Who Is Marilu Henner?
Marilu Henner Net Worth is a celebrated American actress, producer, author, and health advocate, best known for her iconic role as Elaine Nardo in the classic sitcom Taxi. Born on April 6, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Henner quickly became a household name thanks to her sharp wit and captivating performances. Over the years, her career has flourished, spanning television, film, writing, and advocacy.
In addition to her acting talent, Henner stands out for her unique ability to remember nearly every day of her life, a phenomenon known as hyperthymesia. This extraordinary memory has been a subject of fascination and has contributed to her becoming an advocate for brain health and wellness.
Marilu Henner’s Net Worth In 2025
As of 2025, Marilu Henner’s net worth is estimated at approximately $12 million. This impressive fortune stems from her extensive career in entertainment, particularly her memorable role as Elaine Nardo on the iconic TV show Taxi. Henner’s success isn’t limited to her acting career; she has also built wealth through her writing, focusing on health, memory, and wellness. Her books have resonated with many readers, and her work as a speaker and in personal appearances has further contributed to her financial success. Additionally, Henner’s role as a producer has added to her income, solidifying her position as a multifaceted individual in the entertainment industry.
Marilu Henner: A Journey Through Acting, Writing, And Wellness
Born Mary Lucy Denise Henner in Chicago, Illinois, Marilu was the second of six children in her family. From a young age, she showed a strong passion for the arts, participating in school plays and musical performances. Henner pursued this passion at the University of Chicago, where she honed her acting skills and quickly earned recognition for her talent.
Her breakthrough came in the mid-1970s when she landed the role of Elaine Nardo on Taxi. The role of a single mother and artist catapulted her into stardom and garnered critical acclaim, leading to multiple award nominations. Beyond her TV success, Henner expanded her career into film, starring in notable movies like The Man Who Loved Women (1983), Cinderella (1977), and Johnny Dangerously (1984).
In addition to her acting, Henner pursued a writing career, publishing books that focus on health, memory, and wellness. She is well-known for her expertise on the subject of memory, with a condition called hyperthymesia, which allows her to recall vivid details from her life. Henner continues to thrive in her career as an author, speaker, and advocate for personal wellness.
Her diverse career in entertainment, writing, and public speaking has kept her at the forefront of the wellness and entertainment industries, continuing to add to her considerable wealth.
Marilu Henner’s Early Life And Education
Marilu Henner grew up in a large, supportive family in Chicago, where she was the second of six children. Her early years were filled with encouragement for her artistic and creative inclinations, leading her to develop a strong passion for the performing arts. Henner’s family environment was nurturing and fostered her interest in acting from a young age.
Henner pursued her higher education at the University of Chicago, where she focused on acting and theater. During her time there, she immersed herself in local theater productions, gaining valuable experience that would later shape her career in Hollywood. Henner’s academic journey laid the foundation for her successful career in television and film.
Age, Height, And Health
As of 2025, Marilu Henner is 72 years old, born on April 6, 1952. Despite her age, she maintains a youthful and vibrant appearance, which she credits to her dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Henner is known for her commitment to fitness and wellness, which she believes plays a key role in her longevity and energy.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg), Henner continues to inspire others with her commitment to health. Her radiant presence and active lifestyle serve as a testament to the benefits of maintaining physical and mental well-being throughout life.
Family Background And Legacy
Marilu Henner comes from a hardworking and supportive family. Her father, Joseph Henner, was a former soldier, while her mother, Lorraine Henner, worked as a secretary. Growing up in a close-knit family, Henner was encouraged to pursue her dreams and passions, which led her to embark on her acting career in New York City.
Henner has always been open about her strong family bonds, particularly the support she received from her siblings. Her upbringing in Chicago and her eventual move to New York to further her career were pivotal moments in her life.
Beyond her acting legacy, Henner’s groundbreaking work with her rare condition, hyperthymesia, has captured public attention. This remarkable ability to recall vivid memories from every day of her life has contributed to her unique legacy. Henner’s story is one of not only professional success but also personal resilience and a dedication to understanding the human mind.
Marilu Henner’s Career Journey
From an early age, Marilu Henner was immersed in the world of performing arts. Her love for dance began as a child, and by the time she was just 14, she was already teaching dance at her family’s studio. Henner’s career took off in 1971 when she appeared as “Marty” in a production of Grease. This led her to tour with the cast, including John Travolta, but she made the bold decision to leave college in 1972 to pursue her passion full-time.
Throughout the 1970s, Henner continued to make a name for herself in theater, performing in productions like Over Here!, Social Security, and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. In 1976, Henner moved to New York to further her career, and by 1977, she landed her feature film debut in Between the Lines. She followed this with a notable role in Bloodbrothers (1978), starring opposite Richard Gere.
