Natural Curls Dance On Marissa Jaret Winokur

July 3rd, 2009 by Karen Marie Shelton

Naturally curly haired brunette actress Marissa Jaret Winokur recently joined Oxygen as host of the sizzling hot new dance/weight loss competition series “Dance Your Ass Off.”

Marissa is best known for creating the role of Tracy Turnblad in the hit Broadway musical “Hairspray,” a fabulous performance for which she won a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress.

Marissa is also known for her fabulous cascade of rich ringlets and sassy natural curls which she wears loose, shiny and bouncy. Marissa is a poster girl for luscious coils.

When “Hairspray” reached the end of its Broadway run in January 2009, Winokur returned to close the show, reviving her role as the zaftig lead.

Marissa danced her way into the hearts of America on “Dancing With the Stars,” (DWTS) making it all the way to the finals.

She co-starred with Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon in the Farrelly brothers film “Fever Pitch” from Fox 2000.

Her television credits include a starring role in the comedy series “Stacked” with Pamela Anderson. Marissa also starred in the television movie “It Was One of Us” and currently serves as a correspondent for TV Guide Channel’s “Hollywood 411” and “Reality Chat.”

A native of New York, Marissa started her career on the stage, appearing as Jan in the Broadway production of “Grease.”

After moving to Los Angeles, Marissa quickly landed roles in the features “Teaching Mrs. Tingle” and “Never Been Kissed.” These were followed by her memorable roles in “Scary Movie” and “American Beauty,” where she immortalized the phrase “You are so busted.”

In television, she starred alongside Fran Drescher and Mark Consuelos in ABC Family’s romantic comedy “Beautiful Girl,” which she also executive produced.

MarissaWinokur has recurred on “Dharma and Greg” and “Moesha,” and her guest-starring roles include “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Jack and Bobby,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Felicity” and “Get Real.”