Leah Remini

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Leah Remini
Born Leah Marie Remini
(1970-06-15) June 15, 1970
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Occupation Actress
Years active 1988–present
Spouse(s) Angelo Pagán
(2003–present)
Children 1
Website
LeahRemini.com

Leah Marie Remini (born June 15, 1970) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Carrie Heffernan on the CBS hit sitcom The King of Queens from 1998 to 2007. Prior to The King of Queens, she was known for her six episode stint as Stacey Carosi in 1991 on the NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell. She was also one of the co-hosts on the CBS network daytime talk show/series The Talk, before being fired in 2011.[1][2]

Early life

Leah Remini was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York City to private-school teacher Vicki Marshall and George Remini, who owned an asbestos-removal company.[3] Her mother is of Austrian Jewish background and her father was Sicilian.[4][5] Remini has an older sister, Nicole Remini (born 1969), who was her assistant on The King of Queens. She also has four half-sisters, including Christina (born 1969). Remini moved to Los Angeles, California, at age 13 with her mother[4] to pursue an acting career.[6]

Television career

One of Remini's early television roles was on Who's the Boss? as Charlie Briscoe, which led to a spin-off series entitled Living Dolls, where Remini starred with Halle Berry. The show premiered in late 1989 and ran for 12 episodes, after a series of negative reviews from television critics and poor ratings.[7][8]

Remini guest-starred on Saved by the Bell, playing Stacey Carosi. She then appeared in two short-lived series, First Time Out and Fired Up. In 1994, Remini auditioned for the role of Monica Geller in Friends, but the role went to Courteney Cox; however, she did appear in the 1995 episode "The One with the Birth." In 1998, Remini landed the role of Carrie Heffernan on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens. During her time on the show, she had a supporting role in the comedy film Old School (2003). Remini also starred in her own reality show, which aired on VH1. The King of Queens ran for nine seasons, from September 21, 1998, to May 14, 2007. Since The King of Queens ended, Remini has starred in nine-episode webisodes of In the Motherhood, along with Chelsea Handler and Jenny McCarthy. She has made two guest appearances on Chelsea Lately. On December 15, 2009, Remini appeared as Carrie Heffernan on Lopez Tonight, with George Lopez as Doug Heffernan in an episode reuniting the cast of the George Lopez sitcom.[9] Remini and Holly Robinson Peete appeared on The Young and the Restless on July 28, 2011.[10]

In October 2011, it was announced that Remini signed a talent development deal at ABC and ABC Studios that requires the network and the studio to develop a comedy project for Remini to star in and produce.[11][12] In March 2012, it was announced that Remini will star in the ABC comedy Family Tools, a remake of the UK comedy series White Van Man.[13] The series premiered on May 1, 2013, and was not renewed due to low ratings, ending its run on July 10, 2013.[14]

On September 4 that year, it was announced publicly on Good Morning America that Remini would compete as a contestant on season 17 of Dancing with the Stars, in which she was partnered with professional dancer, Tony Dovolani.[15] The couple were eliminated on the tenth week of competition, reaching fifth place and losing a place in the final.

On November 22, 2013, it was announced that Remini will be cast in the TV Land original comedy The Exes, filling a recurring role starting in the third season.[16]

The Talk

Remini was a co-host on The Talk, a CBS talk show which premiered October 18, 2010. Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Holly Robinson Peete, and Sharon Osbourne were her co-hosts. The show is similar to The View and seeks to address motherhood and contemporary issues.[17] Remini drew criticism within the first week of the show's debut, accused of being too loud, brash, and obtrusive. It was stated on one episode that she had received a significant amount of negative Twitter feedback on this subject. Remini addressed the issue, stating she refused to change who she is and asserting that thousands of fans like her for who she is. Her co-hosts supported her response.[18] After the first season ended, Remini was not asked to return to the show. Just weeks after Remini was let go, her former co-host Holly Robinson Peete was also informed that her contract was not being renewed.

