Diana Canova

Diana Canova is an American actress best known for being part of the ensemble cast of ABC's soap opera spoof, "Soap." Canova is the daughter of musician Filberto Rivero and singer/actress Judy Canova. Canova grew up in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Hollywood High. Her first TV credit was in 1974, playing Richie Cunningham's extra tall blind date in an episode of the opening season of "Happy Days." In 1976, she appeared in "The First Nudie Musical," performing a number entitled "Perversion." In 1977, Canova was cast in as Corrine, the nymphomaniac daughter of Jessica Tate in the controversial prime time program "Soap."

The show was a success over its four seasons, leading to her appearances on other ABC shows, including the drama series "Fantasy Island," the romantic comedy series "The Love Boat," and the game show"The Hollywood Squares." In 1986, she starred in the syndicated sitcom "Throb," playing a divorced mother working at an indie record label. Canova was a member of the Church of Scientology but spoke out against the group in the early 1990s. She was last on the big screen in the 1998 drama "One True Thing" and has announced her retirement, although she has provided voices for a few children's cartoon shorts such as the family penguin adventure "Antarctic Antics" in 2000. Since her retirement Canova worked with local school theater productions in Redding, Connecticut.