Courtney Thorne-Smith is a renowned American actress, renowned for her captivating performances in various television shows and films. Her most notable roles include the starring parts of Alison Parker on Melrose Place, Georgia Thomas on Ally McBeal, Cheryl Mabel in According to Jim, and her recurring role as Lyndsey McElroy on Two and a Half Men.
Born in San Francisco, California, Courtney spent her formative years in Menlo Park, a charming suburb situated south of San Francisco. Her father, Walter Smith, was a computer market researcher, and her mother, Lora Thorne, was a therapist. Unfortunately, Courtney's parents divorced when she was just seven years old, leading to a unique upbringing where she lived with both parents at different stages.
Courtney has an older sister, Jennifer, who is an accomplished advertising executive. Throughout her childhood, Courtney was surrounded by creative influences, which likely contributed to her interest in the performing arts. She attended Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California, and later graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, California, in 1985.