Kristin Bauer

Kristin Bauer van Straten, also known as Kristin Bauer, is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her roles as vampire Pamela Swynford De Beaufort on the HBO television series True Blood, Jerry's girlfriend Gillian on Seinfeld, and as Maleficent in the ABC series Once Upon a Time. Born as Kristin Neubauer in Racine, Wisconsin, she is of German descent. Bauer van Straten studied fine arts at various institutions before deciding to pursue acting. She has been living in Los Angeles since 1994. In addition to acting, she is also a talented artist, known for her commissioned portraits. Bauer van Straten married musician Abri van Straten in 2009.