Although it may not have been an easy start for Annalynne McCord’s character of Cat on Days of Our Lives, the character has won over Chad, and the actress has won over the viewers. Best known for primetime television appearances, such as The CW reboot 90210 or Secrets and Lies on ABC, McCord’s acting career began in 2002 with the horror film The Middle of Nowhere. The actress is nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category.Georgia Peach
AnnaLynne McCord was born on July 16 in Atlanta, Georgia. The youngest of three girls, she grew up in a conservative Christian household and was homeschooled through high school.
Bitten By The Acting Bug
McCord discovered her love for acting at a young age, beginning with school plays. After finishing high school early at just 15, she secured a modeling contract with AMTC and moved to Miami to pursue her career. She later signed with the prestigious Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, landing major campaigns, including one with luxury beauty brand Estée Lauder.
Soaps, Part 1
AnnaLynne scored her first regular television role as the rebellious Loren Wakefield on the short-lived telenovela remake American Heiress on MyNetworkTV. The show followed the wealthy and powerful Wakefield family, centering on Elizabeth Wakefield, played by General Hospital alum Alicia Leigh Willis (Courtney), the rebellious daughter of a billionaire. After surviving a plane crash, Loren found herself in a world of family secrets, power struggles, and forbidden romance, with the series mixing soap opera melodrama and intrigue. Familiar soap alums John Aprea (Lucas, Another World), Michael Brainard (Joey, All My Children), and Robert Buckley (Clay, One Tree Hill) co-starred.
Making What’s Old, New Again
The actress starred on the Beverly Hills 90210 reboot, 90210, as Naomi Clark, West Beverly’s resident spoiled rich girl, quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s breakout stars to watch. While critics gave the series mixed reviews, it attracted over five million viewers at its premiere and became a hit with both longtime fans of the original ’90s drama and a new generation of viewers. Speaking of reboots, she also starred on the reboot of Dallas.
Secrets and Lies
Much like the character traits of Kat — secrets and lies, McCord starred on the ABC hit Secrets and Lies as Melanie Warner on the second season of the show. DOOL alum Eric Winter (Rex) starred as Neil Oliver, and As The World Turns alum Jordana Brewster (Nikki) starred as Kate. The first season centered on One Life to Live alum Ryan Phillippe (as Billy).
Mental Health Advocate
AnnaLynne has been open about her personal battle with Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D.), courageously sharing her story to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health. The actress has spoken in interviews and on social media about her experiences living with the condition, using her platform to encourage others to seek help and know they are not alone. Beyond her acting career, McCord has become a passionate advocate for trauma recovery and mental health awareness, partnering with organizations, speaking at events, and lending her voice to a cause that impacts millions worldwide. Her honesty and activism have positioned her not only as a talented performer but also as a powerful force for change in the ongoing conversation about mental health.
