Melrose Place's Kimberly Shaw Mancini

[TMC]

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Do any of you remember the television show "Melrose Place"? The show was one of FOX's most-viewed television shows at one time...though it didn't start out that way.

Premiering on July 8, 1992, "Melrose Place" began as a spin-off of another Darren Star created drama, "Beverly Hills 90210". On 90210, Jennie Garth's character of Kelly Taylor began dating an older man named Jake Hanson (Grant Show). Jake appeared on a few episodes at the end of 90210's second season, and immediately after it ended, the decision was made to have Jake as one of the main characters of "Melrose Place". Since it was a spin-off of 90210, some 90210 stars made an appearance in the show's pilot, including Garth, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Tori Spelling. Unfortunately for Kelly, the relationship between her and Jake did not last (setting the stage for the Kelly/Dylan/Brenda love triangle storyline of 90210's Season Three), but "Melrose Place" continued on.

The show initially featured eight 20-somethings who were just starting out in the world, looking to make all of their dreams come true, and at first, the shows would have one major plot, with minor plots concluding within the span of an episode. But when the formula proved unsuccessful, and the low ratings almost caused the show to be cancelled, producers made some changes. Gone were Amy Locane and Vanessa Williams (not THAT Vanessa Williams), and in their place came Daphne Zuniga and Heather Locklear. Plots also became more soap opera like, with dozens of twists and turns at every corner. The changes proved very successful, and the show ended up running for seven seasons, the final episode airing on May 24, 1999.

Now, "Melrose Place" ended up being a show that had a lot of star power. Certainly, Heather Locklear had major star quality...but did you know that Lisa Rinna, Jack Wagner, and Alyssa Milano once held regular roles on "Melrose Place"?

The show was also one that kicked off the careers of several people. Some people may not have heard the names Laura Leighton, Kristin Davis, Josie Bissett, Andrew Shue, Doug Savant, and Courtney Thorne-Smith before "Melrose Place", but after the show began airing, they all became instant stars.

TRIVIA: Thomas Calabro was the only original cast member to stay on the show for all seven seasons without leaving once.

While we're on the subject, here is some more trivia for all of you. Did you know that two of the main cast members of "Melrose Place" also appeared as regular characters of "Desperate Housewives"? Doug Savant was one.

The other one was Marcia Cross, who played desperate housewife Bree Van De Kamp. But she also played the television character that we'll be discussing today. A character that wreaked havoc on "Melrose Place" for the first five seasons.

This is the story of Dr. Kimberly Shaw Mancini.