Kelly Rutherford, born on November 6, 1968, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is an American actress known for her roles on television and in films. She began her career with a role on the daytime soap opera "Loving" in 1987 and later became a regular on the NBC daytime soap opera "Generations" from 1989 to 1991.

Her breakout role came in 1996 when she joined the cast of the Fox primetime soap opera "Melrose Place" as Megan Lewis, a role she played until 1999.

In 2007, Kelly Rutherford took on the role of Lily van der Woodsen on the CW series "Gossip Girl," a role that further cemented her status as a television star. The show ran until 2012, and Kelly's portrayal of the sophisticated Upper East Side mother was widely praised.

She continued to work in television, appearing in shows like "Quantico" and "Dynasty," showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Her personal life has been in the spotlight as well. She married Venezuelan banker Carlos Tarajano in 2001, but the marriage ended in divorce the following year. In 2006, she married German businessman Daniel Giersch, and the couple had two children, Hermès and Helena.

However, their marriage also ended in divorce, leading to a highly publicized custody battle that saw Kelly fighting for the right to have her children live with her in the United States.

She is a member of the Board of Directors for Free Arts NYC and has been an advocate for organizations like StepUp Women's Network and Healthy Child Healthy World. Her elegance and style have also made her a fashion icon, and she has been seen at events like Paris Fashion Week, where she continues to make a mark with her timeless sense of style.