7 Shocking Facts About Vanessa Ray: The Actress Who Played Jenny Griffith On Suits And Her Life After Pearson Hardman

The character Jenny Griffith, a pivotal early figure in the *Suits* universe, served as the initial romantic entanglement that complicated Mike Ross's life long before Rachel Zane became his primary focus. Introduced as the girlfriend of Mike’s former friend and drug dealer, Trevor Evans, Jenny quickly became a fan-favorite for her grounded, non-legal world perspective, offering Mike a chance at a normal life outside the high-stakes deception of Pearson Hardman.

As of today, December 12, 2025, the actress who brilliantly brought Jenny Griffith to life is Vanessa Ray. While her time on the legal drama was relatively short, her performance left an indelible mark on the show’s early seasons, setting the stage for Mike’s moral conflicts. Ray has since become a major star on other long-running television hits, recently concluding a major chapter in her career and welcoming a new addition to her family, making her story one of the most compelling post-*Suits* career trajectories.

Vanessa Ray: The Complete Biography and Profile

Vanessa Ray Liptak is a versatile American actress and singer known for her extensive work in television, film, and theater. Her career spans from soap operas and Broadway to major primetime dramas, cementing her status as a prolific working actress in Hollywood.

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• Full Name: Vanessa Ray Liptak
• Date of Birth: June 24, 1981
• Age (as of 2025): 44 years old
• Birthplace: Livermore, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Landon Beard (m. 2015)
• Children: One baby boy (welcomed recently)
• Previous Marriage: Derek James Baynham (m. 2003; div. 2009)
• Major Roles:
  • Jenny Griffith on Suits (2011–2012)
  • CeCe Drake / Charlotte DiLaurentis on Pretty Little Liars (2012–2017)
  • Officer Edit "Eddie" Janko-Reagan on Blue Bloods (2013–2024)
  • Teri Ciccone on As the World Turns (2009–2010)
• Broadway Debut: She made her Broadway debut in the musical Hair in 2009.

The Story of Jenny Griffith: Mike Ross's First True Love Triangle

Jenny Griffith was a key recurring character in the first two seasons of *Suits*, appearing in a total of eight episodes. Her presence was crucial for establishing the foundational conflict of Mike Ross’s (Patrick J. Adams) character arc: the struggle between his new, high-powered life at Pearson Hardman and the honest, but complicated, reality he left behind.

From Trevor's Girlfriend to Mike's Confidante

Jenny is first introduced as the girlfriend of Trevor Evans (Tom Lipinski), Mike’s best friend and former drug dealer. Mike's immediate attraction to Jenny is evident, but he initially respects the boundary of her relationship with Trevor. However, as Trevor's treacherous behavior and drug dealing continue, the bond between Mike and Jenny deepens. She is one of the few people who sees the genuine, intelligent, and good-hearted person Mike is, contrasting sharply with the morally compromised world of Trevor.

The romantic relationship between Mike and Jenny officially begins after she breaks up with Trevor. This relationship was significant because it forced Mike to confront his deception. Jenny, unaware of Mike's fraudulent law degree, becomes a source of stability. The relationship ultimately ends because of Mike's growing feelings for his colleague, Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle), and the impossible burden of maintaining his secret while being intimate with someone he truly cared for.

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The Hilarious Audition Story That Almost Cost Her the Role

In a recent and fresh piece of information, Vanessa Ray shared a funny anecdote about her audition for the role of Jenny Griffith on the SiriusXM podcast *Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast*, hosted by *Suits* stars Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty.

Ray revealed that her character breakdown described Jenny as having a "hippie vibe." Taking this direction literally, she showed up to the audition wearing cut-off shorts and a tank top. This casual, almost comical choice was a stark contrast to the tailored, high-fashion world of the *Suits* set, leading to a memorable moment where Patrick J. Adams and the casting team laughed about the "breakdown" for the character. Despite the clothing mishap, her natural charm and performance clearly won them over, securing her the role that would become a key element of the show's early success.

Vanessa Ray's Career Today: From Blue Bloods Finale to New Motherhood

Since her departure from the *Suits* revolving cast, Vanessa Ray has achieved significant and long-lasting success on television, making her one of the most recognizable faces from the original *Suits* ensemble. Her career updates in late 2024 and 2025 are particularly newsworthy:

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1. The End of an Era on Blue Bloods

For over a decade, Vanessa Ray starred as Officer Edit "Eddie" Janko-Reagan on the immensely popular CBS police procedural drama, *Blue Bloods*. Her character was a central figure, eventually marrying Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), the youngest son of the Reagan family, and becoming a beloved member of the show's iconic cast. The series concluded its run with its final season in late 2024/2025, a major event in network television. Ray has been actively discussing the emotional final episodes and what the ending means for her and her character, providing current, fresh content for fans.

2. The Pretty Little Liars Legacy

Concurrent with her roles on *Suits* and *Blue Bloods*, Ray took on one of her most famous and complex roles: CeCe Drake, who was later revealed to be Charlotte DiLaurentis, a major antagonist in the mystery series *Pretty Little Liars* (PLL). This role showcased her range, moving from the sweet, girl-next-door Jenny Griffith to the manipulative, dark, and enigmatic "A" villain. Her work on PLL remains a significant point of topical authority and a major LSI keyword connecting her diverse fanbase.

3. Welcoming a New Family Member

In a major personal update, Vanessa Ray and her husband, Landon Beard, recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy. Ray and Beard, a musician and actor, have been married since 2015, and this new addition marks a beautiful, current milestone in her life outside of her professional career. This news is the most recent and personal update for fans curious about the actress's life today.

4. A Continued Love for the Stage

Beyond her television fame, Vanessa Ray maintains a strong connection to her roots in theater. She earned her Actors' Equity Association card performing in musicals like *Footloose* and made her Broadway debut in *Hair*. Her background as a singer and stage actress adds depth to her profile, demonstrating a commitment to the craft that goes beyond her major television roles.

In conclusion, the actress who played Jenny Griffith on *Suits* is much more than a footnote in Mike Ross's journey. Vanessa Ray’s career has flourished, moving seamlessly from the early days of the *Suits* legal drama to becoming a decade-long staple on *Blue Bloods* and a fan-favorite villain on *Pretty Little Liars*. With the conclusion of her long-running police drama role and a new baby in 2025, fans of Jenny Griffith can expect to see Vanessa Ray embark on her next exciting chapter in the world of acting very soon.