Maria Pitillo was born in Elmira, New York, and spent her formative years in Mahwah, New Jersey, where she was influenced by her Italian and Irish heritage.
Known primarily for her iconic role as Audrey Timmonds in the monster blockbuster Godzilla (1998),Maria initially entered the entertainment industry after being invited by a friend to audition for a part in a television commercial. Following a series of tryouts, Maria soon found herself featured in television commercials for a range of products, from Pepto-Bismol and Chic Jeans to working bit parts in film and on television.
Maria's acting career began to take shape when she was officially introduced to the world as Angel, the daughter of a Brooklyn mobster, in the production of Spike of Bensonhurst (1988). She subsequently landed a recurring role on the ABC Soap Opera, Ryan's Hope (1975),before packing her bags and relocating to sunny California.
In the early stages of her career, Maria secured small roles in a number of films and television shows, including a steady gig as Gina in the ill-fated South of Sunset (1993),which unfortunately only aired one episode. Two years later, Maria successfully tackled the lead role in the television movie, Crimes of Passion: Escape from Terror - The Teresa Stamper Story (1995),as well as the role of a mobster's daughter in another television movie, Between Love and Honor (1995).
The following year, Maria landed the part of Alicia on the Fox Network comedy, Partners (1995),co-starring Tate Donovan and Jon Cryer. Maria's success continued with a string of guest-starring appearances on television, as well as leading roles in the films Dear God (1996) and Lew Grade's tear-jerker, Something to Believe In (1998).
After making a lasting impact with her role in Godzilla, Maria's career culminated in a recurring role on TV's Providence (1999-2002).
