Anecdotes

In November 2017, Cross was diagnosed with anal cancer during her annual checkup with her gynecologist. Her doctor administered a digital rectal exam and immediately sent her to a colon and rectal surgeon. Two biopsies later, doctors confirmed that she had anal cancer, and started her on six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. After three months of treatment, she decided to share her story publicly. Cross started with an Instagram post where she asked for advice on managing hair loss from cancer, and eventually opened up about the disease. Now she is in remission and has a low chance of a recurrence.

Was 7 months pregnant with her twins Savannah and Eden when she completed filming the third series of Desperate Housewives (2004).

Missed seven episodes of Desperate Housewives (2004), near the end of the 2006-2007 season, due to her maternity leave.

Longtime companion of Richard Jordan, until his death in 1993; since then, she did not date anyone seriously, until her engagement in 2005.

Her friend, Dana Delany, was the original choice for the role of Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives (2004). Delany was later cast as Katherine Mayfair.

She and Desperate Housewives (2004) co-star Teri Hatcher both made guest appearances on Seinfeld (1989) as prospective girlfriends of Jerry Seinfeld.

Received her Bachelor's degree in Acting from the Juilliard School in New York City (1984).

Received her Master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles (2003).

Was the last of the four main actresses of Desperate Housewives (2004) to get married for the first time in real-life.

During a 2005 interview with the Desperate Housewives (2004) stars, she was visibly delighted when Jamie Theakston pronounced her name as "Mar-see-ah". Cross turned to her co-star, Eva Longoria, and stated that she loves the way British people pronounce her name. It was revealed that although most Americans called her "Marsha", her co-star Longoria calls her "Mar-see-ah".

Has suffered from migraine headaches since the age of 14. She is a paid spokesperson for GlaxoSmithKline's migraine medication. She says she takes the medication when the first signs of the onset of migraine occur. With the medication, the pain is bearable and rarely lasts more than five hours. Without the medication, the pain completely wipes her out for up to a full day.

Was named the Most Beautiful Person at the 2005 Emmy Awards.

Was considered for the role of Madeleine White in Inside Man : L'Homme de l'intérieur (2006), but was not able to due to her commitment to the television series Desperate Housewives (2004). Jodie Foster got the role.

Cross, along with her Desperate Housewives (2004) castmates Brenda Strong and Teri Hatcher, has guest-starred on Seinfeld (1989) unlike the other two, though, Cross only appeared in one episode.

Practices yoga with Kelly Rutherford and Lisa Rinna.

Placed 20 on E! Television's list of "The 50 Most Wicked Women of Primetime" for playing Kimberly Shaw on Melrose Place (1992).

She and her future Desperate Housewives (2004) co-star, Brenda Strong, both starred in Everwood (2002). Strong guest-starred in a few episodes while Cross was a steady cast-member from 2003-2004. They never were in the same episodes. They also both guest-starred in different episodes of Ally McBeal (1997) and share a birthday of March 25.

Named one of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the World (2008).

Has played a doctor on Melrose Place (1992), Everwood (2002) and the Seinfeld (1989) episode The Slicer (1997).

Her husband Tom Mahoney was diagnosed with cancer in 2010.

Was considered for the role of Eden Capwell on Santa Barbara (1984), but got cold feet and fled the waiting room before her audition was to begin.

Ranked #91 on People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the World (2006).

Her favorite charity is the Panzi Hospital in East Congo.

Mother, with husband Tom Mahoney, of twin daughters Savannah Mahoney and Eden Mahoney (b. February 20, 2007).

Nominated for her first awards in 2004 - Golden Globe, Golden Satelitte Award, TV Guide Award and SAG Award.

Her sister Susan was maid of honor at her wedding to Mahoney and her nephew Jared the ring bearer. Her other sister Ellen sang the song "Only Love Remains" for Marcia and her husband.

Placed 28 on VH1's list of "The 40 Hottest People Over 40" in 2005.

Has an older sister named Susan and a younger sister named Ellen.