Name: Debbe Dunning
Sometimes Credited As: Debra Dunning
Date of Birth: 11 July 1966,
Place of Birth: Burbank, California, USA
Occupation: Actress
Beautiful and funny?
Debbe Dunning is that and much more, so when the producers of
"Home Improvement" set out to cast the role of Heidi,
the "Tool Time" girl, they remembered Dunning, who
had guest-starred on one of the previous season's most popular
episodes.
Born and raised in Burbank, California, Dunning graduated from
John Burroughs High, the same high school from which her parents
had graduated exactly 20 years earlier. Her senior year memories
include cheerleading, being homecoming queen, and winning the
title of Miss Burbank of 1984. That same year, when her parents'
vacation money was stolen, Dunning entered a Miller Beer Bikini
Contest in Hermosa Beach and won the $500 prize, which she promptly
donated to the vacation fund. The next weekend she entered another
contest, with the same result. Before long, Miller recognized
a good thing, put her on a poster, and began showcasing her
in personal appearances. It was at this point that Dunning realized
show business might be the way to go.
Dunning's first television commercial, for Foot Locker, quickly
followed, as did a plethora of modeling jobs. This dazzling
beauty has graced the covers of several sports magazines, including
"Shape," "Triathlete," and "Muscle
& Fitness." It wasn't long before Dunning had over
60 commercials to her credit, including a Ford spot set to the
appropriate tune of "Pretty Woman."
But it was Dunning's
three-year campaign for Taco Bell as Louise, the "Run for
the Border Girl," which brought her to America's attention.
With all this TV time, it's no surprise that Dunning made the
transition to acting.
Her first role was
on the HBO series "Dream on," directed by John Landis.
Dunning has also guest-starred on USA's "Silk Stalkings"
and serves as host of ESPN's "Extreme Bloopers." Other
television credits include guest appearances on HBO's "Tales
from the Crypt," "Who's The Boss?," "Herman's
Head," "Knots Landing," and "Married ...
with Children." She has also participated in the CBS special
"Circus of the Stars," performing in the flying trapeze
act, and has been the reigning champion of the American Gladiators
Celebrity Challenge two years running.
In addition to her
roles on television, Dunning is also a big star on the Worldwide
Web. Since October 1995, Internet users have downloaded her
images an astounding 650,495 times, earning her the crown of
"Queen of Cyberspace."
Dunning is married
to Olympic gold-medalist Steve Timmons, owner of Red Sand, a
popular line of casual clothing based in Encinitas, CA. Their
first child, Spencer Schae Timmons, was born on December 2,
1996.
Dunning counts skiing,
roller skating, golf, hiking, swimming, and tennis among her
favorite sports. She also enjoys spending time with her two
dogs: Charlie, a miniature schnauzer, and Roxie, a boxer.