Marilu Henner

Photo of Marilu Henner

Biography

A vivacious red-haired actress known for her Midwestern sass, Marilu Henner starred in several Broadway plays like "Grease" before landing her career-defining role of tough New York cabbie Elaine Nardo on the classic sitcom "Taxi" (ABC, 1978-1983). Although Henner was never nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on the series, she was made an honorary New York cabbie and achieved through this one series, television immortality as the only …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Music, Consultants & Advisors

Born

April 6, 1952

Career Milestones

Appeared in the Broadway production of "Social Security,, directed by Mike Nichols

First performed onstage while still a child; appeared in musical productions for Chicago's Center Stage Group

Originated supporting role of Marty in the musical "Grease" at the University of Chicago's Community Theatre

1971

Turned down opportunity to recreate role of Marty in the NYC production of "Grease"

1972

Left the University of Chicago after three years to travel with the national company of "Grease"; stayed with the company for a year; first met Jeff Conaway (who had lead role of Danny Zuko) and John Travolta

1974

Made Broadway debut in the musical "Over Here!" starring Ann Reinking, and Patty and Maxine Andrews; supporting cast also included Treat Williams and Travolta

1976

Performed in a Broadway revival of the musical "Pal Joey"

1977

Earliest TV roles included a part as Janet, a college student, on the CBS sitcom pilot "Off Campus"

1977

Made feature film debut in a small role of a stripper in "Between the Lines"

1978

Played Elaine Nardo on the popular ABC sitcom (with NBC for its last season) "Taxi"

1979

First worked with Burt Reynolds on the NBC variety special "The Celebrity Football Classic"; he was the "color commentator" and she was the "celebrity interviewer"

1981

Acted in her first TV-movie "Dream House"

1982

Returned to films after four years to play first leading role in a feature in Wim Wenders's "Hammett"

1983

First acted with Burt Reynolds in the feature "The Man Who Loved Women"

1985

Received a CableACE Award nomination for her role in "Grown Ups," a "Broadway on Showtime" production

1988

Returned to the theater in a production of "Carnal Knowledge" staged at the Pasadena Playhouse; co-starred with Gregory Harrison, Valerie Mahaffy and David Marshall Grant

1990

Appeared in first feature film in five years, "Chains of Gold"

1990

Co-starred as Ava Evans Newton opposite Burt Reynolds on the popular CBS sitcom "Evening Shade"

1994

Hosted syndicated daytime talk show "Marilu"

1997

Returned to Broadway replacing Ann Reinking in the role of Roxie Hart in the revival of "Chicago"

2000

Headlined the national tour of the revival of "Annie Get Your Gun"

Awards

1978

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Taxi

1979

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Taxi

1980

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Taxi

1981

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Taxi

1982

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Taxi