Valarie Pettiford, born on July 8, 1960, in Queens, New York, is an accomplished American stage and television actress, dancer, and jazz singer. She began her career as a dancer and choreographer in Bob Fosse productions on Broadway, quickly gaining recognition for her talent.

Her role in the Broadway production "Fosse" earned her a Tony Award nomination. She is perhaps best known for her role as Deirdre "Big Dee Dee" LaFontaine Thorne on the UPN television sitcom "Half & Half," which earned her three NAACP Image Award nominations.

Her career spans various mediums, including film, television, and stage. She made her film debut in "The Wiz" (1978) and has appeared in movies such as "Glitter" (2001), "Stomp the Yard" (2007), and "Jumping the Broom" (2011). On television, she has had guest-starring roles on shows like "Criminal Minds," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and "The West Wing," among others.

Her stage credits are equally impressive, with performances in productions like "Sophisticated Ladies," "Show Boat," and "Chicago" in the West End. Valarie Pettiford is also a talented jazz singer. She released her first album, "Hear My Soul," in 2005, showcasing her vocal abilities.

Her personal life includes her marriage to actor Tony Rader, whom she met through a mutual friend and married in Las Vegas in 1993. The couple has been together for over two decades, although they do not have any children.