Maria Bello is currently starring as "Special Agent Jacqueline Sloane" on the series NCIS. She is also known for her roles in Coyote Ugly and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. 

And what about the spark between "Sloane" & "Gibbs"?

'NCIS': Maria Bello Reveals New Details About "Ziva's" Return

She grew up in Pennsylvania and wanted to become a lawyer, started taking acting classes just for fun in her senior year and fell in love. 

She started out on Broadway and was cast in a number of TV Shows before she had her big break in ER. She has since been a staple of the american TV scene. 

In 2013 Maria Bello published a book about her life with then partner Clare Munn and how Life in a same sex relationship was for her. 

Trivia

She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in A history of Violence.

Had always wanted to be an action heroine, but gave up her dream two weeks before she turned 40, because she thought there would be no action roles for a lady her age. However, Rob Cohen called her up on her birthday and offered her the role in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

Maria was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of twenty-eight.