Marissa Jaret Winokur, American actress and singer

Marissa Jaret Winokur, born on February 2, 1973, and sometimes credited simply as Marissa Winokur, is an acclaimed American actress and singer whose dynamic career spans Broadway, television, and reality competition. She gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her Tony Award-winning performance as the indomitable Tracy Turnblad in the original Broadway production of the musical Hairspray. This iconic role, an adaptation of John Waters's cult classic 1988 film, truly cemented her status as a leading lady in musical theater. Beyond the stage, Winokur is also well-known for her memorable work on the Pamela Anderson-led sitcom Stacked, where she showcased her comedic talent.

Her versatile presence extends across numerous television series, demonstrating her range in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her notable small-screen credits include guest and recurring appearances on popular shows such as Larry David's critically acclaimed comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm, the beloved UPN sitcom Moesha, the long-running family comedy The Steve Harvey Show, the workplace comedy Just Shoot Me!, the coming-of-age drama Felicity, and the popular sitcom Dharma & Greg. These roles highlighted her ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse ensembles and contribute to the unique tone of each production.

Winokur further expanded her public profile by venturing into the realm of reality television. She captivated audiences as a contestant on the highly popular reality competition series Dancing with the Stars, where she participated in its sixth season, partnering with professional dancer Tony Dovolani. Her enthusiasm and determination made her a fan favorite, embracing the challenge of ballroom dancing. Following her success as a competitor, she transitioned into a hosting role for a similar dance-themed reality show, Dance Your Ass Off, which combined dance with a weight-loss competition, aligning with her public persona of body positivity and healthy living.

From 2010 to 2011, Marissa Jaret Winokur served as a vibrant co-host on the daily daytime talk show The Talk, contributing to discussions on current events, pop culture, and personal experiences alongside a panel of women. Her tenure on the show showcased her insightful and engaging conversational style. She ultimately departed from The Talk to pursue new creative endeavors, notably focusing on the development of her own clothing line and a new cable television program. The cable TV show in question, which she embarked on after her departure, premiered as a late-night talk show titled All About Sex. This series offered an open and candid exploration of various aspects of human sexuality, airing on TLC at 11:00 PM Eastern time on Saturday nights. She shared co-hosting duties on All About Sex with a diverse panel that included comedian Margaret Cho, television personality Heather McDonald, and relationship expert Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry, providing a multifaceted perspective on its sensitive subject matter.

In a significant return to reality competition, Marissa Jaret Winokur participated in the inaugural American season of Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. This spin-off of the long-running reality series brought together various celebrities to live in a house completely isolated from the outside world, under constant surveillance, while competing in mental and physical challenges. Through strategic gameplay, social alliances, and strong competitive performances, Winokur navigated the demanding environment and was ultimately crowned the winner, securing the grand prize and solidifying her status as a compelling reality television personality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marissa Jaret Winokur

What is Marissa Jaret Winokur best known for?

Marissa Jaret Winokur is primarily known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Tracy Turnblad in the original Broadway production of Hairspray, a role that defined her early career. She is also recognized for her appearances on various television shows and her victory on Celebrity Big Brother.

Did Marissa Jaret Winokur win a Tony Award?

Yes, Marissa Jaret Winokur won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray.

Which season of Dancing with the Stars was Marissa Jaret Winokur on?

Marissa Jaret Winokur was a contestant on Season 6 of the popular reality competition series Dancing with the Stars.

What talk show did Marissa Jaret Winokur co-host?

Marissa Jaret Winokur co-hosted the daily daytime talk show The Talk from 2010 to 2011, and later co-hosted the late-night talk show All About Sex on TLC.

When did Marissa Jaret Winokur win Celebrity Big Brother?

Marissa Jaret Winokur won the first American season of Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.