Reiko Aylesworth

Biography

Reiko Aylesworth is an accomplished American actress widely recognized for her compelling performances on both television and film. Born in Evanston, Illinois, she grew up in a family with Dutch, Welsh, and Japanese heritage. Aylesworth's name, Reiko (pronounced Ray-ko), reflects her Japanese lineage.

She developed an early interest in the performing arts and participated in school plays and local theater productions. Aylesworth attended the University of Washington in Seattle, where she further explored her passion for acting while studying neuroscience. Her pursuit of a scientific career was eventually overtaken by her love for performing.

Early Career

Reiko began her acting career with stage performances in Seattle. She gained early television experience after moving to New York, landing her first significant role on the soap opera One Life to Live (1993–1994), where she played Rebecca Lewis. This marked her official entry into the world of professional acting.

Over the next few years, Aylesworth honed her craft with guest appearances on popular television series, including Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Now and Again.

Breakthrough Role: 24

Reiko Aylesworth's career reached new heights with her role as Michelle Dessler on the acclaimed Fox series 24. She joined the show in its second season (2002–2003) as a recurring character and was promoted to a series regular in the third and fourth seasons (2003–2005).

Michelle Dessler, a key member of the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU), quickly became a fan favorite due to Aylesworth’s nuanced performance. Her chemistry with Carlos Bernard, who played Tony Almeida, contributed to one of the series' most memorable storylines.

Aylesworth’s work on 24 earned her widespread recognition, showcasing her ability to balance emotional depth with the high-stakes intensity of the show’s premise.

Television Career

After 24, Aylesworth continued to make a name for herself on television with roles in numerous series, including:

• Lost (2006): She appeared as Amy Goodspeed, a member of the Dharma Initiative, in several episodes of the hit ABC series.
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• ER (2008–2009): A recurring role as Julia Dupree, a hospital chaplain.
• Hawaii Five-0 (2010): Played Dr. Malia Waincroft, adding another dimension to her diverse television career.
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• NCIS (2012): A guest role as Anne Marshall.

Her talent for portraying strong, multidimensional characters has made her a sought-after performer in television dramas.

Film Career

While primarily known for her television work, Reiko Aylesworth has appeared in a variety of films. Some of her notable roles include:

• Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007): She played Kelly O’Brien, a military veteran and mother trying to protect her family during an extraterrestrial invasion.
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• Mr. Brooks (2007): She appeared alongside Kevin Costner and Demi Moore in this psychological thriller.
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• The Understudy (2008): A dark comedy where she starred as Simone Harwin.

Her performances in these films highlighted her ability to bring emotional authenticity to action-oriented and dramatic roles.