Amanda Bearse

Bearse took up the challenge of television and film directing while appearing on Um Amor de Família (1987). Between 1991 and 1997, she helmed over 30 episodes of the show and went on to direct episodes of other sitcoms: Reba (2001), Dharma e Greg (1997) and Veronica's Closet (1997).

The outing [when she announced that she was gay] really was quite a freeing experience. I know that sounds sort of clichéd, but it really was very liberating. That one thing, that one big secret is out. For a lot of people, it was just a confirmation of what they thought about me. I mean, I look like the girl next door, but I was always kind of off-center.