Born in Dana Point, California, Mindy Clarke was raised by her ballet dancer mother Patricia and actor father John. At the age of 18 she moved to L.A. and launched her career in acting and modeling.



She had no desire to be in horror films after Return of the Living Dead III (1993) but did not turn down the role of "Tatum Riley" in Scream (1996/I). The part would eventually go to Rose McGowan and they both worked together when she guest-starred on "Charmed" (1998). Auditioned for a small Bond girl role in Die Another Day (2002). She has a brother named Joshua and a sister named Heidi (who died in 1994 of a malignant heart tumor). Appeared with "The O.C." (2003) co-star Kelly Rowan in a "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000) Season 2 episode: "Slaves of Las Vegas". Has had two mass-marketed toy action figures made of her. The first was for her role as Jessica Priest in Spawn (1997), and her second was for her role as the Amazon Velasca from the television series "Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995). Is only 10 years older than former co-star Adam Brody from "The O.C." (2003) and is only 9 years older than former co-star Benjamin McKenzie. Married Ernie Mirich in Dana Point, California on June 28, 1997. One of her bridesmaids was Charlotte Ross. Has volunteered as an actress with the Young Storytellers Foundation.