Nancy Giles, provocative observer of today's world, is a writer and contributor to the Emmy award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning."

Nancy wrote and performed the solo pieces "Black Comedy: The Wacky Side of Racism" and "Notes of a Negro Neurotic." She is working on a book of (hopefully) comic autobiographical essays: "Things My Afro Taught Me" (working title).

Nancy started her professional acting career as a singing garbage bag with the Paper Bag Players, followed by a short (pun definitely intended) stint as a Santa elf at Macy's on 34th Street in the heart of Manhattan. She was the announcer and co-host of the alternative morning show "Fox After Breakfast;" was GI Frankie Bunsen for three seasons on the acclaimed drama "China Beach" on ABC. She's made appearances on shows like "The Jury," "LA Law," "Spin City," "Law and Order," "Dream On," and "Fresh Prince."

Nancy toured for three years with Chicago's Second City comedy troupe, and got her union card playing Beneatha in "A Raisin In The Sun" at the Goodman Theatre (she still has the card). Nancy won a prestigious Theatre World Award for her off-Broadway debut in the satirical musical "Mayor." In December of 2004 she narrated "Suite for Human Nature," a new comic fable written by Diane Charlotte Lampert, with music by Wynton Marsalis, and performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Harlem Boys Choir.

On radio, Nancy was Jay Thomas' sidekick on "The Jay Thomas Morning Show" in New York' City and co-hosted "Giles and Moriarty" with CBS News correspondent Erin Moriarty on WPHT in Philadelphia. Their show won back to back radio and television awards ("Gracies") for Best Radio Talk Show. You've also heard Nancy's voice on radio and television commercials, in cartoons, and subliminally while you shop in plus-size clothing stores.

Nancy was born and raised in Queens, New York, and is a proud product of the New York City public school system. She is a graduate of Oberlin College.

NOTE: Bio is as it appeared in the Forum program from April 27, 2007.