Leslie Grossman Bio: Age, Career, Movies, Shows & Personal Life
Leslie Grossman is an American actress known for her work in television and film. She gained major attention through her role as Mary Cherry on Popular. Later, she became widely recognized for her recurring roles in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story.
Grossman has built a career across comedy, drama, horror, and television. Her performances often combine humor with memorable character personalities. She has also appeared in several popular movies and television series.
As of 2026, Leslie Grossman remains active in television. Her recent credits include Power Book III: Raising Kanan and American Horror Story.
Who Is Leslie Grossman?
Leslie Erin Grossman was born on October 25, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Los Angeles and developed an interest in performance early in life.
Grossman attended Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences. There, she became involved with theater and directed plays.
She later attended Sarah Lawrence College. During her senior year, she began acting professionally.
Her early experiences helped her develop the confidence needed for television. Soon afterward, she started building a professional acting career.
Leslie Grossman’s Early Acting Career
Grossman began her screen career during the late 1990s. She appeared in the television series Guys Like Us in 1998.
That same year, she appeared in films including The Opposite of Sex and Can’t Hardly Wait.
These early appearances helped Grossman gain experience in both film and television. However, her biggest breakthrough arrived soon afterward.
In 1999, she joined the cast of Popular. The series became an important turning point in her career.
Leslie Grossman as Mary Cherry in Popular
Mary Cherry became Leslie Grossman’s breakthrough television character.
Popular premiered in 1999 and ran for two seasons. Grossman played the wealthy and dramatic student Mary Cherry.
Interestingly, Grossman originally auditioned for other characters on the series. The producers later created Mary Cherry specifically for her.
Her performance gave her a distinctive place within the show’s ensemble. Mary Cherry combined exaggerated confidence, humor, and dramatic behavior.
The role also demonstrated Grossman’s talent for comedy. Consequently, it became one of the most recognizable performances of her early career.
Leslie Grossman in What I Like About You
After Popular, Grossman continued expanding her television career.
She later joined What I Like About You. The sitcom starred Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth.
Grossman played Lauren, a close friend and coworker of Val Tyler. Her character brought additional humor to the series.
The show ran for several seasons and gave Grossman another prominent television role. It also strengthened her reputation as a comedic actress.
Leslie Grossman’s Movie Career
Although television became her primary platform, Grossman also worked in movies.
Her film credits include Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous. She also appeared in Running with Scissors.
Other credits include Itty Bitty Titty Committee and Spring Breakdown.
In 2022, Grossman appeared in Studio 666. The horror-comedy film featured the rock band Foo Fighters.
Her movie career has therefore covered different genres. She has moved between comedy, drama, independent productions, and horror.
Leslie Grossman and Ryan Murphy
Ryan Murphy has played an important role in Grossman’s career.
The two have worked together on several projects over the years. Their professional connection began with Popular and continued through later productions.
Grossman appeared in Murphy’s Running with Scissors. She later became part of the larger American Horror Story universe.
Their collaborations demonstrate Grossman’s ability to handle unusual and complex characters. They also helped introduce her work to newer television audiences.
Leslie Grossman in American Horror Story
Grossman joined American Horror Story during its seventh season, Cult, in 2017.
She played Meadow Wilton, one of the characters connected to the season’s storyline.
She later returned in American Horror Story: Apocalypse. This time, she played Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt.
Grossman continued appearing in later seasons. She played Margaret Booth in 1984 and Ursula Khan in Double Feature.
She also appeared as Barbara Read during American Horror Story: NYC. Later, she played Ashleigh in Delicate.
These roles expanded Grossman’s range beyond traditional comedy. They also established her as a familiar face within the anthology series.
Leslie Grossman in The Good Place
Grossman also appeared in The Good Place. She played Donna Shellstrop, the mother of Kristen Bell’s character, Eleanor Shellstrop.
Her appearance added another notable comedy credit to her television career.
The Good Place allowed Grossman to work alongside an acclaimed ensemble cast. The series also introduced her to audiences who knew her from different genres.
Leslie Grossman in Love, Victor
Grossman later appeared in the coming-of-age series Love, Victor.
She played Georgina Cunningham in multiple episodes.
The series explored relationships, family, identity, and adolescence. Grossman’s role added another dimension to her television work.
She also continued taking roles across different streaming and cable productions.
Leslie Grossman in Monsters
In 2024, Grossman appeared in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
She played Judalon Smyth in the limited series.
The role marked another shift toward dramatic material. The series examined the highly publicized Menendez brothers case through a dramatized television narrative.
