Leslie Erin Grossman

Born on October 25, 1971, in Los Angeles, Leslie Grossman’s early years are somewhat enigmatic, with known facts including her adoption. Since childhood, Grossman harbored aspirations for a career on stage, though initially unsure of her abilities. Her passion for acting was fueled by watching classic Hollywood films and emulating celebrated stars. At home, she would often stage impromptu performances for her family, imitating her favorite actors.

Her adolescent years saw a deepening of her artistic interests. Grossman eagerly acted in numerous school plays, showing no fear of the limelight. This period solidified her resolve to pursue a career in acting. After graduating from high school, she furthered her studies at Sarah Lawrence College, focusing on the Performing Arts.

During her college tenure, Leslie shone in various theatrical roles, encompassing both classic and contemporary genres, in dramas and comedies. Her performance in the play “Bread and Butter” at the Hudson Theatre was particularly successful, reinforcing her aspiration for an acting career.

Leslie Grossman’s entrance into the film industry came in 1998 with a role as a student in “Can’t Hardly Wait.” Soon after, she appeared in “The Opposite of Sex.” Initially, she was cast in smaller, episodic roles and supporting characters.

Her big break came with the TV comedy “Popular” (1999 – 2001), where she played Mary Cherry, a wealthy but quirky high school student. The show’s success at Kennedy High School led to its renewal and increased recognition for Grossman, opening doors to more significant cinematic opportunities.

From 2002 to 2006, Grossman was a regular on the New York-based sitcom “What I Like About You,” portraying the vibrant blonde Lauren. She also featured in the sequel “Miss Congeniality 2” in 2005.

In 2007, her brother Rodger Grossman directed the biopic “What We Do Is Secret,” charting the rise of grunge rock in California, with Leslie playing a small role. The film, released in 2008, featured notable actors like Shane West and Bijou Phillips.

Leslie’s career flourished with roles in “Charmed,” “Nip/Tuck” as Bliss Berger, and “10 Things I Hate About You” as Darlene Tharp. In “Spring Breakdown” (2009), she played a flamboyant character in prison.

In 2017, Leslie joined the ensemble of “American Horror Story,” portraying Patricia Krenwinkel and Meadow Wilton in the seventh season, and Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt in the eighth. The ninth season saw her as Margaret Booth.

In 1999, Leslie married John Bronson, with whom she adopted a daughter, Goldie. In 2020, it was reported that Bronson had secretly filed for divorce, a fact Leslie discovered through the media. Speculation about the divorce’s connection to pandemic-induced self-isolation abounds, though official confirmation is lacking. Leslie neither confirms nor denies these rumors, which continue to circulate on social media.