Honestly, if you grew up watching TV in the late 90s, you probably have a specific image of Paula Trickey burned into your brain. She's usually on a mountain bike, wearing a crisp uniform, and looking like she could outrun a professional athlete while simultaneously making a high-stakes arrest on the Santa Monica pier.
That was Pacific Blue, the show that basically defined her career for a lot of people. But when you look at the full scope of Paula Trickey movies and TV shows, you realize she’s much more than just a bike cop. She’s the queen of the "TV movie" world, a recurring face in teen soaps, and a performer who has survived the shifting sands of Hollywood for over three decades.
It’s pretty wild how many shows she’s popped up in without people realizing it.
The Pacific Blue Era: More Than Just "Baywatch on Bikes"
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Pacific Blue. Running from 1996 to 2000, it was often dismissed as a knock-off of Baywatch. But for fans of the show, it was a legitimate action-procedural that just happened to have better scenery.
Trickey played Sgt. Cory McNamara. She wasn't just there for the aesthetic; she was the "by-the-book" backbone of the squad. While other characters were busy with romances or high-speed chases, Cory was the one actually holding the team together. Trickey famously did many of her own stunts, which makes sense considering she used to compete in 50-mile bike races.
"I've always been very active and very athletic, so this role is perfect for me," Trickey once noted about her time on the beach.
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The chemistry between her and the rest of the cast—including Mario Lopez later in the series—gave the show a cult following that still exists today. You can still find reruns of the 101 episodes she appeared in, and they hold up surprisingly well if you're looking for that specific 90s nostalgia hit.
The Mid-2000s Pivot: From Cops to High Society
After the sirens stopped in Santa Monica, Paula Trickey didn't just fade away. She actually landed a role in one of the biggest teen dramas of the 2000s: The O.C. If you blinked, you might have missed her at first, but she played Veronica Townsend, the mother of Taylor Townsend. It was a complete 180 from Cory McNamara. Instead of a tough, empathetic cop, she was playing a socialite who was, frankly, kind of a nightmare mother.
She also made the rounds on the procedural circuit. You’ve likely spotted her in:
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (as Lori Tinsley)
- CSI: NY (as Kathleen Dunley)
- Walker, Texas Ranger (as DEA Agent Leslie Clarkson)
- One Tree Hill (playing the character Carrie)
It’s that "working actor" grit that defines her filmography. She wasn't chasing Oscar bait; she was consistently booking roles on the shows everyone was watching at dinner time.
The Lifetime and Hallmark Queen
If you aren't a fan of bike cops or teen dramas, you definitely know her from her "Movie of the Week" era. Paula Trickey became a staple for Lifetime and Hallmark movies.
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In these films, she often plays the protective mother, the woman with a dark secret, or the sturdy friend. One of her most notable turns was in A Carol Christmas (2003), where she played Beth alongside Tori Spelling and William Shatner.
Then you have the thrillers. Movies like 'Til Lies Do Us Part (2007) and Betrayed at 17 (2011) show off her ability to play high-stakes drama with a level of sincerity that keeps those movies on repeat during weekend marathons.
Why Her Recent Work Matters
Even in more recent years, she hasn't slowed down. She appeared in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 in 2015, and more recently, she’s been diving into producing.
Her role in Christmas in the Heartland (2017) as Ida Beth showed a softer, more grounded side of her acting. She also co-produced and starred in The Christmas Trap, proving that she’s interested in the mechanics of filmmaking, not just standing in front of the lens.
A Career Built on Versatility
What most people get wrong about Paula Trickey is the idea that she’s "just" an actress from the 90s.
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Looking at her credits, she’s been active since 1988. She’s survived the transition from cable TV dominance to the streaming era. Whether it’s playing a bikini model in an early episode of Designing Women or a seasoned sergeant in Pacific Blue, she has a way of grounding every scene.
Essential Paula Trickey Watchlist
If you're looking to binge-watch her best work, here is the non-negotiable list:
- Pacific Blue (All Seasons): The definitive Paula Trickey performance.
- The O.C. (Seasons 3-4): To see her range as a character actress.
- Maniac Cop 2 (1990): For a look at her early horror/action roots as Cheryl.
- A Carol Christmas: A holiday staple that shows her lighter side.
- Running Away (2017): A modern Lifetime-style thriller where she plays Peg.
What’s Next for Paula?
Paula Trickey remains active in the industry, often appearing at fan conventions for Pacific Blue and participating in charity golf tournaments. She’s become a bit of an icon for animal rescue as well, frequently using her platform to advocate for rescue dogs.
For those wanting to follow her current journey, the best move is to keep an eye on the TV movie schedules. She’s found a niche that provides consistent work and a dedicated fan base.
If you want to dive deeper into her work, your next step is to check out Pacific Blue on streaming platforms like Peacock or Pluto TV. Most of the early seasons are available for free (with ads), and it’s the best way to see why she became a household name in the first place.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Stream Pacific Blue: Search for it on free ad-supported streaming services; it's the core of her legacy.
- Follow the Hallmark/Lifetime Rotation: Her thrillers and holiday movies often cycle through every November and December.
- Check Production Credits: Keep an eye out for her name as a producer on newer holiday films, as she’s moved behind the camera more frequently in the 2020s.