Vanessa Claire Smith was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Webster Conservatory for the Performing Arts, where she graduated with honors. Shortly thereafter, she won a spot as a student at the prestigious Oxford School of Drama in England.Vanessa received an LA Weekly theatre award in 2004 for her portrayal of "Alex" in Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange".An avid writer, Vanessa has had 3 screenplays and one TV series idea optioned, as well as one feature film produced.She began her production company, "Fleur De Lis", in 2006 with Sarah Maria Newman.