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Julie Berman
Julie Berman
Julie Berman
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Julie Marie Berman (born November 3, 1983)[1] is an American actress. She is known for her role as Lulu Spencer on the ABC Daytime soap opera General Hospital, for which she received three Daytime Emmy Awards, and for her role on the Golden Globe nominated Hulu comedy series Casual as Leia, Valerie's receptionist.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Berman was born to Peter and Renée Berman in Los Angeles, California. She started acting at the age of six.

Career

[edit]

Berman made her television debut with the recurring role in the WB family drama series, 7th Heaven as the misunderstood Shelby Connor, a friend of Lucy Camden. Berman continued her role on 7th Heaven, while simultaneously adding a recurring role in the ABC drama Once and Again.[2] She also guest-starred on ER and Boston Public, and starred alongside Shelley Long in the 1999 television movie Vanished Without a Trace.

2005–13; General Hospital

[edit]

Berman is best known for her role as Lulu Spencer, the stubborn, troubled daughter of Luke and Laura Spencer, in the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital. She made her first appearance on October 28, 2005.[3][4] The casting immediately garnered much attention due to Berman's strong resemblance to Genie Francis who played Laura; Lulu and Laura's strong resemblance was often mentioned within the series.[5] In July 2012, Berman informed producers that she had no plans of renewing her contract when it expired in November. Despite no official word from ABC or Berman, rumors began to circulate that Berman was about to vacate the role. After months of speculation, on February 26, 2013, an issue of Soaps In Depth confirmed that Berman was indeed leaving the series and had just filmed her final scenes.[6]

Berman earned her first Daytime Emmy nomination in 2007, and won her first Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actress in 2009. She won her second consecutive Emmy in 2010 in the same category. Berman departed her role as Lulu in 2013,[7] and was replaced by The Young and the Restless actress Emme Rylan[8] In 2013, Berman won her third Emmy, but in the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress category.[9]

2013–present

[edit]

After leaving daytime television, Berman guest-starred on prime time comedy series include Two and a Half Men and Jane the Virgin. In 2015, she began the recurring role opposite Michaela Watkins and Frances Conroy in the Hulu comedy series, Casual.[10] She was promoted to series regular for second season.[11] Later that year, Berman joined the cast of NBC medical drama Chicago Med, playing the recurring role of Dr. Samantha "Sam" Zanetti.[12]

Personal life

[edit]

Berman graduated with a bachelor's degree in Television and Cinema from the University of Southern California in May 2006. While at the university she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.[13]

Berman married Michael Grady on August 15, 2008.[1] The couple welcomed their first child, son Asher Dean Grady on February 18, 2019. Their second child, son Holden Jeffrey Grady was born on January 18, 2022.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2014 Count to 10 Anna Short
2017 Valley of the Moon Molly Unreleased

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997–99 7th Heaven Shelby Connor Recurring role
1999 Vanished Without a Trace Cathy Porterson Television film (NBC)
1999–2000 Once and Again Julie Recurring role
2000 ER Jessamyn Chadsey "The Fastest Year"
2002 Boston Public Margo "Chapter 46"
2005 Threshold Kristy Foster "Blood of the Children"
2005–13 General Hospital Lulu Spencer Series Regular
2007 General Hospital: Night Shift Lulu Spencer "Paternity Ward"
2012 Sand Sharks Nikki Television film
The March Sisters at Christmas Jo March Television film (Lifetime)
2013 Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures Vera "Epic Showdown"
Two and a Half Men Sarah "My Bodacious Vidalia"
2014 Jane the Virgin Candyce "Chapter 8"
2015 Satisfaction Marie "... Through Risk"
2015–16 Chicago Med Dr. Samantha "Sam" Zanetti Recurring role; 8 episodes
2015–18 Casual Leia Series Regular; 27 episodes
2016 Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Serena Ainsworth "Fall"
2017 Love on Ice Emily Television film (Hallmark)
2018– There's Always Tomorrow Lindsay Anderson

