Early life, family, educational background

American actor Desmond Harrington was born on 19 October 1976, in Savannah, Georgia. He was raised in The Bronx, New York City by his father Michael and mother Mary. His parents enrolled him into St. Margaret’s of Cortona and then moved him to Fordham Preparatory School.

He attended Manhattan College, but it’s unknown what he was studying there, and it appears that he didn’t make it to graduation – either he didn’t get enough credits to graduate, dropped out of college himself, or passed, but didn’t attend his graduation ceremony. There is no evidence or even a personal statement from Desmond declaring that he was enrolled in college and earned a degree.

Career

Before working as an actor, Desmond had a few other jobs, working as a bartender, a cold caller at a brokerage firm, a landscaper, and a laborer.

When a friend told him about an open audition, Desmond tried out, and fell in love with dramatic arts.

Desmond’s acting debut was in 1999, as Aulon in “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc”, written and directed by Luc Besson. His character appears to be a shy and reserved guy, but it’s unknown if that was the way he was meant to be played, or if it was because Desmond was still new to acting, and therefore quite shy in front of the camera.

Desmond kept a schedule busy by then playing Mike Steel in the 2001 horror and thriller film “The Hole,” the following year he played Jack Ferriman in the horror and slasher, “Ghost Ship,” and in 2003, Desmond agreed to another horror and thriller film, “Wrong Turn” wherein he played Chris Flynn.

Meantime, in 2002, Desmond was cast as Jesse Keys in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi television series “Taken”, but which only lasted for one season. Jesse’s main storyline revolves around him having been abducted by aliens.

On the 2006 “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) episode hosted by Natalie Portman and featuring Fall Out Boy as the musical guest, Desmond played an extra in one of the skits, as a Jamba Juice Customer, but wasn’t credited for his role. From 2006 to 2007, he portrayed Wylie Blake in the comedy sitcom “Sons & Daughters” – the show received high ratings, but was nevertheless canceled after one season.

In September 2008, he was cast as Detective Joseph “Joey” Quinn in Showtime’s hit television series “Dexter” based on the 2004 novel “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” by Jeff Lindsay.. The mystery series ran for eight seasons and 96 episodes from 1 October 2006 to 22 September 2013, but Desmond only joined the series in its third season. The show followed forensic technician Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall) who worked at the fictional Miami Metro Police Department as a bloodstain pattern analyst.

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Dexter is not all he appears to be though, as in his off hours, he doubles as a serial killer. Dexter’s victims are the abusers and murderers of the cases he looked over at work; he rationalised their gruesome murders by proving they were the abusers, but did not receive a fair punishment from the corrupt justice system. In February 2008, edited reruns aired on CBS, but cut out overly graphic and gruesome scenes from the episodes so they would be safer for younger audiences to watch. The revival series, “Dexter: New Blood,” ran from 7 November 2021 to 9 January 2022, but Desmond didn’t reprise his role.

In December 2008, Desmond guest-starred as Chuck Bass’ uncle, Jack Bass in the teen drama television series “Gossip Girl.” Desmond regularly reprised his role throughout the show’s run, and in January 2012, it was announced that he would return to “Gossip Girl” for the last third of the final season.

“Gossip Girl” was a teen drama series that ran for six seasons of 121 episodes from 2007 based on the “Gossip Girl” book series by Cecily von Ziegesar, adapted for television by Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz. Kristen Bell narrated the series as the character of Gossip Girl, an anonymous blogger who posts about a group of rich upper-class teenagers – living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side – who get up to one or two scandalous things… a night. The main character, Serena van der Woodsen is played by Blake Lively, her best frenemy, Blair Waldorf (who is the main character in the book series) is played by Leighton Meester. The other main teenagers are Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), Serena’s step-brother and Blair’s boyfriend, Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford), Chuck’s best friend, Blair’s first boyfriend and-on-and off boyfriend of Serena’s. Taylor Momsen played Jenny Humphrey, the younger sister of Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley).

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They live in Brooklyn, which is a lower-class part of New York City when compared to the Upper East Side. Jenny wants to become part of the popular girl clique at high school and Dan, an aspiring writer, constantly feels like an outsider and tries to figure out why his classmates act the way they do. He is also in love with Serena, and they are continuously on and off throughout the series.

Later in 2012, Desmond guest-appeared in the “Justified” season three premiere as Fletcher “The Ice Pick ” Nix. It was a busy year for Desmond, as he also played a police officer in “The Dark Knight Rises.” In 2015, he appeared in three episodes of the drama television series, “Limitless,” as FBI Agent Casey Rooks. In 2016, he played another Jack, but this time in the psychological horror and thriller film “The Neon Demon.” The cast list was quite impressive, including Keanu Reeves, Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Jena Malone and Bella Heathcote. American Nicolas Winding Refn wrote and directed the R-rated film, which followed a young aspiring model fighting the sinister side of the fashion industry.

