Vanessa Ferlito
A Brooklyn-born actress who brings a grounded, street-smart authenticity to every role, from tough detectives to complex informants.
Born 1977 (age 49)·American actress·Birthday: December 28·Generation X
Biography
Vanessa Ferlito didn't arrive in Hollywood via a predictable path; her vibe has always been distinctly New York, a quality she injects into every character. After early work in independent films, she broke through on television, landing memorable roles that showcased her ability to blend toughness with vulnerability. As Detective Aiden Burn on CSI: NY, she brought a fresh, human energy to the forensic procedural. She later became a fan favorite for her recurring turn as the resilient Claudia Hernandez on '24'. Ferlito found a perfect fit in the undercover agent drama 'Graceland', where her portrayal of FBI Agent Charlie DeMarco allowed for layers of moral ambiguity and personal conflict. Her career is defined by these strong, nuanced women who operate in high-stakes worlds, always feeling real and relatable thanks to her naturalistic performance style.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Vanessa was born in 1977, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Vanessa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1977
#1 Movie
Star Wars
Best Picture
Annie Hall
#1 TV Show
Happy Days
Vanessa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1977Born
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1982Started school
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1990Became a teenager
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Could drive
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1995Could vote
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Turned 21
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2007Turned 30
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2017Turned 40
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 49 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a series regular as Detective Aiden Burn on the first two seasons of 'CSI: NY'.
- Portrayed the recurring character Claudia Hernandez on the groundbreaking drama '24'.
- Starred as FBI Agent Charlie DeMarco in all three seasons of the USA Network series 'Graceland'.
- Joined the main cast of 'NCIS: New Orleans' as Special Agent Tammy Gregorio for multiple seasons.
Did You Know?
She worked as a waitress at the famous New York restaurant Serendipity 3 before her acting career took off.
She played Spider-Man's love interest in a commercial for the 2002 film.
She turned down a role in 'Grindhouse' to have her first child.
“I'm not the girl next door; I'm the girl from the block next door.”