Lacey

Web Series, Series Regular

77 Episodes (as Lindsay) 19 Episodes (as Lacey)

2021 CSI:Vegas Tammy Shaw "Pipe Cleaner"

Awards and nominations

[edit]
List of acting awards and nominations
Year Award Category Title Result Ref.
2007
 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series General Hospital Nominated
[14]
2009
 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series General Hospital Won
[15]
2010
 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series General Hospital Won
[16]
2013
 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series General Hospital Won
[17]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Julie Berman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Julie Marie Berman (born November 3, 1983) is an American actress best known for portraying on the ABC daytime soap opera from 2005 to 2013.
Berman won three for her performance on the series: Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 2009 and 2010, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2013.
Born and raised in , , she began her at age six, appearing in over 100 television commercials for brands including Hilton Hotels before transitioning to scripted roles.
In her early teens, Berman had a recurring role as Shelby Connor on the family drama 7th Heaven.
She graduated from the in 2006 with a degree in film and television production.
Following her departure from , Berman starred as Leia in the comedy series Casual from 2015 to 2018 and appeared as Dr. Samantha "Sam" Zanetti in the NBC from 2015 to 2016.
Berman has also featured in films, including Love on Ice (2017), and has continued to make guest appearances in television into the early 2020s, along with personal appearances.

Early life and education

Family and childhood

Julie Marie Berman was born on November 3, 1983, in , , to parents Peter and Renée Berman. Both parents provided strong support for her early interests in the , fostering an environment that encouraged her creative pursuits from a young age. Berman's introduction to the entertainment industry began at age six, when she started with child modeling and small auditions. This early exposure led to appearances in over 100 commercials, marking the initial steps in her professional journey. Raised in , Berman grew up immersed in a vibrant creative milieu that profoundly shaped her career aspirations. Surrounded by the city's entertainment ecosystem, she was frequently approached by casting directors and talent scouts even as a young child, which deepened her connection to acting.

Academic background

Julie Marie Berman attended Marymount High School in , graduating in 2002. During her high school years, she was actively involved in , transitioning from commercials to her breakthrough recurring as Shelby Connor on the television series 7th Heaven, which aired from 1999 to 2002. Following high school, Berman enrolled at the (USC), where she pursued a degree in Critical Studies in Cinema-Television within the School of Cinematic Arts. She graduated in May 2006. The program provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry, equipping her with knowledge of production, directing, and other aspects beyond performing, which she viewed as a valuable backup option in case her did not fully materialize. Berman balanced her academic commitments with emerging acting opportunities during her college years, particularly after landing the role of on in her senior year in 2005. To manage the demands, she enrolled in night classes and online courses, describing the schedule as "a lot of work" but ultimately rewarding, as it allowed her to complete her degree without interruption.

Professional career

Initial acting pursuits (1990s–2004)

Berman began her professional acting career in the mid-1990s as a performer, appearing in over 100 commercials starting at the age of six. Her breakthrough into scripted television came at age 14 with a recurring role as the misunderstood Shelby Connor, a friend of Lucy Camden, on the WB family drama 7th Heaven; she appeared in seven episodes between 1997 and 1999. While portraying Shelby, Berman balanced her on-set commitments with high school coursework, often studying between takes. In the late 1990s, she expanded her television presence with a recurring role as Julie, Grace Manning's best friend, on ABC's from 1999 to 2000. This period also saw her feature in the 1999 television film Vanished Without a Trace, where she starred as Cathy Porterson, the kidnapped daughter whose mother's relentless pursuit drives the plot, opposite . Berman continued building experience through guest spots on other series, including Jessamyn Chadsey on ER in 2000 and Margo on in 2002. As Berman entered her early 20s in the early , she navigated the shift from child-oriented roles to characters amid ongoing auditions and limited parts, while pursuing a degree in cinema and television at the to hone her skills. This foundational phase culminated in her successful audition for the role of on ABC's in 2005, which would become her signature breakout.

