Born on September 21, 1968, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, she gained fame with her breakout role as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters' 1988 cult classic "Hairspray." This success led to further film and television roles. In the 1990s, she became a household name as the host of her own talk show, which aired until 2004. Known for her candid and relatable style, she continued to work in television and film, while also producing documentaries and advocating for various social causes.