Traylor Elizabeth Howard (born June 14, 1966) is an American actress. She is known for her roles in the television series Monk (2002–2009) as Natalie Teeger, Sharon Carter on the television series Two Guys and a Girl (1998–2001), and Joy Byrnes on the television series Boston Common (1996–1997). Howard was born in Orlando, Florida. She is the middle of three children. She attended Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, and then graduated from Florida State University with a degree in communications, advertising, and English. She worked at SeaWorld in Orlando as a teenager. Howard started her acting career in 1994 when she appeared in one of the "You Will" series of television commercials for AT&T Corporation. Her first major role in television was the two-season sitcom Boston Common as Joy Byrnes. In 1998, Howard was cast as Sharon Carter on the television series Two Guys and a Girl. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Howard's performance was praised. She remained on the show for four seasons. In 2002, Howard was cast as Natalie Teeger on the television series Monk. The show was a huge hit, and Howard's performance was critically acclaimed. She won a Gracie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009. She remained on the show for seven seasons. Howard has also appeared in several films, including The Wedding Planner (2001), The Cat in the Hat (2003), and The Ugly Truth (2009). She is married to Jarel Portman, and they have two sons. In addition to her acting career, Howard is also a spokesperson for several charities, including the American Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She is also a certified yoga instructor.
