Mary Lucy “Marilu” Denise Henner is an American actress who gained recognition for her work in various mediums.
She initially rose to prominence by appearing in the original production of the renowned musical Grease in 1971.
Her on-screen debut came in 1977 when she starred in the comedy-drama Between the Lines. However, her breakthrough role as Elaine O’Connor Nardo in the sitcom Taxi, which aired on ABC and NBC, truly catapulted her career.
She portrayed the character from 1977 to 1983 and received five nominations for the prestigious Golden Globe Award.
Throughout her career, Henner also showcased her talent in co-starring roles in notable films like Hammett (1982), The Man Who Loved Women (1983), Cannonball Run II (1984), Johnny Dangerously (1984), Rustlers’ Rhapsody (1985), Ladykillers (1988), L.A. Story (1991), and Noises Off (1992).
After a successful run in films, she made a comeback to television as the lead in the CBS sitcom Evening Shade, which aired from 1990 to 1994.
Following this, she took on leading roles in several television films, further solidifying her presence in the industry.
Marilu Henner Wikipedia Profile
| Full Name | Mary Lucy Henner |
| Nick Name | Marilu |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1952 |
| Age | 71 years old @ 2023 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Residence | Los Angeles, United States |
| Ethnicity | Polish and Greek |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | American Actress, Author, Producer |
| Education | Graduate |
| Net Worth | $12 Million as per 2023 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Debut | TV: Off-Campus (1977) Movie: Between the Lines (1977) |
Early life
Henner was born in Chicago, Illinois.
Her mother, Loretta Callis (born Nikoleta Kalogeropoulos), passed away at the age of 58 due to complications from arthritis.
Her father, Joseph Henner (originally named Pudlowski), suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 52.
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Career
While studying at the University of Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Henner originated the role of “Marty” in the Kingston Mines production of Grease in 1971.
When the show moved to Broadway, she was asked to reprise her role, but instead, she chose to join the national touring company, where she played “Marty” alongside John Travolta, who portrayed “Doody.”
Henner’s involvement in Broadway includes notable credits such as Over Here! with Travolta, revivals of Pal Joey, Chicago, Social Security, and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.
In 1977, she made her first film appearance in the sleeper hit Between the Lines, starring alongside then-unknowns Jeff Goldblum, Lindsay Crouse, John Heard, and Jill Eikenberry.
Her second film role came in 1978, opposite Richard Gere in Bloodbrothers.
Henner gained prominence with her role as Elaine Nardo in the sitcom Taxi, where she portrayed a single mother working as a taxi driver with aspirations of becoming an artist.
She also starred in the 1982 film Hammett, directed by Wim Wenders and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, alongside her first husband Frederic Forrest.
In 1983, she appeared opposite Burt Reynolds in The Man Who Loved Women, directed by Blake Edwards. Reynolds then invited Henner to join the cast of Cannonball Run II later that year, alongside Shirley MacLaine and Dom DeLuise.
She played the love interest to Michael Keaton in the 1984 film Johnny Dangerously and appeared alongside John Travolta again in Perfect in 1985.
In 1991, she starred opposite Steve Martin in L.A. Story, earning a nomination for an American Comedy Award as the Funniest Supporting Female in a Motion Picture.
From 1990 to 1994, she appeared in the situation comedy Evening Shade, alongside Burt Reynolds, Ossie Davis, and Hal Holbrook. Henner also had roles in Noises Off (1992) and Man on the Moon (1999), a film about her Taxi co-star Andy Kaufman, where she played herself and her Taxi character.
She made guest appearances on Match Game and Hollywood Squares. Furthermore, she provided the voice for Gotham City socialite Veronica Vreeland in Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1999), reprising the role in the animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998).
In 1994, she hosted her own daytime talk show, Marilu, for 165 episodes.
Henner also ventured into music videos, starring as the overbearing mother of the bride in the Brooks & Dunn video “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” in 2003.
She served as the host of the television series America’s Ballroom Challenge in 2006 and 2007.
Henner expressed her desire to participate in Dancing with the Stars on an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in early 2008, as she had never danced ballroom before.
Her wish came true in 2016 when she competed in the show’s 23rd season, partnered with professional dancer Derek Hough.
Apart from her acting career, Henner has written nine books on topics such as diet, health, and memory, with Total Health Makeover being one of her most notable works.
She also leads monthly classes on her website, marilu.com, to help individuals adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. Her parents’ premature deaths in their 50s inspired her to prioritize her own well-being.
Henner has hosted The Marilu Henner Show, a weekday morning radio show broadcasted on numerous stations in the U.S. and distributed by Sun Broadcast Group in collaboration with GCN Radio.
Additionally, she made guest appearances on various TV shows, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine in 2013, and appeared on the first season of The Neighborhood in 2018, titled “Welcome to Thanksgiving.”
Personal Life
Henner possesses hyperthymesia, also known as total recall memory, enabling her to recollect specific details of almost every day of her life since childhood.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated to be around $12 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
What condition does Marilu Henner have?
Henner’s exceptional ability to recall past events in almost photographic detail can be attributed to her possession of a highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM).
This rare condition has been identified in only approximately 100 individuals worldwide.
What nationality is Marilu Henner?
Mary Lucy “Marilu” Denise Henner is an accomplished American actress.
What is Marilu Henner famous for?
Marilu Henner has gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Elaine Nardo in the beloved TV sitcom “Taxi.”
She is also remembered for her involvement in the original production of the musical “Grease” in 1991, her role in the CBS sitcom “Evening Shade,” and her notable participation in the television show “Dancing with the Stars.”
In addition to her acting career, she has authored nine books focusing on diet and health.
How long did Marilu Henner date John Travolta?
According to Henner, she and Johnny Travolta formed an immediate connection.
Their first meeting took place during their involvement in the musical “Grease,” and they had an on-and-off romantic relationship that lasted approximately 13 years.
Despite the changes in their relationship, they maintained a strong friendship throughout the years.
What is Marilu Henner doing now?
Following her time on Taxi, Henner went on to star in the television series Evening Shade and played notable roles in films such as Cannonball Run II, The Man Who Loved Women, and L.A. Story.
She has also made appearances in more recent shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Two and a Half Men.