Barbara Niven

Barbara Niven has transitioned from a prolific actress in film and television to a recognized media trainer, motivational speaker, and animal rights advocate. After her first significant role in Hallmark Hall of Fame’s 1986 film ‘Promise,’ earning her a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card, Barbara Niven went on to establish a prolific career across film and television. She has appeared in over 150 TV and movie roles, gaining early recognition for her work in acclaimed soap operas such as ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘One Life to Live.’ Niven became a series regular on ‘Pensacola: Wings of Gold’ from 1998 to 2000. That same year, she notably portrayed Marilyn Monroe in the HBO film ‘The Rat Pack’ (1998).

Her extensive television credits include appearances in critically recognized series such as ‘ER,’ ‘Cold Case,’ ‘NCIS,’ ‘Charmed,’ and ‘Parks and Recreation.’ She has also become a prominent figure in the realm of family entertainment, participating in numerous productions for both Hallmark and Lifetime networks. Niven expanded her filmography with a leading role in ‘A Perfect Ending’ (2012) and co-starred in the horror comedy ‘Suburban Gothic’ (2014). She joined the cast of Hallmark Channel’s beloved series ‘Cedar Cove’ in 2013, followed by a continuous role in ‘Chesapeake Shores’ starting in 2016, where she remains a core cast member. Beyond her acting career, Barbara Niven has expanded into motivational speaking and media training, developing her ‘Unleash Your Star Power!’ system, which focuses on public speaking and video marketing techniques.

An ardent animal rights advocate, she serves as a National Ambassador for American Humane, passionately working to promote animal welfare, demonstrating her commitment to both her artistic and advocacy pursuits.