Felicity Huffman hasn't always had fame and fortune to deal with on a daily basis. There were many lean years of unemployment and bad auditions.

Flicka, as she was known to family and close friends, grew up the youngest of eight in Woody Creek, Colo., raised by her single mom, Grace. She grew up a happy, if not loud child, graduating high school in 1981 from the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Mich., where she majored in theater. At age 15 she got her first paying job on a TV after-school special.

Her real thespian training came when Felicity moved to New York and began some low-paying stage roles. She met playwright David Mamet who became an integral part of her life; in fact, Huffman is still a key member of Mamet's Atlantic Theater Company. It was also during her Mamet stage years that Felicity met actor William H. Macy. The couple stayed together 15 years before their marriage in 1997. Their happy union has produced two daughters, Sofia Grace and Georgia Grace, both named in honor of Huffman's mom.

At 43, Felicity, which means "happiness," has a full, busy and happy life. While Huffman and Macy have worked together often on TV, in movies and on the stage, Felicity is reveling in her burgeoning career beginning with the hit "Desperate Housewives." She won an Emmy for her portrayal of harried Lynette, and garnered two Golden Globe nominations last year for "Housewives" and one for her movie "Transamerica," in which she portrayed a transsexual. She also just penned a best-selling book, "A Practical Guide For The Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants To Be One/Every Girl Who Wants To Build One." In May she was on the big screen alongside Jane Fonda and Lindsay Lohan in "Georgia Rules."

Despite how busy she has become, Felicity Huffman is clearly enjoying the ride. 

Bankrate: How are you handling fame now with "Desperate Housewives" and a busy film career?

Felicity Huffman: I think I'm handling it pretty well and I'm not as hounded as the rest of the women are. I just go from my home door to work and back home. And I have to say, it's such a relief to know I'm going to have a job for a couple of years. I have gone for years without working so I'm not kidding that I'm grateful for the fame because I have a job.