Born and raised in Burbank, California, Dunning graduated from John Burroughs High, the same high school from which her parents had graduated exactly 20 years earlier. Her senior year memories include cheerleading, being homecoming queen, and winning the title of Miss Burbank of 1984. That same year, when her parents' vacation money was stolen, Dunning entered a Miller Beer Bikini Contest in Hermosa Beach and won the $500 prize, which she promptly donated to the vacation fund. The next weekend she entered another contest, with the same result. Before long, Miller recognized a good thing, put her on a poster, and began showcasing her in personal appearances. It was at this point that Dunning realized show business might be the way to go.

Dunning's first television commercial, for Foot Locker, quickly followed, as did a plethora of modeling jobs. This dazzling beauty has graced the covers of several sports magazines, including "Triathlete", "Shape" and "Muscle & Fitness." It wasn't long before Dunning had over 60 commercials to her credit, including a Ford spot set to the appropriate tune of "Pretty Woman". But it was Dunning's three-year campaign for Taco Bell as Louise, the "Run for the Border Girl", which brought her to America's attention. With all this TV time, it's no surprise that Dunning made the transition to acting.

Her first role was on the HBO series "Dream on", directed by John Landis. Dunning has also guest-starred on USA's "Silk Stalkings" and serves as host of ESPN's "Extreme Bloopers". Other television credits include guest appearances on HBO's "Herman's Head", "Married ... with Children", "Tales from the Crypt", "Knots Landing" and "Who's The Boss?". She has also participated in the CBS special "Circus of the Stars," performing in the flying trapeze act, and has been the reigning champion of the American Gladiators Celebrity Challenge two years running.

In addition to her roles on television, actress is also a big star on the Worldwide Web. Since October 1995, Internet users have downloaded her images an astounding 650,495 times, earning her the crown of "Queen of Cyberspace." Dunning is married to Olympic gold-medalist Steve Timmons, owner of Red Sand, a popular line of casual clothing based in Encinitas, CA. Their first child, Spencer Schae Timmons, was born on December 2, 1996.