Born on March 8, 1961, in Caldwell, New Jersey, Manheim grew up in a family of educators. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a mathematics professor. She developed a love for performing at an early age and began acting in school productions. After high school, she attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she received a bachelor’s degree in literature.
Manheim moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting and soon landed her first role in the play “Wake Up, I Love You.” She made her television debut in 1989 in the series “Doing Time on Maple Drive” and later appeared in recurring roles in “Chicago Hope” and “The L Word.” However, it was her breakout role as Ellenor Frutt in “The Practice” that brought her widespread acclaim.
Manheim’s portrayal of Ellenor Frutt was notable for its authenticity and depth. She played a complex character who tackled heavyweight legal cases while also dealing with the struggles of being a single mother. Manheim’s performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Manheim continued to thrive in her career, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including “How to Make It in America” and “Extant.” She also served as a producer for the film “You Don’t Know Jack” and the documentary “Sunny Boy.”
Beyond her work in acting, Manheim is an active philanthropist and advocate for social justice. She is a supporter of various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and environmental issues. In 2019, she participated in a rally against President Donald Trump’s proposed policies on climate change and immigration.
Manheim is also an author, having written the memoir “Wake Up, I’m Fat!,” which chronicled her struggles with weight and body image. She has spoken openly about her experiences in the hopes of empowering others to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.
Today, Manheim continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry and beyond. She uses her platform to promote diversity and inclusion, as well as to raise awareness about issues that are important to her. Her dedication to using her voice to create positive change is an inspiration to many.