Charisma Carpenter Free Screensaver. Photos slideshow. Charisma Lee Carpenter (born July 23, 1970) is an American actress. Carpenter was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she attended Bishop Gorman High School. She is best known for playing the character Cordelia Chase in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel.While working as a waitress in Los Angeles, a commercial agent discovered her and recommended that she attend a variety of acting schools. She quickly realized how passionate she was about acting, Charisma remained there for eighteen months studying the techniques and drama. In the midst of attending the school, Charisma began doing a multitude of commercials. After approximately twenty, she got her first real acting break in Baywatch in 1995. Almost 7 years after her guest appearance on the show, Charisma landed a starring role on Aaron Spelling's Malibu Shores. Unfortunately, the show, which also starred Keri Russell, was short lived and once again, Charisma was left without a solid acting job. After some guest appearances on other shows such as Pacific Blue and Boy Meets World, Charisma's luck was finally about to change. Luckily enough, Charisma's agent sent her out to audition for Buffy, the Vampire Slayer in 1997. After three years on Buffy, Charisma was offered a co-starring role opposite David Boreanaz on the spin-off show Angel, and she eagerly accepted, event though she would continue to play the same bratty, snobby character.