From Sweet Valley To Yellowstone: The Full List Of Cynthia Daniel's Movies And TV Shows, Including Her Surprise 2022 Return

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Cynthia Daniel, the actress who became a 90s teen icon as the wholesome twin Elizabeth Wakefield on the hit series *Sweet Valley High*, has largely stepped away from the spotlight, but her acting career holds a fascinating history that spans from the late 80s to a surprise return in 2022. As of today, December 24, 2025, while primarily a successful professional photographer, her small but impactful filmography continues to captivate fans who are eager to know about her life, her famous husband, Cole Hauser, and the rare occasions she returns to the screen with her twin sister, Brittany Daniel. Her career is defined by the unique dynamic of working alongside her identical twin, a journey that started with modeling and famous commercials before cementing their place in television history. This article provides a comprehensive look at every movie and TV show Cynthia Daniel has appeared in, detailing her most famous roles and the highly-anticipated 2022 cameo that broke her 20-year acting hiatus.

Cynthia Daniel: Full Biography and Profile

Cynthia Daniel, also known by her married name Cynthia Daniel Hauser, has a life story that perfectly balances Hollywood fame with a private, family-focused career outside of acting.
  • Full Name: Cynthia Lynn Daniel
  • Date of Birth: March 17, 1976
  • Place of Birth: Gainesville, Florida, U.S.
  • Twin Sister: Brittany Daniel (Actress, played Jessica Wakefield)
  • Spouse: Cole Hauser (Actor, star of *Yellowstone*)
  • Children: Three (Ryland, Colt, and Steely Rose)
  • Current Profession: Professional Photographer (Owner of Five Arrows Photography)
  • Acting Career Span: 1989–2002 (Retired), with a one-off return in 2022.
  • Most Famous Role: Elizabeth 'Liz' Wakefield in *Sweet Valley High*.
Cynthia and her twin sister Brittany Daniel began their careers as teenage models, notably becoming the faces of the iconic Doublemint Twins for Wrigley's Doublemint Chewing Gum commercials in the early 1990s. This early exposure paved the way for their biggest break in television, which would ultimately define Cynthia’s acting legacy.

A Complete Filmography: Cynthia Daniel’s Movies and TV Shows

Cynthia Daniel's acting career is short but memorable, consisting of just a handful of roles before she chose to step away from the industry to pursue photography and raise a family. Her filmography is intrinsically linked to her sister, as they often appeared together.

Television Series Roles

Her work in television is dominated by one major role, though she made an early appearance in a classic sitcom revival.

1. *The New Leave It to Beaver* (1989)

  • Role: Zorigna #2
  • Notes: This was one of Cynthia's earliest credited appearances, a small role in the revival of the classic family sitcom. The twins were still teenagers at the time.

2. *Burke’s Law* (1994)

  • Role: Jenny
  • Notes: A guest-starring role in the crime-drama series, appearing in the episode "Who Killed the Romance?"

3. *Sweet Valley High* (1994–1997)

  • Role: Elizabeth 'Liz' Wakefield (Main Role)
  • Notes: This is the role for which Cynthia is best known. Based on the book series by Francine Pascal, the syndicated teen drama ran for four seasons. Cynthia played the sensible, intellectual, and responsible twin, Elizabeth, while Brittany played the impulsive, carefree twin, Jessica Wakefield. The show became a cultural phenomenon of the 90s.

4. *That '80s Show* (2002)

  • Role: Erin
  • Notes: A brief guest appearance in the short-lived Fox sitcom. This role marked Cynthia's retirement from acting, as she decided to focus on her personal life and photography career.

Major Motion Picture Roles

While primarily a TV star, Cynthia has two notable film credits, including a role alongside a major A-list star.

1. *The Basketball Diaries* (1995)

  • Role: Winkie
  • Notes: This was a significant supporting role for Cynthia, appearing in the gritty drama that starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg. The film provided a stark contrast to her wholesome image on *Sweet Valley High*.

2. *Cheaper by the Dozen* (2022)

  • Role: Michele
  • Notes: This Disney+ remake of the family comedy marked Cynthia's highly publicized return to acting after a 20-year hiatus. She and Brittany Daniel appeared together as a pair of investors named Michele and Melanie, a fun nod to their history as famous twins. The cameo was a huge treat for longtime fans.

Life After Acting: Five Arrows Photography and Cole Hauser

Following her retirement from acting in 2002, Cynthia Daniel completely reinvented her professional life, trading the camera lights for the camera lens. This career shift allowed her to maintain a creative outlet while prioritizing her family life, a decision that has been a central theme of her public narrative.

A New Creative Path: Five Arrows Photography

Cynthia established herself as a successful professional photographer, creating her company, Five Arrows Photography. Her work primarily focuses on lifestyle, portrait, and family photography, often featuring a warm, natural aesthetic. She has spoken publicly about her passion for capturing authentic moments, a stark contrast to the scripted nature of her previous career as Elizabeth Wakefield.

The *Yellowstone* Connection: Marriage to Cole Hauser

Cynthia is married to actor Cole Hauser, who is widely recognized for his role as Rip Wheeler on the massively popular Western drama series *Yellowstone*. The couple has been married since 2006 and shares three children, Ryland, Colt, and Steely Rose. Her connection to Hauser has brought her back into the public eye in recent years, with fans of *Yellowstone* often surprised to learn that the wife of the rugged cowboy actor was once a star of a quintessential 90s teen show. The couple’s long-standing relationship and dedication to family life in Montana have become another key part of her public profile.

The 2022 Cameo: A Sweet Valley Reunion

The most recent and significant update to Cynthia Daniel’s filmography is her 2022 appearance in the Disney+ movie *Cheaper by the Dozen*. This cameo with her twin sister, Brittany Daniel (who is known for roles in *White Chicks* and *The Game*), was a nostalgic event for fans. The sisters announced their involvement on Instagram in 2021, generating significant buzz and proving that even after two decades, the Daniel twins still hold a special place in pop culture. The brief return to acting confirmed that while her focus is on Five Arrows Photography and her family with Cole Hauser, she is open to special projects that celebrate her shared history with her sister.

cynthia daniel movies and tv shows
cynthia daniel movies and tv shows

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