Marissa Jaret Winokur

Photo of Marissa Jaret Winokur

Biography

Like so many great Hollywood success stories, Marissa Jaret Winokur's ascent to fame started with a chance discovery by a top talent, which led to the role of a lifetime. In Winokur's case, it was a bit part as a fast food restaurant employee in "American Beauty" (1999) that caught the eye of film and stage director Rob Marshall. The "Chicago" (2002) director recommended her for the role of Tracy Turnblad - the plus-sized heroine of the …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Music

Born

February 2, 1973

Career Milestones

2009

Hosted the first season of "Dance Your Ass Off" on the Oxygen Network

2008

Cast on the ABC reality series "Dancing with the Stars" as a celebrity contestant

2007

Joined Nikki Blonsky and Ricki Lake in singing "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" on the Hairspray soundtrack

2005

Made series regular debut in the FOX series, "Stacked" as an accident-prone bookstore employee

2005

Appeared opposite Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon in the baseball comedy "Fever Pitch"

2003

Played the lead (also executive produced) in the ABC Family TV movie "Beautiful Girl"

2002

Played the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the musical adaptation of cult director John Waters' film, "Hairspray"

Hired by Rob Marshall for the role of Tracy Turnblad; Marshall later left the production and was replaced by Jack O'Brien

2000

Appeared on an episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO) as a woman who tangles with Larry David over a doctor's appointment

1999

Had a memorable role as a fast food counter girl in "American Beauty"

1999

Feature debut, the Drew Barrymore comedy, "Never Been Kissed"

1998

Featured on an episode of "The Steve Harvey Show" (WB

1995

Joined the Broadway revival of "Grease" as Pink Lady Jan

1994

Cast in the national touring company of "Grease"

Awards

2003

Tony Award for Actress (Musical)