She’s best known for her standout performances across both television and film, and one of her most memorable roles was co-starring alongside Paul Reiser in the beloved sitcom Mad About You. That role really put her on the map, and from there, she went on to appear in several major films—like the critically acclaimed As Good as It Gets and the deeply moving The Sessions. Fans also recognized her in other big hits such as Cast Away and Pay It Forward, where her talent continued to shine.
Long before fame came knocking, she was already immersed in the world of the arts. As a child, she had a deep passion for theater and would go see several plays each week—an early sign of her creative drive. She later channeled that energy into ballet, practicing rigorously, and eventually pursued her education at UCLA, where she further honed her craft.
In her personal life, she began a relationship with screenwriter Matthew Carnahan back in 2001, and the couple has shared a strong bond ever since. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Makena, who’s become a central part of her life. Prior to this, she was married to actor Hank Azaria, a chapter that’s now part of her past but still a notable part of her journey. Through every phase, she’s remained grounded, focused on her family, and committed to her art.
She made a guest appearance on The Simpsons as Moe’s love interest during a period when she was romantically involved with Hank Azaria—the talented voice actor behind Moe. It was kind of a fun, real-life crossover moment, you could say, especially since she stepped into the show in a role that mirrored her off-screen relationship at the time. She brought a personal touch to the episode, and fans couldn’t help but notice the connection. Yeah, it was definitely a memorable cameo, especially given the behind-the-scenes romance. She really added a unique layer to the whole dynamic.