Nancy Stafford

Nancy Stafford is an American actress, best known for her supporting role on the television series "Matlock." Born in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, Stafford grew up in a devout Baptist family. She attended the University of Florida, where she earned a degree in journalism. Stafford was named Miss Florida in 1976, competing in the Miss America Pageant the following year. Stafford pursued a modeling career in New York during the late '70s before moving into acting in the early '80s. She played a dual role on the NBC daytime soap opera "The Doctors" in 1982. Other TV appearances followed and in 1983 she was cast in the medical drama "St. Elsewhere." Stafford played Joan Halloran, an efficiency expert whose affair with a doctor left her at risk of contracting AIDS. In 1986, Stafford had a regular role on "Sidekicks," which was canceled after a single season. Also in 1986, Stafford took on her most popular role, that of legal assistant to the title character on the legal drama "Matlock." Despite reports of friction with the show's star, Andy Griffith, Stafford stayed with the series for five seasons. Since "Matlock," Stafford has hosted the syndicated Christian-themed fashion show "Main Floor" as well as writing several Christian themed books and making public speaking appearances about her Christian faith. She is also known for her commercials for the southern Florida furniture store City Furniture. In 2011, Stafford appeared in the family special "Christmas with a Capital C."