In the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode “Exchange,” a teenage exchange student from Italy, Emilia Barassi, is assaulted by a cab driver. Detective Olivia Benson tries to help. The victim is portrayed by Anna Van Patten, daughter of director Tim Van Patten (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire), brother of actor Dick Van Patten, who was best known for his role as patriarch Tom Bradford on Eight Is Enough. This is Anna’s big acting debut on TV. The 5’10” blonde is also a professional model represented by The Lions Agency in New York City.
Anna Van Patten’s 22-year-old sister Grace Van Patten is also an actress: she made her acting debut on The Sopranos as Pontecorvo’s daughter Ally. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit airs Thursdays at 10 pm on NBC, right after the new sitcom Abby’s.
The Van Patten sisters on the red carpet…