Failure to disclose why Remini and Peete were let go brought on a great deal of criticism of the show and protests from the stars' fans.[19][20] While there was much speculation that their former Talk co-host, Julie Chen, had involvement in the decision as she's married to the CBS President and CEO, Leslie Moonves, it was Sharon Osbourne, their other former Talk co-host, who explained their dismissals in December 2011 on The Howard Stern Show, stating: "Some people don't really know who they are. And you have to know who you are when you're in something like this. You can't pretend to be something you're not. You have to know your brand. You can't be all things to everyone." Osbourne commented on the failure to let Remini and Peete know why they were let go, asking, "Why should we call them to discuss?"[1][2]

In March 2012, a heavily publicized Twitter dispute ignited between Remini and Osbourne when Remini fired back at Osbourne for her comments on The Howard Stern Show. In response to questions from her Twitter followers, Remini tweeted:
"Ask Sharon. She had us fired...Sharon thought me and Holly were too 'Ghetto'. (her words) we were not funny, awkward and didn't know ourselves."[21][22] Haters Gon' Hate. True. But, Haters have the balls to say they 'Hate'...not call themselves your friend. She had us fired all the while calling me and Holly her friend. Heartbreaking. Yes. She had us fired she told Howard Stern. Explains why she never called us back."[21]

In response, Osbourne tweeted:

"I had absolutely nothing to do with her departure from the show and have no idea why she continues to take to Twitter to spread this false gossip."[21][23]

Leah knows that I have never been in the position to hire or fire anyone on the show. That being said, my only wish is that Leah would just stop all this negative, unprofessional and childish behavior.[22] It's been seven months. It's time to move on. Leah is a very talented actress and I only wish her happiness and success.[21][22][24] I know that better things are to come if she can just get beyond this negativity."[21]

Remini tweeted by challenging Osbourne to establish what statements of Remini's were untrue in a court of law.[21]

While co-hosting The Talk, Remini turned down various parts on situation comedies, stating that any new role would make her feel as if she were cheating on Doug Heffernan, her character's husband on The King of Queens. She also stated she needs more time for her daughter, Sofia.[25]

Personal life

Remini met Puerto Rican salsa musician Angelo Pagán in 1996 at a Cuban restaurant. Pagan has three sons from previous relationships. In January 2003, Remini announced their engagement; they were married on July 19, 2003. On June 16, 2004, the day after her 34th birthday, Remini gave birth to daughter Sofia Bella, who weighed 6 lb/7.4 oz.[26]

Religious beliefs

For over thirty-years Remini was a member of the Church of Scientology.[5][27] In December 2005, she helped promote the gala opening of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Psychiatry: An Industry of Death museum on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.[28] Responding to criticism of Scientology during an interview on CNN, Remini said:

If somebody is going to get turned off about something because of what they read or heard, then that person's not smart enough to even enter a church. If you're really against something, then know what you're against.[5]

In July 2013, Remini left the Church of Scientology[29] owing to policies that forbid members from questioning the management of church leader David Miscavige, which she believed was corrupt; the reported abuse of members of its Sea Org religious order; its policy of "disconnection"; and its practice of branding those who have left the church of their own accord as "Suppressive Persons."[30] According to former high-ranking Sea Org member Mike Rinder, Remini's problems with the Church began when she asked about the whereabouts of Miscavige's wife Shelly at the 2006 wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, and was told profanely that she lacked the rank to do so. Remini then filed a "knowledge report" that was critical of Miscavige, Cruise, and other senior Scientology members and behavior on the part of members that was inconsistent with Church rules. She was subsequently "subjected to years of 'interrogations' and 'thought modification'" that led to her being blacklisted within the Church, while fellow parishioners with whom she had been friends for decades wrote internal reports about her, resulting in a Church investigation into her family.[30][31][32][33] During a September 9, 2013, appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Remini discussed her departure from the Church and the loss of friends who are still in the Church and, according to Remini, not permitted to have contact with her.[29]

Following her departure from the Church, she publicly expressed her appreciation for those who supported her departure.[34][35] Remini's sister, Nicole, who had earlier left the Church herself,[36] revealed that the rest of their family left the Church along with her in order to avoid being split up by the Church's disconnection policy.[37][38] Writer/director Paul Haggis, who had previously been the most famous person to publicly disavow Scientology, wrote an open letter published by The Hollywood Reporter in which he thanked Remini for standing by him after he left the Church and praised her "enormous amount of integrity and compassion."[39] She is reportedly planning to publish a memoir about her life and experiences with Scientology.[40] In August 2013, it was disclosed that Remini had filed a missing-person report with the Los Angeles Police Department concerning the disappearance of Shelly Miscavige.[41]

