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, including Nick Lieberman

Marilu Henner, born on April 6, 1952, is an American actress and author. She started her acting journey in 1971 in the musical Grease. Her first movie role was in the 1977 film Between the Lines.

Marilu became very well known for her role as Elaine O'Connor Nardo in the TV show Taxi. She played this part from 1978 to 1983 and was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards. She also appeared in many movies like L.A. Story (1991) and Noises Off (1992). Later, she starred in the TV show Evening Shade from 1990 to 1994.

Marilu Henner is one of the few people known to have hyperthymesia. This means she can remember almost every day of her life in great detail.

About Marilu Henner's Early Life

Marilu Henner was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 6, 1952. Her mother, Loretta Callis, was of Greek descent. Her father, Joseph Henner, was of Polish descent.

Marilu Henner's Acting Career

Starting on Stage and Screen

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

Marilu also acted in other Broadway shows. These included Over Here!, Pal Joey, and Chicago. 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 famous for her role as Elaine Nardo in the TV show Taxi. She played a single mom who drove a taxi but dreamed of working in an art gallery. She also had leading roles in movies. These included Hammett (1982) and The Man Who Loved Women (1983) with Burt Reynolds.

Reynolds later asked her to join the cast of Cannonball Run II (1984). She also starred in Johnny Dangerously (1984) and appeared with John Travolta again in Perfect. In 1991, she was in L.A. Story with Steve Martin. For this role, she was nominated for an American Comedy Award.

From 1990 to 1994, Marilu starred with Burt Reynolds in the TV show Evening Shade. She also appeared in Noises Off (1992) and Man on the Moon (1999). The latter film was about her Taxi co-star Andy Kaufman. Marilu played herself in that movie.

Henner at the 1991 Emmy Awards

Voice Acting and Hosting

Marilu Henner lent her voice to 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 TV talk show called Marilu.

From 2006 to 2007, Marilu hosted the TV series America's Ballroom Challenge. She also hosted Shape Up Your Life on FitTV and The Discovery Channel. This show was based on her health books.

Reality TV and Special Abilities

In 2008, Marilu was a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice. She returned for The All-Star Celebrity Apprentice in 2013. She played for the Alzheimer's Association charity and won over $50,000 for them.

Because Marilu has hyperthymesia, she was a consultant for the CBS drama Unforgettable. This show featured a character with the same special memory ability. Marilu even guest-starred as the character's aunt.

Henner in July 2010

In 2016, Marilu competed on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars. She was partnered with professional dancer Derek Hough. They finished in sixth place. In 2018, Marilu appeared in an episode of the CBS series The Neighborhood.

Marilu Henner's Personal Life

Marilu Henner has two sons, Nicholas Lieberman and Joseph Lieberman. They are from her second marriage to Robert Lieberman.

In 2010, Marilu was featured on the TV show 60 Minutes. This segment highlighted her amazing memory ability, known as superior autobiographical memory. She shared that she could remember almost every day of her life since she was 11 years old.

Marilu Henner's Books

Marilu Henner has written several books. Many of them focus on diet, health, and memory. Her book Total Health Makeover explains the benefits of a non-dairy diet combined with food choices and exercise. She was inspired to live a healthier life because both of her parents passed away in their 50s.

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

Marilu Henner's Film and TV Roles

Movies

Television Shows

See also

In Spanish: Marilu Henner para niños