Most people know Celebrity Big Brother’s Marissa Jaret Winokur for her starring role as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray on broadway. That role won the broadway star recognition and a Tony. Since then, Marissa has had small (but iconic) television and movie roles.
Marissa seems to be one of the celebrities that the fans are most excited to see play. She’s a Big Brother superfan (she even watched BBOTT!). So to help people get ready for Marissa’s Big Brother debut, here are five fun facts about the energetic character actress.
1. She’s Done Lots of Voice Over Work
For the last eleven years, most of Marissa’s recurring work has been on animated series. She has lended voices to characters on King of the Hill, The Cleveland Show, Yo Gabba Gabba!, and American Dad!
Marissa’s high energy personality seems like a perfect fit for these animated characters. Also her husband, Judah Miller, is a producer and writer on many of these animated programs.
2. She’s Close Friends with Xena: Warrior Princess
Marissa and Lucy Lawless have apparently been longtime friends. According to Notable Biographies, the two met because they both had roles on broadway in Grease. The two became close, and even attended each other’s weddings.
While in Los Angeles for Lucy’s wedding, Marissa decided to stay for awhile. This led to her roles in Never Been Kissed, Scary Movie, and American Beauty. As well as roles in Felicity, Steve Harvey Show, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
3. She has A Few Connections to Shannon Elizabeth
We already know that Shannon, Omarosa, and Marissa have formed the first Celebrity Big Brother alliance. However, we had no clue that this alliance may have been written in the sky long before casting, because Shannon and Marissa have had two of the same gigs.
Marissa and Shannon both appeared on Scary Movie and they competed against one another in Dancing With the Stars. In the sixth season, Shannon finished sixth and Marissa came in fourth.
4. She Used to Share The Talk with Julie Chen
When The Talk first began in 2010, Marissa was one of the co-hosts with Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini, Julie, and Sharon Osbourne. Marissa’s role was to tackle issues related to parenting.
The following year, Marissa left the show to work on a clothing line and a new late night talk show.
5. She Made a Special Appearance
In 2016, NBC did Hairspray Live. All the former Tracy Turnblads made cameo appearances. Fans were shocked and delighted to see Marissa, Ricki Lake, and Nikki Blonsky alongside each other and new Tracy, Maddie Baillio.
Marissa’s ambitious nature, bubbly personality, and knowledge of the Big Brother game might make her a major threat in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
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