General Hospital era (2005–2013)

Julie Marie Berman was cast as on the ABC soap opera in July 2005, debuting on October 28 and replacing child actress Tessa Allen, who had portrayed the rapidly aged character earlier that year. This recasting marked Lulu's transition into a role, allowing Berman to bring fresh energy to Spencer's daughter amid ongoing family dynamics in . During her eight-year tenure, Berman's portrayal evolved Lulu through intense personal and familial arcs, including a controversial affair with Dillon Quartermaine that led to an storyline in 2006, highlighting the character's rebellious streak. Subsequent plots explored her romantic entanglements with Logan Hayes, whom she killed in in 2008; Johnny Zacchara; and Dante Falconeri, culminating in their 2011 marriage and the birth of their son via surrogate in 2013. Family crises, such as Lulu's abduction by Franco and being frozen by Stavros Cassadine, underscored her resilience and deepened ties to the Spencer legacy, positioning her as a central figure in the show's narrative. Berman received Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Lulu, in 2007, 2009, and 2010, winning the award in 2009 and 2010; she also won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2013. Her departure aired on March 22, 2013, following contract negotiations where she opted not to renew upon its expiration, citing a desire to pursue new acting challenges beyond the soap format. Berman's interpretation of Lulu solidified the character's popularity, boosting her personal fanbase and contributing to 's sustained viewership through high-profile Spencer family arcs that drew dedicated audiences.

Later television appearances (2014–present)

Following her departure from General Hospital in 2013, Julie Berman transitioned to a variety of guest and recurring roles in primetime television, leveraging her soap opera background to secure diverse opportunities. In 2015, she joined the cast of Hulu's comedy series Casual in the recurring role of Leia, Valerie's , which was elevated to series regular status for seasons 2 through 4; the show itself received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2016. In 2016, Berman appeared in a multi-episode arc on NBC's Chicago Med as Dr. Samantha "Sam" Zanetti, a trauma surgeon involved in a brief romance with Dr. Connor Rhodes. Berman continued her television work with supporting parts in several projects over the next few years. She portrayed Serena Ainsworth, a prospective member of the , in the Netflix revival : in 2016. In 2017, she starred as Emily James, a former champion seeking a comeback, in the original movie Love on Ice. Her subsequent appearances included a guest role as Heather in an episode of CBS's The Unicorn in 2019, and as Tammy Shaw in the 2021 episode "" of CBS's CSI: Vegas. These roles highlighted Berman's versatility in comedy, drama, and procedural formats, often drawing on her established reputation from General Hospital to facilitate casting in ensemble-driven series. Post-2021, Berman significantly reduced her on-screen work to prioritize family life after welcoming her second son, Holden Jeffrey Grady, in January 2022. In October 2024, amid rumors of a potential return to as , the role was instead recast with , confirming Berman would not reprise the character. As of 2025, Berman has not taken on new on-screen roles but has expressed interest in resuming selective acting as her children grow older, potentially "jumping back into stuff" soon.

Personal life

Marriage to Michael Grady

Julie Berman met Michael Grady, a commercial real estate broker, in the mid-2000s, and the couple began dating around 2005. They became engaged during a trip to London on May 5, 2007. Berman and Grady married on August 15, 2008, in a private Roman Catholic ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel on the Loyola Marymount University campus in Los Angeles. The event was attended by close family and friends, including several of Berman's General Hospital co-stars such as Rebecca Herbst and Jane Elliot, followed by a reception at a private home in Pacific Palisades. Berman wore a silk tulle gown and veil designed by Monique Lhuillier, while Grady donned a chocolate brown Hugo Boss suit. The couple planned a honeymoon in Hawaii shortly after the wedding. In public statements, Berman has described Grady as her best friend and soul mate, emphasizing the deep companionship that provided stability during the demanding years of her tenure from 2005 to 2013. She noted, "Mike is my best friend, and ultimately he is my soul mate. He’s the guy I want to do everything with – the guy I want to be with when he’s old and wrinkly." Their partnership extended beyond personal life into professional collaboration; in 2011, they co-founded Better Buddies, Inc., with business partner William Busch, a company dedicated to producing eco-friendly pet products and supporting initiatives through donations to shelters.

