Survived a bout with cervical cancer in 2001.

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

Engaged to her fiancée who she met in 1994 during a stage production of Grease. [2005]

Father Michael is a retired architect.

Niece of S.J. Perelman and Nathanael West.

Joined the touring company of Grease, 1994-95, and later played Pink Lady Jan in Grease on Broadway (1995).

Grew up in Bedford Village, New York.

Mother Maxine is a retired teacher.

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

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