Grossman’s performance added to her growing list of television drama credits.
Leslie Grossman in Nobody Wants This
Grossman also appeared in Netflix’s Nobody Wants This in 2024.
She played Rabbi Shira in the series.
The romantic comedy-drama featured Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. Grossman’s appearance added another streaming credit to her recent work.
Leslie Grossman in Power Book III: Raising Kanan
In 2026, Grossman joined Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
She plays Flossie Siegel, a character connected to the show’s New York crime world.
Her husband, Sascha Penn, created and serves as showrunner for the series. Penn has stated that he did not cast Grossman himself.
According to Penn, writer Naja Rayne suggested Grossman’s casting during story development.
The role gives Grossman another opportunity to explore a darker dramatic character.
Leslie Grossman and American Horror Story in 2026
Grossman also remains connected with American Horror Story.
Current filmography listings include her among the cast for the show’s 2026 season.
Her continued involvement reflects her long relationship with the anthology franchise.
Across multiple seasons, she has portrayed different characters. That approach suits the show’s anthology format.
Who Is Leslie Grossman’s Husband?
Leslie Grossman married writer and producer Sascha Penn in July 2025.
The couple privately eloped on Martha’s Vineyard. They later held a larger celebration in Los Angeles.
People reported that the couple first met through a dating app in 2022. They became engaged in August 2024.
Their later wedding celebration included family and close friends.
Penn is known for his work as a television writer and producer. He created and serves as showrunner for Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
Does Leslie Grossman Have Children?
Yes. Leslie Grossman has one daughter named Goldie Bronson.
She shares Goldie with her former husband, Jon Bronson.
Grossman and Bronson were married for many years before their relationship ended. Public biographical records identify Goldie as Grossman’s daughter.
Following her marriage to Penn, the couple became part of a blended family.
People reported that Goldie and Penn’s children attended the couple’s wedding celebration.
How Old Is Leslie Grossman?
Leslie Grossman was born on October 25, 1971.
Therefore, she turned 54 in October 2025 and will turn 55 in October 2026.
She was born in Los Angeles, California, where she also grew up.
Leslie Grossman Height
Public biographical listings place Leslie Grossman’s height at approximately 5 feet 5 inches, or 1.65 meters.
Leslie Grossman Filmography
Some notable Leslie Grossman credits include:
- Popular — Mary Cherry
- What I Like About You — Lauren
- American Horror Story — multiple characters
- The Good Place — Donna Shellstrop
- Love, Victor — Georgina Cunningham
- Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story — Judalon Smyth
- Nobody Wants This — Rabbi Shira
- Studio 666 — Barb Weems
- Power Book III: Raising Kanan — Flossie Siegel
Her television work remains the strongest part of her career. However, her film appearances have added variety to her acting portfolio.
What Is Leslie Grossman Known For?
Leslie Grossman is best known for her role as Mary Cherry on Popular.
Many viewers also recognize her from What I Like About You and American Horror Story.
Her American Horror Story appearances particularly introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
Moreover, her recent streaming roles show her continued versatility.
What Is Leslie Grossman Doing Now?
As of 2026, Grossman continues working in television.
Her current credits include Power Book III: Raising Kanan and American Horror Story.
She has therefore maintained a steady presence on television more than two decades after her breakthrough.
Her career also continues to span comedy, horror, drama, and streaming productions.
Leslie Grossman Biography FAQs
How old is Leslie Grossman?
Leslie Grossman was born on October 25, 1971. She turns 55 in October 2026.
What is Leslie Grossman famous for?
She is famous for playing Mary Cherry in Popular. She also gained recognition through What I Like About You and American Horror Story.
Who is Leslie Grossman’s husband?
Leslie Grossman’s husband is writer and producer Sascha Penn. They married in July 2025.
Does Leslie Grossman have a daughter?
Yes. She has one daughter named Goldie Bronson.
What characters did Leslie Grossman play on American Horror Story?
Her characters include Meadow Wilton, Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt, Margaret Booth, Ursula, Barbara Read, and Ashleigh.
What is Leslie Grossman’s latest television work?
Her recent credits include Power Book III: Raising Kanan and American Horror Story in 2026.
Conclusion
Leslie Grossman has built a diverse career across comedy, horror, drama, and television.
Her breakthrough as Mary Cherry established her as a memorable comedic performer. Later, American Horror Story allowed her to explore darker and more dramatic characters.
Meanwhile, recent projects such as Monsters, Nobody Wants This, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan have expanded her television profile.
With new television credits in 2026, Grossman continues to remain active in the entertainment industry.
