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Entertainment • Actress

Marilu Henner

Marilu Henner is an American actress, singer, author, and producer best known for playing Elaine Nardo on the sitcom Taxi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Marilu Henner is an American actress, singer, author, and producer best known for playing Elaine Nardo on the sitcom Taxi. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1952, she began her career on the Broadway stage in Grease before moving into film and television. Her works span acting, writing, and public speaking on health, wellness, and memory.

Early life and education

Marilu Henner was born on April 6, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Her birth name is Mary Lucy Denise Pudlowski. Details of her early education are not widely publicized, but she began her performing career at a young age.

Career

Henner started her career in the original Broadway production of Grease in 1971. She made her screen debut in the 1977 film Between the Lines and is best known for playing Elaine Nardo on the sitcom Taxi from 1978 to 1983. She also appeared in other television series such as Evening Shade and various stage and film productions.

Writing and public work

In addition to acting, Henner has authored books on health, parenting, memory, and lifestyle topics. She has spoken publicly about health, wellness, and autobiographical memory, and is widely associated with highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM).

Personal life

Henner has been married three times: to actors Frederic Forrest and Robert Lieberman, and to Michael Brown. She has two children from her second marriage.

Key facts

  • Marilu Henner is best known for playing Elaine Nardo on Taxi (1978–1983).
  • She began her career on Broadway in the original production of Grease in 1971.
  • Her screen debut was in the 1977 film Between the Lines.
  • She has written books on health, parenting, memory, and lifestyle.
  • Henner is noted for publicly discussing highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM).
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Canadian context

She is known to Canadian audiences through long-running American television and film work, especially Taxi and later TV appearances that aired in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Marilu Henner?
She is an American actress, singer, author, and producer best known for Taxi.
What is Marilu Henner best known for?
She is best known for playing Elaine Nardo on the sitcom Taxi.
When and where was Marilu Henner born?
She was born on April 6, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
What was Marilu Henner’s first major stage role?
She appeared in the original Broadway production of Grease in 1971.
Has Marilu Henner written books?
Yes. She has written books on health, parenting, memory, and lifestyle topics.
What is Marilu Henner known for besides acting?
She is also known as an author and for public discussion of highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM).

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilu_Henner
    Supports: Birth date, career start in Grease, screen debut in Between the Lines, and general biographical overview.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000447/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, notable credits, and marriage history.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/henner-marilu-1952
    Supports: Biographical details, marriages, children, education, and major career credits including Taxi and film roles.
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/marilu-henner/bio/3030386656/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, and profession.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/marilu_henner
    Supports: Career summary, Taxi role, and later television work.