Marilu Henner is one of only about a hundred people in the entire world that has been diagnosed with hyperthymesia, better known as “highly superior autobiographical memory.” She has the ability to recall in specific detail virtually every single day of her life.
One can only assume that this has been incredibly beneficial to her life as an actress, producer, radio host, singer, podcaster, and author. When asked about that by Brain and Life Magazine, she said, "It's what's behind the lines that makes the difference in a performance. I love being able to recall all my experiences in an emotional way."
For nearly five decades, Henner has experienced a prolific film and television career and has appeared in a multitude of roles. She has been in a movie or television show nearly every year since 1977.
Her breakout role as Elaine O'Connor-Nardo in the ABC/NBC sitcom “Taxi” is perhaps Henner’s most recognizable. Her portrayal of a cab driving single mother that aspires to be an artist earned her five Golden Globe Award nominations. In 1994, she published an autobiography, By All Means Keep Moving, in which she candidly discusses the sexual relationships she had with many of her “Taxi” co-stars.
The same year she landed her television breakthrough role, she also debuted in her first film, the drama sleeper-hit “Between the Lines,” co-starring a then-unknown Jeff Goldblum. In 1978, she starred opposite Richard Gere in the coming of age film “Bloodbrothers.” Other notable films she has been in include “Hammett,” “The Man Who Loved Women,” “Johnny Dangerously,” and “L.A. Story.”
Henner then returned to television to star in the CBS sitcom “Evening Shade” from 1990 to 1994, in which she portrayed a successful lawyer married to Burt Reynolds’ character. She has also starred in dozens of made-for-television films, including reprising her role as Aida Teagarden several times for the “Aurora Teagarden Mystery” series.
Henner is also passionate about wellness and has published nine books on diet, health, and memory, with the most prominent being Total Health Makeover. She hosts the radio program “The Marilu Henner Show,” where she features guest physicians, health experts, celebrity guests, and friends.