# Roxann Dawson

Roxann Dawson (née Caballero, born September 11, 1958), also credited as Roxann Biggs and Roxann Biggs-Dawson, is an American actress and director. She is best known for her role as B'Elanna Torres on the television series Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001). In the 2000s, she transitioned to a career primarily as a director, and has directed numerous episodes of television series including Star Trek: Enterprise, Crossing Jordan, Cold Case, Heroes, The Closer, The Mentalist, The Good Wife, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Mercy Street, The Deuce and Foundation and Dark Matter.

## Early life

Roxann Dawson Caballero was born September 11, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 1980.

## Career
### Acting

Dawson's first professional acting job was in a Broadway production of A Chorus Line. She also appeared as a background dancer in the 1985 film adaptation.
In 1989 Dawson worked on the NBC drama Nightingales. During the course of her work on that show, she met casting director Eric Dawson, who would later become her second husband. After the show was canceled, Eric's company cast her in guest roles on Matlock and Jake and the Fat Man.
In 1994, Dawson was cast as the half Human/half-Klingon engineer B'Elanna Torres on Star Trek: Voyager. She was a main cast member for all seven seasons of the show.
Her other television credits include appearances on The Hat Squad, Baywatch, The Closer, Matlock, The Untouchables, Any Day Now, Without a Trace, The Lyon's Den, The Division, the U.S. version of Coupling and the science fiction television series Seven Days.

### Directing and producing

While working on Voyager, Dawson made her directorial debut on the episode "Riddles", which aired in September 1999. She later directed the second part of the two-part episode "Workforce" and directed 10 episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise. In 2002, she provided the voice of the repair station computer in one of the Star Trek: Enterprise episodes she directed.
Dawson has also directed episodes of Charmed, The O.C., Close to Home, Lost, Heroes, Hawthorne, The Closer, Cold Case, Caprica, The Mentalist and Treme. In 2010, she directed the season two episode "Teacher and Pupils" of Lie to Me and the season two episode "On Tap" of The Good Wife. In 2013, she directed the March 22 episode "Reunions" of Touch, and the October 15 episode "Eye Spy" of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
In 2014 she directed the March 5 episode "Dreamcatcher" of Revolution and the October 22 episode "Phobia" of Stalker. For the 2015 season of the Amazon Video series Bosch, she directed "Chapter Six: Donkey's Years"). She directed early episodes of Mercy Street, a series released on PBS in January 2016. In 2016, she also directed the season one episodes "Broussard" and "Zero Day" of the TV series Colony. She's also directed the episode "Crossbreed" of season five of The Americans. She also directed episode 8 ("Chapter 60") of the fifth season of House of Cards. In 2021, Dawson was the director of episodes 8 and 9 of season 1 and in 2023 she directed episodes 8 and 9 of season 2 of Foundation.
Dawson was a producer on Scandal, Crossing Jordan and Cold Case.

### Writing

Dawson's first play, Desire to Fall, was produced by the Circle Repertory Company workshop in 1986. Her second play, Passage Through the Heart, debuted in 1997 at the University of Minnesota Duluth. From 2000 to she co-wrote with Daniel Graham a trilogy of science fiction novels, Entering Tenebrea (ISBN 0-671-03607-6), Tenebrea's Hope (ISBN 0-671-03609-2) and Tenebrea Rising (ISBN 0-671-03611-4).

## Personal life

Dawson was married to actor Casey Biggs; they later divorced. He later became a recurring cast member of the sister series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as the Cardassian Damar.
In May 1994 Dawson married casting director Eric Dawson, whom she met while working on the series Nightingales. They have two daughters, one adopted from China. Dawson joined the Catholic Church at the time of her second marriage in 1994, despite having been raised in "an atheist household". It eventually inspired her to direct the 2019 Christian film Breakthrough.

## Filmography
### Acting credits
#### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1985 | A Chorus Line | Dancer | Credited as Roxann Caballero |
| 1991 | Guilty by Suspicion | Felicia Barron | Credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1992 | Mortal Sins | María Croce | Credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1993 | Blood In, Blood Out | | Uncredited Original title: Bound by Honor |
| 1994 | Pointman | Rosie Alvarez | Credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1994 | Greyhounds | JoJo Golina | Credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1996 | Darkman III: Die Darkman Die | Angela Rooker | Credited as Roxann Biggs-Dawson |
| 1998 | The Lost World | Elizabeth Summerlee | |

