Wayne County Coroner

A graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in Journalism, Erin Cummings began her professional acting career when she was spotted by an L.A. talent scout while performing in community theater near Dallas. She later went on to study Shakespeare at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, preparing her for her future roles as Lady Macbeth and Queen Gertrude in the Santa Susana Repertory Theater Company's productions of "Macbeth" and "Hamlet," respectively.

Most recently seen as Sura, the Thracian wife of Spartacus in the Starz original action-adventure drama series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Cummings now has a recurring role on Matt Weiner's AMC series, Mad Men. She stars in the cult feature Bitch Slap, directed by Spartacus: Blood and Sand director Rick Jacobson, and was seen alongside Martin Lawrence in Universal Studios' Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins. On TV Cummings was a series regular on the second season of Dante's Cove, on the Here! Network. Other television work includes a guest lead turn on Cold Case, a recurring role on dollhouse and appearances on Enterprise, Threshold, and Charmed.

Cummings trained in martial arts and weaponry for her roles in Bitch Slap and Spartacus: Blood and Sand. She also dedicates her time to charities, volunteering at the L.A. Mission and inspiring students by visiting local schools to participate in hands-on science projects through the National Lab Day program.

The Character

Detroit's feisty Medical Examiner never misses a detail or an opportunity to throw a few playful jabs at Homicide's finest. Abbey Ward gives as good as she gets and sometimes what she gets is flying forearm to the face as a competitor on the Roller Derby circuit. Told ya she was feisty.

Underneath her eclectic fashion sense beats the heart of a strong, spirited woman who shares Detective Mahajan's belief that committed relationships are for suckers. This is one tough, intriguing lady.