Calista Flockhart is an American actor, known for playing the title role in theFoxtelevision comedy-drama seriesAlly McBeal. She made her first television appearance in a minor role in an episode ofGuiding Lightas a babysitter. She made her professional debut on the New York stage, appearing inBeside Herself at the Circle Repertory Theatre. Her works include Brothers and Sisters, Guiding Light and The Birdcage.