As a recurring character on nearly a dozen TV shows, most notably the supernatural drama "Angel" (The WB, 1999-2004), Amy Acker has managed to stay busy since launching her professional acting career in the late 1990s. A native of Dallas, Acker landed bit parts on shows like "Wishbone" (PBS, 1995-99) and "Special Unit 2" (UPN, 2001-02), before she was cast as the brilliant math genius, Winifred "Fred" Burkle, on the third season of "Angel." Although her character was only supposed to be on the show for a few episodes, Acker's portrayal of the fiercely intelligent Fred made an immediate impression on creator Joss Whedon, who subsequently bumped her up to a series regular. When the series ended in 2004, Acker continued to work with Whedon on additional projects, including his short-lived science-fiction series, "Dollhouse" (Fox, 2009-10), where she played a doctor, and as the strong-willed Beatrice in Whedon's 2012 film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." With a growing list of film and TV credits spanning various types of character roles and genres, Acker has quickly risen to become one of Hollywood's most prolific young actresses.