Courtney Thorne-Smith, born on November 8, 1967, in San Francisco, California, is an American actress best known for her roles in television series such as "Melrose Place," "Ally McBeal," and "According to Jim."

She grew up in Menlo Park, California, a suburb south of San Francisco, with her older sister Jennifer and her parents, Walter Smith, a computer market researcher, and Lora Thorne, a therapist.

Her parents divorced when she was seven years old, and she lived with both parents at different stages. She attended Menlo-Atherton High School and later graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, California, in 1985. During her high school years, she performed with the Ensemble Theater Company in Mill Valley, which sparked her interest in acting.

Her career began in the mid-1980s with appearances in films such as "Lucas" (1986) and "Summer School" (1987). Her television debut came with a role in the short-lived series "Fast Times" (1986), based on the popular film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

Her breakthrough arrived in 1992 when she was cast as Alison Parker in the prime-time soap opera "Melrose Place." Her portrayal of a young woman navigating personal and professional challenges resonated with audiences, solidifying her status in the industry.

After departing "Melrose Place" in 1997, she joined the cast of "Ally McBeal" as Georgia Thomas, further showcasing her versatility as an actress. She later appeared as Cheryl Mabel in the sitcom "According to Jim" from 2001 to 2009 and had a recurring role on "Two and a Half Men" as Lyndsey McElroy.

Courtney Thorne-Smith has also ventured into writing, publishing her novel "Outside In" in 2007, which delves into the life of a television actress grappling with the pressures of fame.

Her personal life includes two marriages. She first married geneticist Andrew Conrad in June 2000, but the couple divorced in January 2001. She later married Roger Fishman, president of the marketing firm Zizo Group, on January 1, 2007.

Courtney Thorne-Smith and Roger welcomed their son, Jacob Emerson Fishman, on January 14, 2008. She has spoken openly about the challenges of maintaining a healthy body image in the entertainment industry and has advocated for balanced eating and exercise.