They moved to Paris, France where her mother worked as a model, returning to the United States in 1985.
The following year they appeared as the younger and older versions of the title character in the drama film Jezebel's Kiss.
[3] As an adult, Barrese had small roles in American Pie (1999), Hellraiser: Inferno (2000) and Legally Blonde (2001).
She appeared as Tess in three episodes of the comedy television series Just Shoot Me!, before landing her first lead role on the WB sitcom Run of the House.
She also appeared in episodes of Drive; Supernatural; Roommates; CSI: Miami; Trauma; Robot Chicken; and Leverage.