North Carolina native Marcy Ryan has been playing Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light since 2006.

But this blonde beauty, who’s friends with former co-star Hayden Panettiere, had to wade through minor characters, guest appearances, and low-budget films before landing a starring role on the famous soap opera.

But she was so determined to make it as an actress, she moved to New York right after high school! She told Soap Opera Weekly that the big city was a “Total culture shock. I learned quickly that you don’t say good morning to people you’re passing in the street.”

Click here to find out how Marcy went from small town girl to scene stealer!

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer