.
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Starred in ''Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)'' alongside Teri Hatcher with whom she shares the role of Lois Lane. Both women also played the love interest of James Denton who played the role of Lois Lane's love interest Clark Kent/Superman in ''All-Star Superman (2011)''.
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Is a supporter of Planned Parenthood and LGBT rights.
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She has played the same character (Lois Lane) in three different series: Superman (1996), Justice League (2001) and The Batman (2004).
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She speaks Gaeilge (Traditional language of Ireland).
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Irish-American.
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One of People magazine's Most Beautiful People in the World 2011.
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Since the mid 1990s, Dana has been serving on the board of Scleroderma Research Foundation, and is involved in the campaign to find a cure.
Her mother is related to Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles.
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Favorite TV shows are Mad Men (2007) and 30 Rock (2006).
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Original choice for the role of "Bree" on Desperate Housewives (2004). Role went to her friend, Marcia Cross. They both appeared on Cheers (1982), but on different episodes.
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Her first and last names are quoted in the final rhyme to the Animaniacs (1993) theme song.
When she moved to New York City in the 1970s, she worked as a cocktail waitress while waiting for her big break.
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Has an older brother, Sean Delany, and a younger sister, Corey Delany.
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3/18/81: Her father, who was her biggest fan, died from pancreatic cancer.
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Attended Stamford, Connecticut, public schools until her senior year in high school.
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Attended Phillips Academy Andover for her senior year of high school.
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Although she is from New York City and is a stage-trained actress, she admitted in an interview that she prefers film and television work to stage work.
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She was the voice of two superheroes' girlfriends: Andrea Beaumount, girlfriend of Bruce Wayne, in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993); and Lois Lane in Superman (1996).
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Attended and graduated from Wesleyan University.
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1991: Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.
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Her grandfather invented the Delany valve, a flushing device still use in today's toilets.
Herself - Presenter: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jeopardy!
2001-2009
TV Series
Herself - Contestant
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
2009
TV Series
Herself - Guest
I Know Things Now: Desperate Housewives Celebrates 100
2009
Video short
Herself
The 2009 Independent Spirit Awards
2009
TV Special
Herself
Annul Victory
2009
Documentary
Herself
PoliWood
2009
Documentary
Herself
Imagine 010: A Celebration of Children's Hospital Los Angeles
2009
TV Movie documentary
Herself - Host
Xposé
2009
TV Series
Herself
The Bonnie Hunt Show
2008
TV Series
Herself - Guest
The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards
2008
TV Special
Herself - Co-Presenter: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
TV Guide Live at the Emmy Awards
2008
TV Special
Herself
Stand Up to Cancer
2008
TV Movie
Herself
A-List Awards
2008
TV Special
Herself - Winner
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1996-2008
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Dancing with the Stars
2008
TV Series
Herself - Audience Member
TV Land Confidential
2005-2007
TV Series documentary
Herself / Herself - Interviewee
Kidnapped: Ransom Notes
2007
Video short
Herself
James Ellroy: American Dog
2006
Video documentary
Herself
The 2nd Annual Quill Awards
2006
TV Special
Herself - Presenter
Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany
2006
TV Movie documentary
Herself - Host
The Woman with the Hungry Eyes
2006
Documentary
Theda Bara (voice)
E! True Hollywood Story
2005
TV Series documentary
Herself
Steve Martin: An American Cinematheque Tribute
2005
TV Special
Herself - Presenter
Good Day Live
2004
TV Series
Herself - Guest
On-Air with Ryan Seacrest
2004
TV Series
Herself - Guest
The 29th Annual People's Choice Awards
2003
TV Special
Herself - Presenter
Intimate Portrait
2003
TV Series documentary
Herself
Lifetime's Achievement Awards: Women Changing the World
2003
TV Special
Herself
CBS Cares
2003
TV Series
Herself
The Making of 'Tombstone'
2002
Video documentary short
Herself - 'Josephine'
The 3rd Annual Women Rock! Girls and Guitars
2002
TV Movie
Herself
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
2001-2002
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Gala Paramount Pictures Celebrates 90th Anniversary with 90 Stars for 90 Years
2002
TV Movie
Herself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
2001
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Gaia Symphony II
1999
Documentary
Voice over
The Martin Short Show
1999
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Louise Brooks: Looking for Lulu
1998
Documentary
Herself / Actress
The 1998 Annual Kid's Choice Awards
1998
TV Special
Herself
The 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1997
TV Special
Herself - Presenter
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
1997
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Late Show with David Letterman
1994-1997
TV Series
Herself - Guest
3rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
1997
TV Special
Herself
HBO First Look
1996
TV Series documentary
Herself
CBS This Morning
1995
TV Series
Herself - Guest
The 16th Annual CableACE Awards
1994
TV Special
Herself - Presenter
The 44th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1992
TV Special
Herself - Winner: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series & Co-Presenter: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special
The 44th Annual Writers Guild of America Awards
1992
TV Special
Herself
The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1991
TV Special
Herself - Nominated: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and Presenter
Late Night with David Letterman
1989-1991
TV Series
Herself / Herself - Guest
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1991
TV Series
Herself - Guest
An American Saturday Night
1991
TV Movie
Herself
The 43th Annual Writers Guild Awards
1991
TV Special
Herself
The 48th Annual Golden Globe Awards
1991
TV Special
Herself - Host and Nominee: Best Actress in a TV-Series - Drama
The 42nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1990
TV Special
Herself - Nominee: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series / Presenter: Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series & Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
The Earth Day Special
1990
TV Special
Doctor
The 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards
1990
TV Special
Herself - Nominee: Best Actress in a TV-Series - Drama
The Arsenio Hall Show
1989
TV Series
Herself - Guest
The 41st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1989
TV Special
Herself - Winner: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
The 15th Annual People's Choice Awards
1989
TV Special
Herself - Accepting Award for Favourite New Television Dramatic Series
The Pat Sajak Show
1989
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
E! True Hollywood Story
2009
TV Series documentary
Herself
The O'Reilly Factor
2008
TV Series
Katherine Mayfair
China Beach
1989
TV Series
Colleen McMurphy
Moonlighting
1987
TV Series
Jillian Armstrong
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2009
Prism Award
Prism Awards
Performance in a Comedy Series
Desperate Housewives (2004)
1998
Lone Star Film & Television Award
Lone Star Film & Television Awards
Best TV Actress
True Women (1997)
1992
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
1991
Q Award
Viewers for Quality Television Awards
Best Actress in a Quality Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
1990
Q Award
Viewers for Quality Television Awards
Best Actress in a Quality Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
1989
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
1989
Q Award
Viewers for Quality Television Awards
Best Actress in a Quality Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
Nominated Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2009
Actor
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Desperate Housewives (2004)
2008
Gold Derby TV Award
Gold Derby Awards
Comedy Supporting Actress
Desperate Housewives (2004)
2008
Actor
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Desperate Housewives (2004)
2007
TV Land Award
TV Land Awards
Lady You Love to Watch Fight for Her Life in a Movie of the Week
2001
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Family Law (1999)
1991
Golden Globe
Golden Globes, USA
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
China Beach (1988)
1991
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
1990
Golden Globe
Golden Globes, USA
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
China Beach (1988)
1990
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
China Beach (1988)
Known for movies
China Beach (1988-1991) as Colleen McMurphy
Body of Proof (2011-2013) as Megan Hunt
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) as Andrea Beaumont