Teri Lynn Hatcher was born on December 8, 1964 in Sunnyvale, California; she is an American author and actress. She was born to a nuclear physicist father and a computer programmer mother. She schooled in acting at the American Conservatory Theater, San Francisco, whilst pursuing mathematics and engineering degree from De Anza College, Cupertino, California.

Teri accidentally landed in a role in Hollywood, when she accompanied a friend to an audition and ended up with the role instead. The role was of a singing and dancing mermaid in a television series titled 'Love Boat' which aired, in 1977. She then bagged the role of 'Penny Parker' in 'MavGyver' in 1985. After portraying the role of 'Penny Parker' , Teri was type casted as the pretty but dumb sweet girl in Hollywood; hence to break away from this mold she auditioned and won the role of 'Lois Lane' in 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman', in 1993. 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' wound up after airing 88 episodes. As a follow up to Lois Lane, Hatcher performed on 'Cabaret''s road tour as 'Sally Bowles'; the show lasted for 7 months.

After a brief period of self imposed exile from the screen, Teri returned to star as 'Susan Mayer' in ABC's critically acclaimed television series 'Desperate Housewives'. In a series that revolves around the lives of 5 married and divorced women, Teri is often quoted as America's favorite 'Desperate Housewife'. For her portrayal as a distraught divorced single mother she won the SAG award and the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comic Series. Teri Hatcher has also authored a auto-biography titled 'Burnt Toast' and also manufactures a series of merchandize such as t-shirts, coffee mugs and pendants under the same brand name.