Marilu Henner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marilu Henner
Henner in 2011
Born	(1952-04-06) April 6, 1952 (age 73) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Actress author producer host
Years active	1971–present
Spouse(s)	Frederic Forrest ​ ​ (m. 1980; div. 1982)​ Robert Lieberman ​ ​ (m. 1990; div. 2001)​ Michael Brown ​ (m. 2006)​
Children	2

Marilu Henner (born April 6, 1952) is a famous American actress. She is also an author, producer, and host. She started her acting journey in the original musical Grease in 1971. Later, she became well-known for her role as Elaine O'Connor Nardo in the TV show Taxi. This role earned her five Golden Globe Award nominations.

Marilu has also starred in many movies and TV shows. She is known for her amazing memory, called hyperthymesia. This means she can remember almost every day of her life!

About Marilu Henner

Early Life and Family

Marilu Henner was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 6, 1952. Her mother, Loretta Callis, was of Greek descent. Her father, Joseph Henner, had Polish roots. Both of her parents passed away when they were in their 50s. This inspired Marilu to live a very healthy lifestyle.

Starting Her Acting Career

While studying at the University of Chicago, Marilu began acting. She played the role of "Marty" in the first production of Grease in 1971. When the show moved to Broadway, she chose to tour with the show instead. She performed alongside John Travolta in the national tour.

Her first movie was Between the Lines in 1977. She then appeared with Richard Gere in the 1978 film Bloodbrothers.

Becoming a TV Star

Marilu became very popular as Elaine Nardo in the TV show Taxi. She played a single mom who drove a taxi and dreamed of becoming an artist. The show was a big hit from 1978 to 1983.

She also starred in many movies during this time. These included Hammett (1982) and The Man Who Loved Women with Burt Reynolds. She worked with Reynolds again in Cannonball Run II (1984). In 1991, she was in L.A. Story with Steve Martin.

From 1990 to 1994, Marilu starred with Burt Reynolds again in the TV show Evening Shade. She also appeared in Man on the Moon (1999). This movie was about her Taxi co-star, Andy Kaufman. Marilu played herself in the film.

Marilu Henner at the Emmy Awards in 1991

Voice Acting and Hosting

Marilu also used her voice for animated characters. She was the voice of Veronica Vreeland in Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1999). She also voiced this character in the animated movies Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998).

In 1994, she hosted her own talk show called Marilu. She also hosted America's Ballroom Challenge in 2006 and 2007.

Reality TV and Special Abilities

Marilu competed on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. She played for charity and later returned to help another contestant.

She has a rare ability called hyperthymesia. This means she has a superior autobiographical memory. She can remember almost every day of her life since she was 11 years old! Because of this, she was a consultant for the CBS show Unforgettable. The show was about a woman with the same amazing memory. Marilu even guest-starred as the main character's aunt.

Marilu Henner in July 2010

In 2016, Marilu joined Dancing with the Stars for season 23. She danced with professional dancer Derek Hough. They finished in sixth place.

Author and Health Advocate

Marilu has written nine books. Her books are about diet, health, and memory. One of her most famous books is Total Health Makeover. In this book, she shares her ideas about healthy eating and exercise. She teaches classes online to help people live healthier lives.

Personal Life

Marilu Henner has two sons. Their names are Nicholas and Joseph. She had them with her second husband, Robert Lieberman.

Her amazing memory was featured on the TV show 60 Minutes in 2010. She shared how she can recall details from almost every day of her life.

Filmography

Film

Television

Published Books

• By All Means Keep On Moving (September 5, 1994)
• Marilu Henner's Total Health Makeover (May 6, 1998)
• The 30-Day Total Health Makeover (March 3, 1999)
• I Refuse to Raise a Brat (October 12, 1999)
• Healthy Life Kitchen (July 10, 2000)
• Healthy Kids: Help Them Eat Smart and Stay Active—for Life! (August 7, 2001)
• Healthy Holidays (October 1, 2002)
• Wear Your Life Well: Use What You Have to Get What You Want (April 8, 2008)
• Total Memory Makeover: Uncover Your Past, Take Charge of Your Future (April 24, 2012)

See also

In Spanish: Marilu Henner para niños