Camryn Manheim's Early Life and Education
Camryn Manheim grew up in Peoria, Illinois, before moving to Long Beach, California, for middle school. She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) from New York University in 1987.
Family Background
Camryn's mother, Sylvia Nuchow, was a schoolteacher, and her father, Jerry, was a math professor.
Development of Interest in Acting
Camryn developed an interest in acting at an early age. During her time at New York University, she learned sign language and worked as an interpreter and job coach while pursuing her acting career.
Early Career in New York City
In her early years in New York City, Camryn met and worked with renowned theater luminaries, including Tony Kushner, Michael Mayer, and many others. Her first play in New York was Hydriotaphia, written and directed by Tony Kushner.
Awards and Nominations
Camryn won an OBIE Award in 1994 for her portrayal of Gemma in Craig Lucas' Missing Persons, directed by Michael Mayer. She also wrote and starred in her one-woman show, Wake Up, I'm Fat!, which played to sold-out audiences at The Public Theater in 1995.
Notable Roles
Camryn played the "Nurse" in Romeo and Juliet, directed by Michael Greif at the New York Shakespeare Festival, and had a spectacular run of the Tony-nominated rock musical, Spring Awakening, on Broadway.
Television Career
Camryn spent eight years playing defense attorney "Ellenor Frutt" on the Emmy Award-winning drama, The Practice. Her portrayal of the feisty attorney garnered her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She was also nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for her portrayal of "Gladys Presley" in the CBS miniseries Elvis.
Writing Career
In 1999, Camryn fulfilled a lifelong dream and became a New York Times best-selling author when her book Wake Up, I'm Fat! was published by Broadway Books.
Teaching and Lecturing
Camryn teaches and lectures all over the United States and abroad.
