This Red-Headed beauty, from Philadelphia’s Main Line, got discovered by a photographer at a Bat-Mitzvah at the age of 12. From there she was immediately signed as one of Wilhelmina Models youngest talents, traveling from Japan to New Zealand shooting fashion covers and commercials all over the world. By her late teens Deirdre’s resume already included leads in several National Commercials, countless Modeling campaigns, Billboards, and Starring Roles in Theatrical and Musical Theatre Productions. Selected in 1996 as the first ever female spokeswoman for Irish Spring (doing a spot-on Irish accent) it was obvious to many in the industry, that Deirdre was a star on the rise.
Although entering the work force early, Deirdre’s emphasis on education earned her a college degree in Theatre and acceptance to the prestigious NYU Tisch program at the Column Theatre. Continued discipline and focus would earn Deirdre the honor of graduating from the two-year Master’s program at the renowned Sanford Meisner Center.
Only three weeks after arriving in Hollywood, Deirdre landed the coveted role of Sandra Bullock’s roommate (Mary Jo Wright “Miss Texas”) in the mega comedy hit Miss Congeniality, directed by Donald Petrie. Masterful with southern dialects Deirdre would be called upon again to conjure up some southern for the western, Aces ‘N Eights. Starring alongside, Casper Van Dien and the-late-great Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine. As well as the straight Texas-talk of “Texas Tina”, in her memorable recurring role on the award winning drama, Heroes. Down in the Big Easy, Deirdre also had a recurring role on FOX’s short-lived K-Ville.
Chosen and taught by Marlon Brando. Deirdre was privileged to participate in his last known work before his death, a documentary called “Lying for a Living” Working alongside the late Robin Williams, Leonardo Dicaprio, Sean Penn, Edward James Olmos and Whoopi Goldberg (to name a few).
Deirdre’s extensive range spans from sexy, predatory roles in: New Suit, CSI, CSI-NY, E-Ring, Diagnosis Murder, Jane Doe and the MOW: The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer. To the gritty indie film Spare Change, directed by Eric Amadio, which exposes a ruthless abandon and her subtle vulnerability. All contrasting Quinn’s elegant portrayal of a young Maureen O’Hara and war bride in CBS’ The Last Dance.
Off camera, Deirdre Quinn is even more multi-faceted. As an athlete, she’s been a golfer since childhood and learned to ski at the age of three on the Italian Alps of Cervinia. Private schooling and travel molded Deirdre’s panache in other forms of entertaining as well…she plays classical piano and sings, everything from Opera, to Jazz, to Country. Recording “You Light Up My Life” at Capital records for the Miss Congeniality soundtrack. As a painter of modern art, author of published essays, avid foodie, wine collector, and antique enthusiast, Deirdre’s lifestyle reflects a passion for sensory beauty. In fact, when Deirdre is not on film she is immersed in Interior Design, Party Planning (her wedding, which she single handily planned, was featured in: Inside Weddings) Home Renovations, and Mom-hacks. All of which appear on her very well received (often re-published) Lifestyle Blog at TheNestingBird.
But there’s more than just style here… Deirdre stepped away from the limelight in 2009 with the pregnancy and subsequent loss of her first child, a son. There would be more pregnancies, and sadly many more losses along the way to Motherhood, but Deirdre and her husband persisted. Putting all their focus on creating a family, they finally welcomed a daughter in 2013. During that time Deirdre committed to community service as well. Along with her husband, they ran a Toys-for-Tots Campaign, recently helped organize an event for Tree People LA (replanting trees lost in the recent wild fires), adopted a family through M.E.N.D. and are dedicated members of Heal-The-Bay… a non-profit organization that focuses on cleaning up our Oceans. Deirdre and her husband also teamed-up as renovators & designers in their residential/multi-residential development company, WKProperties. All while Deirdre relished in the most important ROLE of her lifetime…as stay-at-home-MOM! So whether it’s through her parenting, philanthropic endeavors, her design aesthetic, or her passionate acting, Deirdre is doing what she aspires to do in all aspects of her life…be present, be creative, and make a profound, meaningful difference!
A Daughter, Pampered Poodle & 2 Kittens share their Los Angeles home, hikes, and happiness.
