While singing and dancing her way through international waters on the Sitmar Cruise Line in 1984, she had the opportunity to get a feel for the "other" coast. That journey turned out to be her passage from Off Broadway to Hollywood.

Once landing in L.A., Carlease started performing in children's theatre with the South Coast Repertory Company, Tim Busfield's Fantasy Theatre and the Rock Salt Company, part of the Mark Taper Forum. She then went on to recur on the soap opera, The Young and The Restless.

Many years and countless roles later, Carlease's resume continues to grow. She's even found time to return to school for an A.S. degree in sign language interpreting.

Carlease! (the comic), has tickled funny bones in comedy clubs across the country. She is a favorite at Pride Festivals in Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Southeast Michigan and Philadelphia. She's graced the stage at The Michigan Womyn's Music Festival and headlines with Olivia Cruises and Resorts.

Carlease Burke (the actress), has recently been spotted on the small screen in commercials for Pfizer (mytimetoquit), Macy's, Verizon, Pizza Hut and AARP. She has a recurred on Desperate Housewives and has guest starred on numerous shows such as Malcolm in the Middle, Without a Trace, Judging Amy, Wanted, Monk and most recently Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, What About Brian and The Riches starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver. Her feature film work includes The Terminal with Tom Hanks, directed by Steven Spielberg, The Toolbox Murders directed by Tobe Hooper and In Her Shoes opposite Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette directed by Curtis Hanson.

Ms. Burke is one of the recipients of a 2005 NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet at the Theatre@ Boston Court in Pasadena, California. She recently performed on stage in two world premieres: Dialectics of the Heart starring Sharon Lawrence and Unfinished American Highwayscape #9 & 32 written by Carlos Murillo.

Carlease has worked as a victim's advocate for DART at LAPD's 77th Division, West LA Division and Sojourn Services for battered women and their children.

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