Joely Fisher biography

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Actress. A true child of Hollywood, Joely Fisher was born in Burbank, California in 1967 to singer Eddie Fisher and actress Connie Stevens. Her half-sister Carrie Fisher and younger sister Tricia Leigh Fisher would both grow up to be actresses as well. When Joely Fisher was only two years old, her parents divorced, leaving her and Tricia to be raised primarily by their mother, Connie Stevens. With Stevens' career in full swing, the future actress often went along for the ride, sometimes even winding up on stage herself. Stevens toured often, taking her daughters with her as she performed all over the world. The two girls' early education consisted of rotating tutors and attendance at multiple schools.

Joely Fisher eventually enrolled at Beverly Hills High School and, after graduation, attended Emerson College in Boston. While in school, Fisher studied abroad at the University of Paris for a semester. Along with history and psychology, the actress claims to have also majored in French boys and wine.

It wasn't long before the siren song of the screen proved too strong to resist, and Fisher dropped out of school to begin her acting career. Though her mother cautioned against a life in show business, the seasoned pro also knew her daughter was intent on a career in the performing arts, once telling Joely, "I couldn't stop you with a train."

When she first began auditioning for parts, the normal-sized Fisher faced weight-related casting problems. She found herself being pigeonholed and typecast, remembering, "I was the funny fat best friend, never the leading lady."

The actress's first film appearance came in the movie Pretty Smart (1986), which happened also to star her sister, Tricia. Joely Fisher soon went on to bit parts in television, finding her way onto iconic 1990s sitcoms like Blossom and Growing Pains. She also landed guest roles on shows like Grace Under Fire, Coach and Caroline in the City.

Moving temporarily to the big screen, Fisher got a part in the feature I'll Do Anything in 1994. Later, the actress would call this the turning point in her career, once saying, "I auditioned eight times before getting the part, but I got to play with the big kids and it was really exciting for me." Soon after, Fisher sang at the Academy Awards alongside the likes of Christian Slater, Ricki Lake, Patrick Dempsey and Danny Glover. This seemingly small cameo ended up garnering the attention of casting directors, who began calling her into auditions within days.