In October 2013 it was reported that Remini has been subpoenaed to testify in a Comal County, Texas lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its leader David Miscavige regarding acts of alleged harassment and surveillance against former member Monique Rathbun (who was married to ex-Scientology executive Marty Rathbun). Rathbun's attorney, Ray Jeffery, says he wants Remini, a former Scientologist, to give a deposition in the hopes she could testify that Miscavige has vast influence over the operations of the church and had to have known about the alleged harassment.[27]

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1997 Critics and Other Freaks Actress at Audition
1998 Follow Your Heart Angie
2003 Old School Lara Campbell
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1988 Head of the Class 1 episode
1989 Who's the Boss? Charlie Briscoe 2 episodes
Living Dolls Charlie Briscoe 12 episodes
1990 Normal Life Carol 1 episode
1991 Paradise Rose 1 episode
The Hogan Family Joanne 1 episode
The Man in the Family Tina Bavasso 6 episodes
Saved by the Bell Stacey Carosi 6 episodes
1991–1993 Cheers Serafina Tortelli 2 episodes
1992 Blossom Ellen 1 episode
Getting Up and Going Home Stephanie O'Neil Television film
1993 Evening Shade Daisy 3 episodes
Harlan & Merleen Frankie Television film
1994 The Commish Gail Ross 1 episode
Renegade Tina 1 episode
1994–1995 Phantom 2040 Sagan Cruz (voice) 8 episodes
1995 Star Witness Television movie
Diagnosis: Murder Agnes Benedetto 1 episode
Friends Lydia 1 episode, "The One with the Birth"
First Time Out Dominique Costellano 12 episodes
1996 Biker Mice from Mars Carbine (voice) 2 episodes
NYPD Blue Angela Bohi 1 episode
1997–1998 Fired Up Terry Reynolds 28 episodes
1998–2007 The King of Queens Carrie Heffernan 207 episodes
2001 Hooves of Fire (American redub) Vixen (voice) Television film
2002 Legend of the Lost Tribe (American redub) Koala (voice) Television film
2005 Fat Actress Herself 4 episodes
2007–2008 In the Motherhood Kim 8 episodes
2009 Married Not Dead Jessica Television film
2009 Lopez Tonight Carrie Heffernan Cameo appearance
2010–2011 The Talk Herself Talk show host
2011 The Young and the Restless Herself 1 episode
2013 The Family Tools Terry Baumgardner Lead character, 10 episodes
2013 Dancing With The Stars Herself
2014 The Exes Nicki 2 episodes
Video games
Year Title Role Notes
1993 Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers Grace Nakimura Voice