In 2017, he played Officer Maldack in the ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine” episode entitled, “Moo Moo,” and in 2018, Desmond was cast in “Elementary” as a serial killer named Michael, who was also a member of Narcotics Anonymous along with Sherlock Holmes.

The crime drama and mystery series “Elementary” ran for seven seasons of 154 episodes, created by Robert Doherty as a more contemporary updated version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original character, Sherlock Holmes. Jonny Lee Miller starred as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu played Dr. Joan Watson – generally a male character named John. CBS premiered the series on 27 September 2012, in which Holmes is a recovering drug addict assisting the New York City Police Department. He prioritizes his own way of solving crimes over police procedures which leads to him butting heads with Aidan Quinn’s Captain Thomas Gregson. Dr. Joan Watson is a former surgeon initially hired by Sherlock’s father to be Sherlock’s sober companion. She eventually becomes his professional partner, helping him solve the crimes.

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The series included Sherlock’s former lover and now nemesis, Jamie Moriarty (Natalie Dormer).

Desmond has received numerous nominations for awards throughout his career, but is yet to win any.

Personal life

The most controversy Desmond has experienced was following his weight loss – fans noticed that he dropped a few pounds and toned his body down to become more chiseled. Rumors and assumptions began spreading, speculating if the weight loss was due to drugs, a disease, or something else scandalous. Desmond set the record straight, explaining that all he had been doing was exercising regularly and eating healthier. Dexterdaily.com quotes Desmond’s response, “I didn’t have any plastic surgery, I’m not sick – it’s called running and eating better!”

Under the article, many people insisted that he isn’t telling the truth – one said, “I have to press the BS button that Desmond’s weight loss is due to running and eating healthy… I’d bet dollars on donuts, it is due to heavy drug use.”

Another added, “Regardless of your ‘story,’ your color was telling me you were killing yourself…” and another person argued, “Someone’s been hittin the pipe! He looks so methy.” Comments also shared “before” and “after” pictures, discussing whether or not Desmond has had a nose job done, as well as screenshots from movies and series he’s appeared in, comparing his weight fluctuation. They also aren’t afraid to diagnose him with an eating disorder such as anorexia athletica or exercise-induced bulimia, where patients overlook their disorder by justifying their weight loss with exercise and diet plans, not realizing that they are overdoing it, and are indeed, quite unhealthy.

From 2012 to 2013, Desmond dated American actress and trained singer Amanda Seyfried. Their relationship became public knowledge in August 2012, when paparazzi photographed him leaving her Los Angeles home in the early hours of the morning. Amanda left her apartment a few hours later to catch a plane at LAX airport. Over the weekend, Desmond and Amanda enjoyed a romantic hike along with her dog Finn.

They wore almost-matching outfits, the only difference being that he donned a Detroit Tigers baseball cap, while hers had the New York Yankees logo. They never shared how they met, but their mutual friend, Jennifer Carpenter, may have introduced them.

Desmond keeps his personal life very private. Anything about his family, previous or current relationships or where he lives is completely unknown to the public. His only known relationship has been with Amanda.

Hobbies, favorite things and interesting facts

• Desmond is a Libra
• While in “Dexter,” he worked with actress Jennifer Carpenter for the first time. They once again found themselves as co-stars while working in “Limitless.”
• He’s a Roman Catholic.

Appearance

Desmond stands at 5ft 11ins (1.8m) and even though his weight loss was a large story amongst viewers, his weight is unknown. He has dark brown hair and striking blue eyes, his face is quite sculpted with a defined jawline and cheekbones. Desmond has two tattoos that we know of – one says, “Maureen,” which was his grandmother’s name, while his other is located on his right arm and is the image of a black rose.

He’s been able to attain a fitter physique and maintain it by following a balanced meal and exercise plan, although there is much debate around the truth of his weight loss.

Net worth and salary

As of May 2022, Desmond’s net worth is estimated at an impressive $4 million, earned by starring and guest appearing in several films and television series. Desmond has also been in the business for 23 years, so has had the time and experience to build up an impressive resume, and having earned a good amount of money in each role.

Early life, family, educational background

American actress Jill Whelan was born on 29 September 1966, in Oakland, California, USA to Carol Garrett and Charles Whelan; she has a sister named Nancy. Up to 6th grade, Jill attended Smith School, in Livermore, California.  Jill graduated in 1984 from the Buckley School located in Sherman Oaks, California, and then studied English Literature at Guildford College in Surrey, England, but dropped out and returned to Los Angeles.

Jill is best-known for playing Vicki Stubing in the American romantic rom-com series, “The Love Boat.”

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What was “The Love Boat”?

Developed by Wilford Lloyd Baumes and based on Jeraldine Saunders’ novel, “The Love Boats,” the ABC romantic comedy/drama series aired from 1977 to 1986. It consisted of nine seasons and four specials – a total of 250 episodes, 190 of which Jill appeared in. The specials were: “The Love Boat: Fall Preview Special” in 1984, “The Love Boat: The Next Wave” in 1998, “The Love Boat: A Valentine Voyage” in 1990, and “Martin” in 1997.

