Tamala R. Jones (born November 12, 1974) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles in the movies Booty Call, The Wood, Kingdom Come, The Brothers, and Two Can Play That Game. She currently stars on the ABC television show Castle as medical examiner Lanie Parish.Jones was born in Pasadena, California, the oldest of three children and the only girl.[citation needed] She began her career as a model, appearing in magazine and television commercials，Her first acting role was a guest appearance on the teen sitcom California Dreams. She had her first major television role playing a student in the short-lived ABC drama Dangerous Minds. Jones had co-starring roles on the 1998-2002 series For Your Love and the short-lived The Tracy Morgan Show. She had a recurring role as Tonya, an old girlfriend of Flex's (seasons one and five) on One on One. She has guest starred on other television series, including The Parent 'Hood, Veronica's Closet, Malcolm & Eddie, My Name Is Earl, Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air