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Valerie Landsburg
Born (1958-08-12) August 12, 1958 (age 67)
New York City
Other names Valerie Landsberg
Occupation Actress, director, screenwriter, singer-songwriter
Years active 1976–present
Known for Doris Schwartz in Fame
Spouse(s)
James McVay
(m. 1984⁠–⁠2018)
Parent(s)
  • Alan Landsburg (father)

Valerie Landsburg, born on August 12, 1958, is an American actress, director, writer, and singer. She is widely recognized for her role as Doris Schwartz in the TV series Fame, which started in 1982. She also sang the lead on the popular song "Hi Fidelity," which was a top five hit in the UK. Her father, Alan Landsburg, was a producer.

Valerie Landsburg's Early Life and Career

Valerie Landsburg was born in New York City. Her mother, Sally Landsburg, was a psychologist and author. Valerie began her acting journey in 1978. Her first movie role was in Thank God It's Friday. In 1980, she took on the role of Libby in Neil Simon's play I Ought to Be in Pictures.

Becoming a Star on Fame

In 1982, Valerie Landsburg joined the cast of the TV series Fame. She played the character of Doris Rene Schwartz. During her time on the show, she also showed her talent behind the scenes. She wrote and directed one episode of the series. She left the show in 1985.

Other Television Roles and Directing Work

After Fame, Valerie Landsburg appeared in other comedy TV series. One was You Again?, which starred Jack Klugman. Another was All Is Forgiven, created by the team behind Cheers. This show, starring Bess Armstrong, was later re-aired on the A&E network.

Valerie also had recurring roles in TV shows like Hotel and Dream On. She made guest appearances on many popular series. These include Murder, She Wrote, Beverly Hills, 90210, Empty Nest, Nip/Tuck, and The Unit. Besides acting, she has directed several movies and TV show episodes.

Music Career and Other Achievements

In 2001, Valerie Landsburg released her album called Grownup. Most of the songs on the album were written by her. It included a new version of her hit song "Hi Fidelity." She is also a lifetime member of the Asian Academy of Film & Television.

Valerie Landsburg's Film and Television Projects

Valerie Landsburg has worked on many films and television shows throughout her career. She has taken on various roles, both in front of the camera as an actress and behind it as a director or producer.

Film Appearances and Directing

Her film roles include Thank God It's Friday in 1978. She was also in Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael in 1990. Valerie has directed several films, such as Drawn to the Flame and Borrowed Life Stolen Love, both from 1997. She also directed Bound by Lies in 2005.

Television Series and Movies

Valerie Landsburg has appeared in many TV series and movies. Her most notable TV role was Doris Rene Schwartz in Fame, appearing in 84 episodes. She also had roles in TV movies like The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal (1979) and Marathon (1980). Later TV movie appearances include The Ryan White Story (1989) and Unspeakable Acts (1990). She also directed episodes of Empty Nest and Women: Stories of Passion.

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1978 Thank God It's Friday Frannie
1990 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael Miss Day Ashburn Credited as Valerie Landsberg
1997 Drawn to the Flame
-
Director
Borrowed Life Stolen Love
-
Director
Too Good to Be True
-
Producer
2001 Rock Star Concert After-Party Guest Uncredited
2005 Bound by Lies
-
Director
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1976 The Kids From C.A.P.E.R. Dunga Ginny 1 episode
1979 The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal Loretta Television movie
1980 Marathon Annie Television movie
1982–1987 Fame Doris Rene Schwartz 84 episodes
1986 You Again? Pam 8 episodes
All is Forgiven Lorraine Elder 9 episodes
1987 1st & Ten Anna 5 episodes
1987–1988 Hotel Cheryl Dolan 17 episodes
1988 Murder, She Wrote Alice Brooke 1 episode
1989 The Ryan White Story Loretta Television movie
1990 Unspeakable Acts Maggie Rivera Television movie
Babies Andrea Television movie
Beverly Hills, 90210 Cathy Gerson 1 episode
1993 Not in My Family Television movie
1993–1994 Dream On Gina Pedalbee 3 episodes
1994 Terror in the Night Tina Television movie
One of Her Own Stacy Schoep Television movie
1995 Empty Nest Valerie 1 episode
Director
1997 Women: Stories of Passion
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4 episodes
Director
2000 Bar Hopping Agent No. 4 Television movie
2002 The Best ... Ever
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7 episodes
Director
2003 Columbo: Columbo Likes the Nightlife Television movie
2005 American Dreams 1 episode
Nip/Tuck Marian Berg 1 episode
2006 The Unit Marge 1 episode
Windfall 1 episode
2009 Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith Noreen Television movie

See also

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