Career

Jill’s parents sent a copy of her school photo to a talent agency in San Francisco on behalf of their daughter.

Jill knew she wanted to become an actress when she was eight, after auditioning for and landing a role in a local production of “The King and I.” After being signed to the agency, Jill booked several commercials, and when she was on-set for an M&M commercial, a produces took notice of her, and cast her in the 1979 series, “Friends,” produced by Aaron Spelling and starring Jill alongside Karen Morrow, Charlie Aiden, Janet MacLachlan, Roger Robinson and Jarrod Johnson, but which was canceled after five episodes.

When she was 11 years old, Jill was cast in “The Love Boat” as Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki – first as a guest-star and then as a series regular. The series premiered in 1978 and ran until it was canceled in 1987.

Jill has ade mguest-appearances in multiple television series, including, “Vegas,” “Battle of the Network Stars,” “Trapper John” and “Matt Houston.” She appeared in “Fantasy Island” twice, and played a heart patient named Lisa Davis, a sick child in the 1979 satirical comedy film, “Airplane!”

In the early 1980s, she was the national spokeswoman for an anti-drug campaign started by First Lady Nancy Reagan, called “Just Say No.”  She also released her debut album, “Our Time.” In the mid-’80s, Jill returned to Los Angeles from England after wrapping up “The Love Boat.”  She then moved to New York City to work at Madison Square Garden as an event producer – her job primarily consisted of setting up acts. In 1984, she appeared in a CBS “Schoolbreak Special”, and guest-appeared in an episode of “The Young and the Restless,” as Karby Stalter.

In 1999, Jill retired from acting to become an investigative producer in Los Angeles, at the KCOP television station. She also worked at 1210 WPHT radio as a show host.

On 25 November 2001, Jill appeared in the trivia game show, “The Weakest Link,” hosted by Anne Robinson. The episode was a celebrity special also featuring Joan Van Ark, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Erik Estrada among others. Jill won, $57,000 for her chosen charity.

On 10 September 2008, Jill appeared in a reunion segment for “Airplane!” along with some of her former cast members, the segment was featured on NBC’s “Today Show.” The following month, Jill made her cabaret debut at The Metropolitan Room in New York City with her one-woman show entitled, “Jill Whelan: An Evening in Dry Dock.”

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She appeared in “Move Over Mrs. Markham,” a British slapstick comedy at the Stage West Theatre Restaurant located in Toronto, Ontario from September to November 2011. On 17 August 2012, Jill was meant to replace co-host of KLOS’s “The Mark & Brian Show,” Mark Thompson who retired after holding the position for 25 years. However, during Mark’s final episode, his co-host, Brian Phelps announced that he was also leaving the Los Angeles studio. Therefore, “The Brian and Jill Show” never came to fruition on television, but they did have a podcast show., which featured improvisational comedy, including skits and hundreds of characters they created together.

In season 3 episode ten of “Sliders” entitled, “Dead Man Sliding,” she is mentioned as an actress who has never had relevance in the area of protagonists.

Jill started her own jewelry line in June 2002. In January 2010, she opened an acting school in the Greater Philadelphia area. Five years later, she was hired as a celebrations ambassador for Princess Cruises.

In the “Criminal Minds” season 12 episode in 2017, entitled “The Anti-Terrorism Squad,” Jill portrayed Principal Vicki Dahl. That year, she also wrote, produced, and starred in “Take It from the Top,” playing herself.

Personal life

Jill met Brad St. John shortly after she left her job at Madison Square Garden; Brad was working at UPN News as an associate producer in Los Angeles.

They married on 24 December 1993, and she fell pregnant soon after, giving birth to their first son, Harrison. Jill and Brad divorced in 2001; ironically, in a 1994 interview with Howard Stern, Howard jokingly warned Jill that Brad would use her money for his multiple businesses. In interviews following the divorce, Jill has stated that a large factor of her decision to divorce him is that Brad used up all of her money that she earned from “Love Boat.”

After moving back to the East Coast, she married for the second time on 2 April 2004, to Michael Chaykowsky, aboard the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship that was new at the time. In 2006, she gave birth to their son, Grant, but filed for divorce in 2014.

On 30 September 2017, Jill married Jeff Knapple, a former Denver Broncos American Football player. She had moved to Los Angeles in 2012, and currently resides there with her husband and sons.

Hobbies, favorite things, and interesting facts

• She is close friends with fellow actress Laura Dern; they met while attending Buckley School.
• In 2005, she was mentioned on the “The Greatest: 100 Greatest Kid Stars,’ list, ranked at number 66 by VH1.

Appearance

Jill has blonde hair and green eyes; her height, weight and vital statistics aren’t public knowledge.

Net worth and salary

As of early 2022, Jill’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, earned from acting, and various business ventures.