Leslie Grossman, an accomplished actress, initially set aside her passion for acting during her high school and college years, opting instead to focus on her academic endeavors. Although she spent time behind the scenes in theater productions as a teenager, it wasn’t until she attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York that she was persuaded to step into the spotlight. That decision led to her off-Broadway debut in a comedic play titled Cereal!, a clever parody of soap operas centered around a quirky family of cereal tycoons. Leslie Grossman portrayed a character named 90210, and following the production, she made her way back to the West Coast.
Her return coincided with early television opportunities, including a guest appearance on the UPN series Guys Like Us and a brief cameo in the 1998 film Can’t Hardly Wait. However, it was her role on Popular, which aired on The WB from 1999 to 2001, that truly marked her breakthrough. In the show, Leslie Grossman played Mary Cherry, a vibrant and eccentric wealthy teenager with a seemingly innocent smile that masked her mischievous and manipulative nature. Unlike her fellow antagonist Nicole, Mary Cherry was more interested in advancing her own status than in adhering to the unspoken rules of high school popularity. She flaunted her wealth in over-the-top ways and wasn’t afraid to challenge the school’s queen bee, cheerleader Brooke, played by Leslie Bibb. Yet, there were moments—like when she supported Carmen, an overweight but skilled cheerleader candidate—that revealed unexpected layers to her character.
In more recent years, Leslie Grossman continued to build her career with notable appearances, including joining the ensemble cast of American Horror Story in its seventh season, which aired on FX and was also available on Hulu in 2017.
So, when we take a look at Leslie Grossman’s career highlights, it’s pretty interesting to see how her roles have been received over the years. Now, among all the movies and projects she’s been part of, one that really stands out in terms of critical reception is Studio 666 from 2022—this one definitely ranks as Leslie Grossman’s highest rated film so far. It seems like audiences and critics alike responded well to her performance, which makes sense given the buzz around that horror-comedy.
On the flip side, not every project hits the same high notes, and for Leslie Grossman, that’s especially true with Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005). While the movie had its fans, it ended up being Leslie Grossman’s lowest rated film according to reviews and audience scores. Still, it’s worth noting that even in less acclaimed roles, Leslie Grossman brought her unique energy to the screen. Overall, looking at Leslie Grossman’s filmography, there’s a clear contrast between these two points in her career—one showcasing her strength in a standout role, and the other reminding us that not every film lands perfectly. But hey, that’s showbiz, right? And through it all, Leslie Grossman continues to be a memorable presence on screen.