Marilu Henner Bio

Mary Lucy Denise Henner, born on April 6, 1952, is an American actor and producer. She made her debut in the original production of the musical Grease in 1971. Then, she was making her debut on screen in the film comedy-drama Between the Lines.In 1977, Henner was cast in her first major part as Elaine O'Connor Nardo in the sitcom on ABC/NBC Taxi which she played until 1983 and was awarded five Golden Globe Award nominations. She was a part of several films, including Hammett (1982), The Man Who Loved Women (83), Cannonball Run II (1884) as well as Johnny Dangerously (1884), Rustlers’ Rhapsody (1985), Ladykillers(88), L.A. Story (1991) and Noises Off (1992). She returned to television in 1992 with her role as the main character in the CBS sitcom Evening Shade (1990-1994), and then later, she played lead roles in several made-for-television film. Henner was who was a University of Chicago student from Hyde Park, Chicago, played the character of Marty in the 1971 Kingston Mines production of Grease. When the show was discovered and moved to Broadway She was subsequently asked to reprise the role but she decided instead to portray "Marty" in the national touring company alongside John Travolta, who played "Doody". Additional Broadway credits for Henner include Over Here!, with Travolta, revivals of Pal Joey, Chicago, Social Security, and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife. Her first film appearance in the 1977 sleeper-hit Between the Lines. It was a comedy that featured then unknown actors John Heard, Lindsay Crouse and Jill Eikenberry. Her second role was opposite Richard Gere in the 1978 film Bloodbrothers.