Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 6, 1952, Marilu Henner is an actress, producer, and author with a long and wide-ranging career in entertainment. She’s best known for her role as Elaine Nardo on the hit sitcom Taxi (1978–1983), where her mix of charm, intelligence, and humor made her one of the show’s most memorable stars.
After Taxi, Henner expanded into both film and television, proving she could handle comedy and drama with ease. She appeared in movies like Johnny Dangerously (1984), Perfect (1985), and L.A. Story (1991), while also continuing to work steadily in TV movies, miniseries, and series.
She also built a strong stage career, performing on Broadway in productions such as Chicago and Over Here!, where she showcased her singing and dancing abilities and reinforced her reputation as a true all-around performer.
Outside of acting, Henner is widely known for having hyperthymesia, a rare condition that allows her to recall most days of her life in vivid detail. She has spoken openly about it in interviews and talk shows, and she’s also written several books focused on health, fitness, and lifestyle, becoming a recognized voice in wellness and personal development.
