Blonde-haired, blue-eyed, Dawn McMahan was born Dawn Rochele McMahan in Dallas, Texas, to Sandra Needham, a restaurant and bar owner, and Jim McMahan, an insurance agency manager. A seventh generation Texan, Dawn graduated from Southern Methodist University with honors and two degrees. Having been a professional dancer with Corpus Christi Concert Ballet and guest with Mexico City Ballet, she went on to dance on a variety show, Variadisimo, on Telemundo while also pursuing acting. After leading roles in "Almost" and "Like Night and Day", Dawn relocated to Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter, she met her husband, Terrell Steketee, and they started their own little acting troupe with three beautiful daughters - Isabella, Madeline and Violet.