Bonita Friedericy stars in the acclaimed action-comedy series "Chuck" as General Diane Beckman, who must entrust Operation Bartowski to save the day even as she questions Chuck's unusual spy methods.

Friedericy was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, and grew up in Palos Verdes, California. In 1985, she began her professional acting career when she replaced Jennifer Tilly in the critically acclaimed stage production of "Tartuffe," starring alongside Jessica Walter. She is the recipient of the Natalie Schaeffer Award for Excellence in Acting, and was given an Ovation Award (L.A.'s version of the Tony Award) for her performance in "Our Country's Good" at the Colony Theatre.

Friedericy's other stage appearances include "Ugly's First World" at the Actor's Gang Theatre; "I Ought to Be in Pictures" (as actor Gregory Itzin's girlfriend); an award-winning performance in "Toys in the Attic"; and David and Amy Sidaris' play "The Book of Liz" at the Blank Theatre.

From theater, her career in film began in 1998 on "The Pornographer," directed by Doug Atchison, who later went on to write and direct "Akeelah and the Bee" in which Friedericy also had a role. Her other work in film includes "The Stepdaughter," alongside Andrea Roth; Jennifer Aniston's directorial debut "Room 10," alongside Robin Wright Penn; "12 Dogs of Christmas," starring alongside her husband, John Billingsley; "Christmas with the Kranks" with Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis; and "Sleeping Dogs Lie," directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. She also recently appeared in "State of Play," starring Russell Crowe, and "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief," directed by Chris Columbus.

On television, Friedericy has appeared on over 50 shows. Previously, she held recurring parts on "The Starter Wife," "The West Wing," "The Nine," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and appeared in the miniseries "26 Miles." Her other recent memorable guest-starring turns include appearances on "Criminal Minds," "My Name Is Earl," "Bones," "CSI," "Monk" and "Without a Trace."

Friedericy lives in West Hollywood, California, with her talented husband, John Billingsley.