Anecdotes

Won Broadway's 2003 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for her performance as Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray."

Survived a bout with cervical cancer in 2001.

Joined the touring company of Grease, 1994-1995, and later played Pink Lady Jan in Grease on Broadway (1995).

Engaged to her fiancé who she met in 1994 during a stage production of Grease. (2005)

Celebrity Big Brother season 1 winner.

Marissa and her husband, Judah Miller, became the parents of a son, Zev Issac Miller, on July 22, 2008. Zev weighed in at 8 lbs. 7 oz. and measured 21 inches long.

Studied musical theatre for two years at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan.

Is the leading lady in the Broadway musical, "Hairspray". (2002)

Contestant on season 6 of Dancing with the Stars (2005). (mars 2008)

Returning to her Tony award-winning role as Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray" for 1 month. (juin 2005)

Expecting her first child (via a surrogate) later this year with her husband, Judah Miller.

Grew up in Bedford Village, New York.

Niece of S.J. Perelman and Nathanael West.

Is the youngest of four siblings.

Father Michael is a retired architect.

Mother Maxine is a retired teacher.

Currently filming a pilot for her new sitcom "The Furst Family". She is also starring in the movie picked up by the New Line Cinema "Always a Bridesmaid". She will be picking up the part of Tracy in the L.A. leg of the Hairspray tour. (avril 2004)