#### Television series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1985 | Another World | Adrienne Morrow (as Roxann Biggs) | Episode 5252; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1987 | Ohara | Carmella | Episode: "Jesse"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1988 | The Fortunate Pilgrim | Louisa | 3 episodes; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1989 | Nightingales | Yolanda 'Yolo' Elena Puente (as Roxann Biggs) | 13 episodes; credited as Roxan Biggs |
| 1990 | Baywatch | Ines | Episode: "We Need a Vacation"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1990 | Matlock | Vicki Mariani | Episodes: "The Informer: Parts 1 & 2"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1991 | Equal Justice | Maria | Episode: "Who Speaks for the Children?"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1991 | Jake and the Fatman | Alyssa | Episode: "I Cover the Waterfront"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1992 | Jake and the Fatman | Debbie Morton | Episodes: "Stormy Weather: Parts 1 & 2"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1992 | The Round Table | Jennifer Clemente | 7 episodes; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1993 | The Hat Squad | Rosie | Episode: "The Liquidator?"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1994 | The Untouchables | Gina Perino | Episode: "The Fever"; credited as Roxann Biggs |
| 1995–2001 | Star Trek: Voyager | B'Elanna Torres | Main role; 172 episodes |
| 1997 | Foto Novelas: Seeing Through Walls | Teresa Puente | TV short |
| 1999 | Any Day Now | Tina | Episode: "Don't Say Anything" |
| 2000 | Seven Days | Commander Helen Keagle | Episode: "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" |
| 2001 | 2001 Alma Awards | Herself | Awards show (presenter) |
| 2001 | Weakest Link | Herself | Episode: "Star Trek Edition" |
| 2002 | Star Trek: Enterprise | Repair Station Computer voice | Episode: "Dead Stop" Uncredited |
| 2003 | Coupling | Therapist | Episode: Pilot |
| 2003 | The Division | Unknown | Episode: "Body Double" |
| 2003 | The Lyon's Den | Asst. District Attorney Linda Solis | 3 episodes |
| 2004 | Without a Trace | Erica Palmer | Episode: "Bait" |
| 2011 | The Closer | Detective Ortega | Episode: "A Family Affair" |

#### Video games

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force | Lt. B'Elanna Torres | |
| 2016 | Star Trek Timelines | Lt. B'Elanna Torres | Uncredited |

#### Documentaries

| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1995 | Inside the New Adventure: Star Trek - Voyager | |
| 1996 | It's Hot in Here: UPN Fall Preview | |
| 1997 | Trekkies | |
| 2013 | The Captains Close Up | Four-part documentary mini-series (Episode 4: "Kate Mulgrew") |
| 2016 | 50 Years of Star Trek | |

#### Audiobooks

| Year | Title |
| 1996 | Star Trek: The Klingon Way, A Warrior's Guide |
| 1997 | Alien Voices: The Time Machine |
| 1999 | Alien Voices: The Lost World |
| 2011 | Alien Voices: Journey to the Center of the Earth |

#### Theatre

| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
| Unknown | Accelerando | Unknown | Unknown | |
| 1982 | A Chorus Line | Diana Morales (as Roxann Caballero) | Michael Bennett | Shubert Theatre, New York City |
| 1984 | Daughters | Cetta (as Roxann Caballero) | Unknown | Philadelphia Drama Guild, Philadelphia |
| 1985 | Tropicana | Ana Sanchez (as Roxann Caballero) | Unknown | Musical Theater Works, New York City |
| 1985 | The Tempest | Miranda (as Roxann Caballero) | Julie Taymor | City Stage Company, New York City |
| 1986 | The Early Girl | George (as Roxann Caballero) | Munson Hicks | Circle Repertory Company, New York City |
| 1987 | The Hostage | Teresa (as Roxann Caballero) | Unknown | Coconut Grove Playhouse, Coconut Grove, Florida |
| 1987 | The Rose Tattoo | Rosa Delle Rose (as Roxann Biggs). | Unknown | Geva Theatre Center, Rochester, New York |
| 1988 | V & V Only | Janey (as Roxann Biggs) | Marshall Mason | Circle Repertory Theatre, New York City |

