Ilene Graff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ilene Graff
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| Born | February 18, 1949 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Years active | 1979–present |
| Known for | Marsha Cameron Owens in Mr. Belvedere |
| Spouse(s) |
Ben Lanzarone
(m. 1978; died 2024) |
| Children | Nikka Graff Lanzarone |
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Ilene Graff, born on February 18, 1949, is a talented American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Marsha Cameron Owens in the popular TV show Mr. Belvedere.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Ilene Graff was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her father, Jerry Graff, was a musician, and her mother, Judy Graff, taught piano. Ilene went to Ithaca College to further her education.
Acting Career Highlights
Ilene Graff has had a long and successful career in both theater and television.
Broadway Shows
She performed in several famous shows on Broadway. These include Promises, Promises, Grease, and I Love My Wife. Being on Broadway means performing in big, professional theater productions in New York City.
Television Roles
On television, Ilene Graff appeared in many different shows. She played Penny Whitaker on Supertrain. She also had roles in popular sitcoms like Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and Three's Company.
Her most famous TV role was Marsha Cameron Owens in the sitcom Mr. Belvedere. She played this character from 1985 to 1990. Marsha was the wife of George Owens, played by Bob Uecker. The show was about a British butler who came to live with an American family.
Movie Appearances
Ilene Graff also acted in movies. She was in the film Ladybugs, where she played the girlfriend of Rodney Dangerfield. She also appeared in movies like The Things We Carry and Loving Annabelle.
Personal Life
While performing in the musical Grease, Ilene Graff met and married composer Ben Lanzarone. They have one daughter named Nikka, who was born in 1983.
Ilene Graff comes from a family of performers. Her older brother, Todd Graff, is an actor, film producer, writer, and director. Her cousin, Randy Graff, is also a Tony Award winner. Ilene also helps the AMC Cancer Research Center as a spokesperson.
Selected TV and Film Work
Here are some of the TV shows and movies Ilene Graff has been in:
- Hart of Dixie (2011-2015) as Ellen Aim
- The Things We Carry (2009) as Ellen Aim
- My Father (2007) as Nancy Parker
- Loving Annabelle (2006) as Mother Immaculata
- Living with Fran (2006) as Jessica
- South Pacific (2001) (TV movie)
- Touched by an Angel (1997) as Gloria Brewer
- Ladybugs (1992) as Bess
- Mr. Belvedere (1985–1990) as Marsha Cameron Owens
- St. Elsewhere (1985) as Heidi Brechman
- Three's Company (1983) as Daphne Smith
- Mork & Mindy (1981-1982) in several roles
- Laverne & Shirley (1980) as Monique Dobson
- Supertrain (1979) as Penny Whitaker
- Barnaby Jones (1979) as Stephanie Capello
See also
In Spanish: Ilene Graff para niños
