C. J. Cregg

Grew up… in Dayton, Ohio. C.J. was raised by her father, a junior high school teacher. Her academic abilities – as well as the fact that she’s “the best damn basketball player in Ohio Valley history” – won her a National Merit scholarship.

Living… in the minority as a high-powered woman in Washington D.C. While C.J. is just as capable of living up to the challenges that the White House presents as any male staff member, she still faces gender discrimination. As she once put it, “You know what? I’ve spent the last 14 hours being snickered at by U.S. Senators, being ostracized on the World Wide Web, and having my own colleagues question my ability to do my job.”

Profession… White House Press Secretary. As the official voice of the Bartlet administration, it’s C.J.’s job to manage the information coming out of the West Wing of the White House. C.J., who’s the best at what she does, gave up a $550,000 a year salary at a prestigious public relations firm in order to serve her country.

Relationship Status… single. Her job as Press Secretary limits her amount of free time to pursue a relationship. Though her colleague Josh Lyman believes that it may have something to do with her personality: “Do you think your joke reflex is why you have so much trouble with men?” Not surprisingly, that didn’t tickle C.J.’s funny bone. Given the extreme hours she works, her best chance at love will likely come in the office. Maybe with that redheaded reporter, Danny Concannon?

Challenge… taking care of her dying father while working in the high-stress environment of The White House. C.J. is understandably torn by her dedication to her job and her dedication to her family and any semblance of a personal life.

Personality… snarky, funny, and quick. C.J.’s expertise in the art of conversation is what earned her the job as Press Secretary. She’s a master of verbal karate.