Patricia Heaton

Actress 

The recent inclusion of Patricia Heaton on the Hollywood Walk of Fame says it all about this dynamic actress who has found a way to balance family and career, along with being active as a philanthropist.

Currently starring as Midwestern mom Frankie Heck in the ABC hit comedy THE MIDDLE, Patricia continues to shine in a career that includes seven Emmy nominations and two wins for her role as Debra Barone in EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND. Her work has also garnered her Best Actress Awards from Viewers for Quality Television, and three nominations and one win from the Screen Actors Guild.

Heaton's professional accomplishments don't end with her acting. She produced and starred in the romantic comedy The Engagement Ring for TNT, and produced the award-winning documentary The Bituminous Coal Queens of Pennsylvania which was directed by her husband, David Hunt. Their joint production company, Fourboys Films, was a producing partner with Walden Media on the feature film Amazing Grace, the story of British abolitionist William Wilberforce. Their movie The Christmas Heart earned the highest ratings for its premier on The Hallmark Channel.

In addition to her acting and producing credits, Heaton is a bestselling author whose book Motherhood and Hollywood -- How to Get A Job Like Mine was on the New York Times best-sellers list. In the book, Heaton recounts her idyllic childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, her struggles to start a career in New York City, and her eventual success in Los Angeles. Her down-to-earth and self-deprecating style garnered her great reviews and delighted her millions of fans.

Heaton is also well-known for her charitable work, supporting organizations like WORLD VISION, adoption facilitator REECE'S RAINBOW, the inner city equestrian center COMPTON JUNIOR POSSE, the USC SHOAH FOUNDATION, HEIFER INTERNATIONAL, and CLARIS HEALTH CENTER. These are just a few of the many efforts Patricia makes to give back to the community.

Audiences enjoy Heaton's refreshing candor, her honesty, her humor and her willingness to tackle the tough topics facing people today. She speaks freely about the role her faith plays in her life, from both a Catholic and an evangelical perspective. Her insights on religion, marriage, and motherhood, and her openness about balancing her career with raising her four sons make Heaton a fascinating, entertaining and heartwarming speaker.

Heaton lives in Los Angeles with her husband and four sons.