Harley Jane Kozak
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
This attractive brunette actor has proven herself adept at both dramatic and comedic roles. Kozak began her career while still in high school, joining the Nebraska Repertory Theater as a tap dancer. Upon graduation, she returned as a full company member and appeared in over thirty plays. At age 19, Kozak moved to New York to attend NYU.
Kozak made her feature debut in the women-in-jeopardy thriller "The House on Sorority Row" (1983) earning favorable notices for her performance. She spent almost four years in NYC on daytime serials ("Texas" and "Guiding Light") before moving to California to join the cast of the NBC soap "Santa Barbara." Playing a virginal nun who falls in love with the scion of the wealthy Capwell family, Kozak earned a spot in the history books for her character's unusual death: crushed by a neon letter "C" that fell from a hotel marquee.
Segueing into features, Kozak played small but indelible roles in "When Harry Met Sally" and "Parenthood" (both 1989) before graduating to leading roles in such diverse features as "Necessary Roughness," "The Taking of Beverly Hills" and "All I Want for Christmas" (all 1991).
Kozak alternated between film and TV, appearing regularly in three series: "Knightwatch" (ABC, 1988) as a member of a volunteer community-watch group; "Harts of the West" (CBS, 1993) as Beau Bridges' wife; and the sitcom "Bringing Up Jack" (ABC, 1995). Among her numerous other TV appearances were memorable turns as a wife accused of murdering her elderly husband on "L.A. Law" (NBC, 1991) and as NEW YORK POST reporter Amy Pagnozzi in "Beyond Control: The Amy Fisher Story" (ABC, 1993). Kozak also sparkled in the little seen comedy feature "The Favor" (1994) and subsequently appeared opposite Mark Harmon in the children's adventure "Magic in the Water" and in the first episode of Harmon's short-lived ABC detective series "Charlie Grace" as his ex-wife (both 1995).
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1962
Made first stage appearance in college production of opera "Dido and Aneas"
1966
TV debut in recurring role on mother's Nebraska Educational TV show "Music With Mrs Kozak" (dates approximate)
1973
Joined the Nebraska Repertory Theatre (date approximate)
1977
Moved to New York to attend school (date approximate)
1981
TV acting debut in NBC daytime series, "Texas"
1983
Film acting debut, "The House on Sorority Row"
1985
Relocated to California
1990
First leading role in film, "Arachnophobia"
1999
Appeared in the ensemble of the ABC drama series "Once and Again"
Family
Companions