Henner’s breakout role came in 1978 when she was cast as Elaine Nardo in the hit sitcom Taxi. Her portrayal of the independent and strong-willed single mother earned her widespread recognition, and the series ran for five seasons until 1982. This success led to more opportunities in film, including roles in The Man Who Loved Women (1983) and Johnny Dangerously (1984). Henner also lent her voice to the character of Veronica Vreeland in Batman: The Animated Series, and appeared in Evening Shade (1990-1994), alongside Burt Reynolds. Other notable projects included Man on the Moon (1999) and a guest role on Brooklyn Nine-Nine in 2014.
In addition to her acting career, Henner has made significant contributions as an author. She released her autobiography, By All Means, Keep on Moving, in 1994, and followed it with books focusing on health and fitness, such as Healthy Kids: Help Them Eat Smart (2001), Stay Active-For Life (2001), and The 30-Day Total Health Makeover (1999).
Henner also made a name for herself in television hosting, serving as the host of America’s Ballroom Challenge from 2006 to 2009. She participated in Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice in 2008, and later joined Dancing with the Stars in 2016, where she partnered with professional dancer Derek Hough.
Marilu Henner’s Net Worth Growth
Marilu Henner’s career in entertainment has led her to a substantial net worth of approximately $15 million. A significant portion of her wealth comes from her successful acting career, where she starred in a variety of TV shows and films over the years. Henner’s work as an author and her health-focused books have also added to her financial success. Additionally, her involvement in hosting radio programs and television shows has contributed significantly to her overall wealth.
Would you like to know more about her acting roles or her career highlights? Feel free to ask!
Marilu Henner’s Relationship Journey
Marilu Henner has experienced three marriages throughout her life, each one adding unique chapters to her personal story. Her first marriage was to actor and director Robert Lieberman in 1980. However, the couple parted ways in 1982. Henner’s second marriage was to actor and director Michael Brown in 1990. Together, they had two children, but their relationship ended in 2001.
In 2006, Henner married her third husband, Tony DeSantis, a health consultant and entrepreneur. The couple shares a deep bond and has often been seen attending events together, offering mutual support in their professional lives and personal endeavors.
Henner’s resilience and ability to navigate both her public and private relationships have inspired many, showcasing her strength and commitment to both family and career.
Looking Ahead: Marilu Henner’s Future Plans
As of now, Marilu Henner remains active in the entertainment industry, continuing to focus on projects centered around memory and well-being. She is passionate about using her platform to share advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, and has been vocal about the importance of good health practices. Henner also plans to pursue additional acting opportunities and continue her work as a writer and producer.
Her future projects will likely be informed by her dedication to improving others’ lives through her knowledge of memory enhancement and health practices, making her work even more impactful for her audience.
Marilu Henner: Career Summary And Net Worth
Marilu Henner has enjoyed a long and successful career that has garnered an estimated net worth of $15 million, as of 2025. Her breakthrough role in the hit television show Taxi earned her critical acclaim and recognition, leading to numerous Golden Globe Award nominations. She also starred in various films and other TV shows, contributing greatly to her wealth.
Henner’s acting career is complemented by her ventures in writing and health advocacy. Her contributions to the wellness field, through books and speaking engagements, have further bolstered her financial success.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Henner appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2016, partnered with professional dancer Derek Hough, and participated in Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. Henner’s diverse career, from television roles to health campaigns, continues to solidify her legacy both in Hollywood and as an advocate for healthy living.
Conclusion
Marilu Henner has truly established herself as a multifaceted individual with a career that spans acting, writing, health advocacy, and more. With a net worth of approximately $15 million, her enduring success in both the entertainment industry and wellness sectors showcases her versatility and dedication. Henner’s ability to balance a thriving career while maintaining a strong focus on personal health and well-being continues to inspire countless individuals. As she continues to share her expertise in memory, wellness, and healthy living, her impact remains significant, and her future in the industry remains bright.
Frequently Asked Questions Marilu Henner Net Worth
- What is Marilu Henner’s net worth?
- As of 2025, Marilu Henner’s estimated net worth is around $15 million, earned through her acting career, writing, and health-related ventures.
- How did Marilu Henner become famous?
- Marilu Henner gained widespread fame for her role as Elaine Nardo on the popular TV show Taxi (1978-1982), earning multiple award nominations for her performance.
- Has Marilu Henner written any books?
- Yes, Henner has authored several books, including titles on health, wellness, and memory, such as The 30-Day Total Health Makeover and Healthy Kids: Help Them Eat Smart.
- Is Marilu Henner involved in any health-related work?
- Absolutely. Henner is a well-known advocate for healthy living and memory enhancement. She frequently shares tips and strategies for improving both physical and mental well-being.
- What other TV shows or movies has Marilu Henner appeared in?
- Beyond Taxi, Henner has appeared in films like Johnny Dangerously (1984), The Man Who Loved Women (1983), and Man on the Moon (1999), along with TV shows such as Evening Shade and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
