Heather Locklear

Heather Deen Locklear is an American actress best known for her television roles as Sammy Jo Carrington on *Dynasty* and Amanda Woodward on *Melrose Place*.

Heather Locklear is an American actress who became a defining face of 1980s and 1990s prime-time television, best known for her roles on *Dynasty* and *Melrose Place*.

What it is

Heather Deen Locklear was born on September 25, 1961, in Westwood, California. She rose to fame through Aaron Spelling-produced TV series, first as Sammy Jo Carrington on *Dynasty* and later as Amanda Woodward on *Melrose Place*. Her career also included roles on *T.J. Hooker*, *Spin City*, and *Hot in Cleveland*.

Why it matters

Locklear earned four consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for *Melrose Place*, cementing her as a major TV star. Her work helped define the soap-opera and prime-time drama landscape of the era, and she remains a reference point for 1990s television culture.

Key details

Locklear was married to musician Tommy Lee from 1986 to 1993 and to Richie Sambora from 1994 to 2007. She has one daughter, Ava Elizabeth Sambora. Later public attention has focused on legal and substance-related struggles, and she is now largely retired from acting, with occasional interviews and appearances.