### Directing credits
#### Film

| Year | Title | Notes |
| 2019 | Breakthrough | |

#### Television

| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1999–2001 | Star Trek: Voyager | 2 episodes |
| 2001 | The Heartbreak Cafe | Episode: "Places, the Curtain Is About to Fall" |
| 2001–2004 | Star Trek: Enterprise | 10 episodes |
| 2002 | Any Day Now | Episode: "Let the Games Begin" |
| 2003 | Charmed | Episode: "Lucky Charmed" |
| 2003–2004 | The Division | 2 episodes |
| 2004–2007 | Crossing Jordan | 12 episodes |
| 2005 | Medical Investigation | Episode: "Half Life" |
| 2005–2009 | Cold Case | 8 episodes |
| 2006 | Lost | Episode: "The Long Con" |
| 2006 | The O.C. | Episode: "The Journey" |
| 2006 | Close to Home | Episode: "Privilege" |
| 2007–2010 | Heroes | 3 episodes |
| 2008–2011 | The Closer | 4 episodes |
| 2009 | Hawthorne | Episode: "Night Moves" |
| 2009 | Melrose Place | Episode: "Shoreline" |
| 2010 | Caprica | Episode: "End of Line" |
| 2010 | Lie to Me | Episode: "Teacher and Pupils" |
| 2010 | Rizzoli & Isles | Episode: "Sympathy for the Devil" |
| 2010–2012 | The Mentalist | 3 episodes |
| 2010–2012 | The Good Wife | 3 episodes |
| 2011 | The Cape | Episode: "The Lich: Part 2" |
| 2011–2012 | Treme | 2 episodes |
| 2012 | Prime Suspect | Episode: "Ain't No Sunshine" |
| 2012 | Scandal | 2 episodes |
| 2012–2013 | Vegas | 2 episodes |
| 2012–2013 | Smash | 2 episodes |
| 2013 | Touch | Episode: "Reunions" |
| 2013 | Under the Dome | Episode: "The Fourth Hand" |
| 2013–2014 | Major Crimes | 2 episodes |
| 2013–2015 | Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. | 3 episodes |
| 2014 | Rake | Episode: "Remembrance of Taxis Past" |
| 2014 | Stalker | Episode: "Phobia" |
| 2014 | Believe | Episode: "Sinking" |
| 2014 | Matador | Episode: "Night of the Whale" |
| 2014 | Revolution | Episode: "Dreamcatcher" |
| 2014 | Hell on Wheels | Episode: "Thirteen Steps" |
| 2014–2015 | Bates Motel | 2 episodes |
| 2015 | Bosch | Episode: "Chapter Six: Donkey's Years" |
| 2015 | Aquarius | Episode: "Your Mother Should Know" |
| 2016 | Shooter | Episode: "Musa Qala" |
| 2016 | Rosewood | Episode: "Silkworms y Silencio" |
| 2016 | Good Girls Revolt | Episode: "Exposé" |
| 2016 | Colony | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | The Path | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | Mercy Street | 3 episodes |
| 2016–2017 | Chance | 2 episodes |
| 2017 | Runaways | Episode: "Rewind" |
| 2017 | House of Cards | 2 episodes |
| 2017–2018 | The Americans | 2 episodes |
| 2017–2019 | The Deuce | 3 episodes |
| 2018 | The Chi | Episode: "Penetrate a Fraud" |
| 2019–2020 | This Is Us | 2 episodes |
| 2019 | The Morning Show | Episode: "Open Waters" |
| 2020 | Penny Dreadful: City of Angels | 2 episodes |
| 2021-present | Foundation | 4 episodes |
| 2024-present | Dark Matter | 2 episodes |

### Writing credits

| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1986 | Desire to Fall | Stage play |
| 1997 | A Passage Through The Heart | Stage play |
| 2000 | Entering Tenebrea | Vol. 1 of Tenebrea Trilogy (with Daniel Graham) |
| 2001 | Tenebrea's Hope | Vol. 2 of Tenebrea Trilogy (with Daniel Graham) |
| 2001 | Tenebrea Rising | Vol. 3 of Tenebrea Trilogy (with Daniel Graham) |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result |
| 1996 | NCLR Bravo Award | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Star Trek Voyager | Nominated |
| 1998 | Online Film & Television Association Award | Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Star Trek Voyager | Nominated |
| 1998 | ALMA Award | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Star Trek Voyager | Nominated |
| 1998 | ALMA Award | Outstanding Latino Cast in a Made-for-Television Movie or Mini-Series | Foto Novelas: Seeing Through Walls | Won |
| 1998 | ALMA Award | Outstanding Latino Cast in a Made-for-Television Movie or Mini-Series | Foto Novelas: In the Mirror | Won |
| 1999 | ALMA Award | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Star Trek Voyager | Nominated |
| 2000 | ALMA Award | Distinguished Performance | Star Trek Voyager | Nominated |
| 2001 | ALMA Award | Outstanding Achievement in a Television Series Award | Star Trek Voyager | Won |
| 2008 | ALMA Award | Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series | Heroes | Nominated |
| 2008 | Hugo Award | Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form | Heroes | Nominated |
| 2008 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series | Heroes (S1/E15: "Run!"). | Nominated |