I like bringing the girls on set, but if I can't do that then the next day I feel I have to be uber-mum to make up for it. Then I'm exhausted and feel like I'm running in fumes.

She is one of three daughters of Janet a teacher and Mark Cross a personnel manager. Her film credits include independent movies Bad Influence (1990) Always Say Goodbye (1996) Just Peck (2009) and Bringing Up Bobby (2011). In 1992 Cross won the role Dr.

Kimberly Shaw on Fox soap opera Melrose Place (1992–1997) and Bree Van de Kamp on the ABC comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives (2004–2012).