Elisabetta Canalis

Known for her gorgeous figure and striking expressions, Elisabetta Canalis became an instantly recognizable figure in the world of high fashion and advertising.

She has worked with some of the greatest fashion icons, including Roberto Cavalli, and has graced such magazine covers as Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ and Cosmopolitan. Born in Sassari, Sardinia, Italy, Canalis' father, Cesare and mother, Bruna enrolled Elisabetta in the elite school Liceo Azuni, where she studied throughout her high school years.

After graduating, she moved to Milan to study foreign languages at the prestigious Universita Statale. It was there that she made the bold career decision to pursue acting rather than foreign languages, and her enthusiasm for her craft soon landed her a series regular role on the infamous Italian television drama, "Striscia la Notizia," for three years. The exposure and critical acclaim she received presented Canalis the opportunity to work in American & Italian film and TV. She has since appeared in the comedies "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo" and "Virgin Territory." In Italy she appeared in the films "La Seconda Volta Non Si Scorda Mai," "La fidanzata di papa," "A Natale mi Sposo," as well as "Christmas in NY."

Television credits include the Italian series "Carabinieri" and the sitcom "Love Bugs." Canalis has also demonstrated her impressive dramatic capabilities in America with a recurring role on TNT's smash hit, "Leverage." Her entertainment career continued to blossom after her big screen debut. Her drive for success and passion for music were united when she hosted the Italian version of "Total Request Live," as well as Italy's annual music festival, Festivalbar 2007.

Recently she co-hosted the 61st edition of the Sanremo Music Festival, which is considered to be the most prestigious television event in Italy. Canalis is also known for her great philanthropic endeavors. Combining her deep love of animals and her passion for modeling, she participated in an upcoming anti-fur campaign with PETA. An avid equestrian for the past 10 years, she says that her opposition to animal cruelty began as a young girl. Her work with PETA solidifies her determination to end all forms of animal abuse and neglect.

Canalis currently resides in Los Angeles, California and Milan, Italy but she loves coming back to Sardinia, the island where she was born and where part of her family lives. ELISABETTA CANALIS, model and actress, partners with VAL CHMERKOVSKIY, who makes his "Dancing with the Stars" debut as a professional partner this season.