Marisa Tomei (; ; born December 4, 1964) is an American actress. In a career spanning three decades, Tomei had initial success in films as a young actress, followed by a series of unsuccessful films, then a resurgence with a series of critically acclaimed films. Following her work on the television series
As the World Turns, she came to prominence as a cast member on
The Cosby Show spin-off
A Different World in 1987. After having minor roles in a few films, she came to international attention in 1992 with the comedy
My Cousin Vinny, for which she received an
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.