Leslie Grossman, known for her roles on shows like Popular and American Horror Story, reflected on her time on the short-lived series What I Like About You during an interview on E!’s Busy Tonight in 2018. Grossman shared that being a part of the cast was a fun and memorable time in her life. She played the character of Lauren, Val’s energetic and sometimes overwhelming best friend, joining the show towards the end of season one. Prior to her role on WILAY, Grossman had gained a loyal following for her portrayal of the eccentric Mary Cherry on Popular, a show created by Ryan Murphy that ended too soon.
Although Grossman has appeared in numerous shows over the years, her roles on Popular and What I Like About You were the most memorable until she joined Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story in 2017. This marked a significant moment in her career, as she transitioned into the role of a scream queen and solidified her place in the horror genre. She is also set to appear in Murphy’s forthcoming Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, following the success of the first season that focused on Jeffrey Dahmer. Grossman, now 52 years old, reflected on the challenges she faced in Hollywood, where she was initially seen as “weird” and struggled to find her place before Murphy recognized her talent and gave her a platform to showcase her unique abilities.
In a candid interview with The Daily Beast in 2022, Grossman opened up about her journey in the entertainment industry and how she navigated through rejection and setbacks. She recalled facing criticism for her unconventional appearance and voice, with people often telling her that she was too “weird” for mainstream success. Despite the challenges, Grossman persevered and continued to work steadily, taking on various roles in series and pilots that ultimately did not get picked up. However, Murphy saw something in her that others did not and offered her a platform to shine, recognizing her talent and giving her the opportunity to showcase her abilities to a wider audience.
On the personal front, Grossman has a daughter named Goldie, who is 17 years old, from her marriage to Jon Bronson. After 20 years of marriage, Bronson filed for divorce in 2020, marking a significant change in Grossman’s personal life. Despite the challenges that she has faced both personally and professionally, Grossman remains resilient and determined to carve out her own path in Hollywood. With a successful career that has spanned over two decades, she continues to captivate audiences with her unique talent and versatile performances across various genres, from comedy to horror.
As Grossman continues to pursue diverse and challenging roles in the industry, she remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and the support she has received from fans and colleagues. Her journey from being perceived as “weird” to becoming a celebrated actress and scream queen is a testament to her resilience, talent, and dedication to her craft. With upcoming projects on the horizon, including her involvement in Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series, Grossman’s star continues to rise, solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished actress in Hollywood. Amidst the highs and lows of her career and personal life, Grossman’s passion for acting and her ability to connect with audiences remain unwavering, making her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
