Ashlee Simpson-Wentz may be seeing her character Violet on Melrose Place coming to an end, but it’s not because of any lack of acting ability. Producers have praised Ashlee for her talent… which could mean more acting for the dancer turned actress turned singer turned wife and now mom. But Melrose Place wasn’t her first TV role.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz was born in Waco, Texas, and began studying ballet at only three years old. She attended Prairie Creek Elementary in Richardson, Texas, but was accepted in the School of American Ballet in New York City by the time she was 11-years-old.

After sister Jessica Simpson signed a record deal, the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where Ashlee became one of Jessica’s back-up dancers, but also began landing roles in commercials. Her newfound acting career began to blossom as she appeared on shows like Malcolm in the Middle and 7^th Heaven. Her film credits include the movie The Hot Chick and an independent film called Undiscovered.

Following the success of her sister’s music career, Ashlee began a career of her own in music with Christmas songs and movie soundtrack titles, and finally signed a deal with Geffen Records.

Documenting the launch of her first music album was the reality-TV show The Ashlee Simpson Show, which lasted two seasons. Albums Autobiography and I Am Me both debuted at number one, proving her a vocalist in her own right. However, a botched appearance as a music guest on Saturday Night Live made the public question her talents as she was “caught” lip synching.

Her third album, Bittersweet World, was produced with such talents as Timbaland, Kenna, and Chad Hugo, but Ashlee has since put her musical career on hiatus with the birth of her son.

She has, however, appeared in commercials for Canadian retailer Zellers and, until her character officially exits the show, plays Violet on the new Melrose Place. Once her role has ended, there’s no telling which talent Ashlee with pull out of her bag of tricks. Although her posts and pictures on Twitter will confirm that she’s most proud of her role as a mommy.

[photo: Glenn Francis]

Did you write off Ashlee Simpson as a singer following her disastrous appearance on Saturday Night Live?