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Howard Stern Gets The Talk Hosts To Finally Talk About Holly Robinson Peete Leah Remini Diss". E! Online. December 13, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2012. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chen, Joyce (March 15, 2012). "Sharon Osbourne, Leah Remini in Twitter feud about 'King of Queens' actress' dismissal from 'The Talk'?". Daily News (New York). 
  3. ↑ "Leah Remini Biography (1970–)". Film Reference. Retrieved June 15, 2009. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Brady, James (October 26, 2003). "Leah Rimini (TV and film actress)". Retrieved June 15, 2009. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Sieberg, Daniel (April 20, 2001). "Leah Remini:Working hard as a queen among kings". CNN. Retrieved Sep 12, 2013. 
  6. ↑ Michael A., Lipton (March 29, 1999). "Tough Love". People 51 (11). 
  7. ↑ "Throwing a Curveball: Surprising Spin-Offs". Screenrush. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Halle Berry's Journey From Miss USA Runner-Up To Oscar Winner". Access Hollywood. June 16, 2011.
  9. ↑ Lynette, Rice (March 25, 2009). "‘In the Motherhood’: Thanks, but no thanks, for your ideas, mommies!". ew.com. Retrieved July 21, 2009. 
  10. ↑ SoapOperaDigest. Comings & Goings; p. 12. August 2, 2011 issue.
  11. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie. "Leah Remini Signs Talent Deal With ABC". Deadline.com. Retrieved October 21, 2012. 
  12. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie. "Leah Remini Signs Talent Deal With ABC –". Deadline.com. Retrieved January 17, 2012. 
  13. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley. "Leah Remini Joins ABC Comedy Pilot". The Hollywood Reporter. 
  14. ↑ ""Family Tools" cancelled". Huffington Post. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  15. ↑ Derschowitz, Jessica (September 4, 2013). "Dancing with the Stars': Leah Remini, Valerie Harper". CBS News.
  16. ↑ "'Dancing with the Stars' Leah Remini joins 'The Exes'". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 22, 2013. 
  17. ↑ Domanick, Andrea (August 11, 2010). "CBS' The Talk to Premiere Oct. 18". Broadcasting and Cable. 
  18. ↑ "'The Talk': Let's talk ... what did you think? – Pop2it — Zap2it". Blog.zap2it.com. October 18, 2010. Retrieved January 17, 2012. 
  19. ↑ Nede, Jethro (September 7, 2011). "'The Talk' Without Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete: What THR Readers Are Saying". The Hollywood Reporter. 
  20. ↑ "Holly Robinson Peete Opens Up About Being Fired From The Talk!". PerezHilton.com. November 4, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2012. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 Barnert, Deanna (March 15, 2012). "'The Talk' Twitter Battle: Osbourne vs. Remini". MSN Entertainment. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Harnick, Chris (March 14, 2012). "The Talk': Leah Remini Says Sharon Osbourne Had Her Fired For Being 'Ghetto". Huffington Post. 
  23. ↑ Day, Patrick Kevin (March 14, 2012). "Leah Remini fired from 'The Talk': Sharon Osbourne's fault, she says". Los Angeles Times. 
  24. ↑ "Leah Remini blames Sharon Osbourne for 'Talk' firing". USA Today. March 14, 2012. 
  25. ↑ "The Jacksonville Observer: Leah Remini Admits The Talk Is Harder Than She Thought". The Jacksonville Observer. March 1, 2011. 
  26. ↑ "I Do, I Do, I Do!". People 60 (8). August 25, 2003. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Leah Remini Subpoenaed to Testify in Harassment Suit Against Church of Scientology". ABC News. October 4, 2013.
  28. ↑ Vargas, Sibila (December 20, 2005). "Showbiz Tonight". CNN. Retrieved June 8, 2006. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Eggenberger, Nicole (September 10, 2013). "Leah Remini Tells Ellen DeGeneres She 'Lost Friends"'After Leaving Scientolog". US Weekly.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Exclusive: Actress Leah Remini quits Scientology after years of 'interrogations'". New York Post. July 11, 2013. 
  31. ↑ Clark, Cindy (July 11, 2013). "Leah Remini quits Church of Scientology". USA Today. 
  32. ↑ Goodman, Jessica (July 11, 2013). "Leah Remini Quits Scientology After 'Years Of Interrogations'". The Huffington Post.
  33. ↑ Killoran, Ellen (July 11, 2013). "Leah Remini Scientology Split ‘A Huge Threat’ To Controversial Church". International Business Times.
  34. ↑ Carlson, Erin (July 11, 2013). "Leah Remini Leaves Scientology After Questioning David Miscavige's Leadership". The Hollywood Reporter.
  35. ↑ Marcesca, Rachel (July 12, 2013). "Leah Remini speaks out after leaving the Church of Scientology, thanks fans for support". Daily News (New York).
  36. ↑ Lindstrom, Colleen (July 17, 2013). "Scientology and the Remini Family: How it began". myTalk 107.1 FM.
  37. ↑ Traynor, Bradley (July 17, 2013). "EXCLUSIVE: Leah Remini's Sister Nicole Talks!". myTalk 107.1 FM.
  38. ↑ "New Details on Why Leah Remini Left Scientology". ABC News. July 18, 2013.
  39. ↑ Haggis, Paul (July 31, 2013). "Paul Haggis Pens Open Letter Praising Leah Remini's 'Brave' Break With Scientology". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 31, 2013. 
  40. ↑ Kelsey, Eric (August 3, 2013). "Actress Remini to publish memoir after leaving Scientology -source". Reuters. Retrieved August 4, 2013. 
  41. ↑ "Leah Remini Files Missing Person Report for Scientology Leader David Miscavige's Wife". The Hollywood Reporter. August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013. 

External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Ingo Rademacher & Kym Johnson		 Dancing with the Stars (US) quarter-finalist
Season 17 (Fall 2013 with Tony Dovolani) 		Succeeded by
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