anika Ray, pop culture expert and entertainment personality, joins HGTV as the new host of two series, HGTV Design Star and HGTV'd.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Los Angeles, Tanika knew at an early age that her passion for the performing arts would lead to a career in the entertainment industry. Tanika graduated cum laude from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later studied theater at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Over the years Tanika has landed numerous acting roles on various television shows, including NYPD Blue, All My Children and The Game. She also served as host and entertainment correspondent on CW Now, Extra, Larry King Live and Showbiz Tonight.