Motherhood and family life

Berman and her husband, Michael Grady, welcomed their first child, a son named Asher Dean Grady, on February 18, 2019. The couple's second son, Jeffrey Grady, was born on January 21, 2022. Following the birth of , Berman stepped back from acting roles, with her last credited appearance in 2021 on CSI: Vegas, allowing her to focus on raising her young children. Berman has emphasized maintaining her children's privacy in public discussions, sharing limited family moments while shielding their personal lives from media scrutiny in interviews as of 2022. This approach reflects her prioritization of well-being over professional demands in the entertainment industry.

Filmography

Film roles

Berman's film work, though limited compared to her television career, showcases her versatility in genres ranging from horror to romantic dramas, often in supporting or lead roles in independent and made-for-TV productions. In the 2012 Lifetime television movie The March Sisters at Christmas, Berman portrayed Jo March, a modern take on the classic character from , leading her family through holiday challenges in a contemporary setting. In the 2012 Syfy original horror film , directed by Mark Atkins, Berman portrayed Nikki, a college student vacationing on a who becomes a victim of genetically engineered that burrow through the sand to attack beachgoers. Her role highlighted her ability to convey terror in a low-budget creature feature, contributing to the film's campy appeal as part of the shark thriller subgenre. In the 2014 independent short film Count to 10, Berman played Anna, a character in a tense psychological drama. In the 2017 independent drama Valley of the Moon, directed by Patrick Mapel, Berman appeared in a supporting capacity as Molly, one of five friends navigating existential struggles, fractured relationships, and the search for intimacy during a single tumultuous day in Los Angeles. The film's introspective tone and ensemble focus allowed Berman to explore more nuanced emotional depth in a character-driven story, though it received limited theatrical release primarily through film festivals.

Television roles

Berman began her television career with a recurring role as the troubled teenager Shelby Connor on the WB family drama 7th Heaven, appearing in seven episodes from 1997 to 1999. She followed this with a guest spot in the Lifetime television movie Vanished Without a Trace (1999), portraying Cathy Porterson, the kidnapped daughter of a determined mother played by . During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Berman took on another recurring role as Julie, a friend of the Sammler family, on the ABC drama , featuring in four episodes across 1999 and 2000. Her early guest appearances also included Jessamyn Chadsey on ER in the 2000 episode "The Fastest Year" and Margo on in the 2002 episode "Chapter 46." In 2007, she reprised her role as Lulu Spencer in the spin-off miniseries General Hospital: Night Shift in the episode "Paternity Ward." Berman's breakthrough came with her long-term portrayal of Lesley Lu "Lulu" Spencer on the ABC soap opera , a role she held from 2005 to 2013, appearing in over 400 episodes as the complex daughter of iconic characters Spencer. In a brief appearance before her General Hospital tenure, she guest-starred as Kristy Foster on the CBS sci-fi series Threshold in 2005. Post-General Hospital, Berman transitioned to primetime with guest roles such as Sarah on in the 2013 episode "My Bodacious Vidalia," Vera on Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures in the 2013 episode "Epic Showdown," and Candyce on in the 2014 episode "Chapter Eight." She guest-starred as Marie on Satisfaction in the 2015 episode "…Through Risk." She recurred as Dr. Sam Zanetti, a surgical resident, on the NBC medical drama Chicago Med from 2015 to 2016, appearing in eight episodes. That same year, Berman joined the Hulu comedy Casual as Leia, Valerie's assistant, initially recurring before being promoted to series regular; she appeared in 27 episodes from 2015 to 2018. Berman guest-starred as Serena Ainsworth, a prospective DAR member, in the Netflix revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016), specifically in the "Fall" installment. She also featured as Emily James in the Hallmark Channel television movie Love on Ice (2017). From 2018 to present, Berman has starred as Lindsay Anderson Lacey in the web series There's Always Tomorrow, appearing in 77 episodes as Lindsay and 19 as Lacey. Later guest spots include Heather on CBS's The Unicorn in the 2020 episode "Everyone's a Winner," a news reporter in the Lifetime thriller Kappa Kappa Die (2020), and Tammy Shaw on CSI: Vegas in the 2021 episode "."

Awards and nominations

Daytime Emmy Awards

Julie Berman received her first Daytime Emmy nomination in 2007 for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of on . She won the in 2009 for the same category, recognizing her during a pivotal year in the character's storyline involving emotional turmoil and family dynamics. Berman secured a consecutive victory in 2010, earning praise from industry observers for her ability to convey Lulu Spencer's complex emotional arcs, including struggles with and resilience that added depth to the soap's narrative. In 2013, she transitioned to the Supporting Actress category and won for her performance as during the eligibility period, which included storylines depicting familial reconciliation and personal growth, such as her interactions with her father, . Berman attended the ceremonies for her wins, delivering acceptance speeches that expressed gratitude to her co-stars, particularly Tony Geary for their collaborative scenes, and the General Hospital production team.

Other honors

Berman's portrayal of Leia, Valerie's receptionist, in the comedy series Casual contributed to the show's critical acclaim, with the series earning a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy at the 73rd ceremony in 2016. Aside from her and the Casual series nomination, Berman has not received other major industry awards or nominations for her television roles, including her appearance as Dr. Samantha Abrams in in 2019, as of November 2025.

References

  1. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/julie-berman/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0075788/awards/
  3. https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/love-on-ice/cast/Julie-Berman
  4. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/actors/julie-marie-berman/
  5. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/actors/julie-marie-berman/
  6. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/julie_marie_berman
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0075788/
  8. https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/love-on-ice/cast/Julie-Berman/
  9. https://www.soapcentral.com/actor/berman-juliemarie
  10. http://awsprxdam.crownmediadev.com.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/highRes/1944742.pdf
  11. https://www.tvmaze.com/people/28891/julie-berman
  12. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/spotlight-julie-marie-berman-0/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0188268/
  14. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-lulu-spencer-falconeri-169139/
  15. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/five-things-that-happened-on-august-8-in-soap-history3/
  16. https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/julie-marie-berman-exiting-general-hospital
  17. https://www.soapcentral.com/general-hospital/0226-berman
  18. https://deadline.com/2018/07/casual-trailer-first-look-fourth-final-season-hulu-series-1202426316/
  19. https://ew.com/article/2016/11/25/gilmore-girls-year-life-guest-stars-cameos/
  20. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/622177/general-hospital-julie-berman-gives-birth-second-child-baby-boy/
  21. https://www.tvline.com/casting-news/general-hospital-cast-alexa-havins-lulu-spencer-recast-1235328596/
  22. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-i-am-all-in-with-scott-pa-81509112/episode/one-on-one-julie-berman-228518056/
  23. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/julie-berman-and-michael-grady
  24. https://general-hospital.fandom.com/wiki/Julie_Marie_Berman
  25. https://people.com/celebrity/general-hospitals-julie-berman-gets-married/
  26. https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2011/08/julie-marie-berman-launches-better-buddies
  27. https://www.soapcentral.com/general-hospital/1130-berman-shelter
  28. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/535744/julie-berman-reveals-babys-birth-through-memorable-video/
  29. https://www.soapcentral.com/general-hospital/0126-julie-berman-general-hospital-alum-welcomes-a-second-child
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5143778/
  31. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/julie-berman/credits/3000036582/
  32. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/julie-berman/bio/3000036582/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460686/fullcredits/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2890506/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4655480/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4577466/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14696016/
  38. https://michaelfairmantv.com/julie-marie-berman-interview-her-daytime-emmy-nomination-decision-to-depart-general-hospital/2013/05/11/
  39. https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/06/emmys-outstanding-supporting-actress-julie-marie-berman
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgLUX13W-mk
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