One of Hollywood’s most recognizable ’80s stars turned heads on a rare Los Angeles outing Wednesday, much to fans’ delight.
The star, 71, best known for playing Jeanie DaVinci opposite Robin Williams on Mork & Mindy, looked upbeat as she stepped out to tackle a few everyday chores.
Sporting a burgundy fleece jacket and gray sweatpants, her laid-back look was a far cry from the red-carpet glam she rocked during her early career, including her breakout turn alongside Michael Keaton and Henry Winkler in 1982’s Night Shift.
She also landed a role in St. Elmo’s Fire and later appeared in the original Baywatch pilot — the 1989 TV movie Baywatch: Panic at Malibu Pier — before the project evolved into the global hit series.
Her character, Gina Pomeroy, carried over into the series — but she didn’t, with producers recasting the role while David Hasselhoff, Parker Stevenson and Erika Eleniak all survived the jump to primetime.
So… can you guess the mystery star?
One of the most prolific actresses of the ’80s was spotted on a rare outing in Los Angeles on Wednesday, much to the delight of longtime fans
The star, 71, looked upbeat as she stepped out to tackle a few everyday chores.
Sporting a burgundy fleece jacket and gray sweatpants, her laid-back look was a far cry from the red-carpet glam she rocked during her early career
If you said Gina Hecht, you nailed it!
Born in Houston, Texas, Gina Hecht grew up in the spotlight as the daughter of stage actress Pauline Hecht.
After high school, she earned a degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, launching a career that would span TV, film, and stage.
Hecht got her big break in 1979 as Jeanie DaVinci on the hit series Mork & Mindy, and made her film debut in Ron Howard’s 1982 comedy Night Shift alongside Winkler and Keaton.
Over the years, Hecht built an impressive resume, landing a recurring role as Judge Rachel Lasser on General Hospital, which she played from 2015 to 2019 and earned praise for her commanding presence.
She also appeared on stage in 2011, starring alongside Jason Alexander in Neil Simon’s The Prisoner of Second Avenue, showcasing her versatility and comedic timing.
More recently, she appeard on The Rookie, alongside Nathan Fillion.
Off-screen, Hecht married writer and actor Brian Herskowitz in 1988.
If you said Gina Hecht, you nailed it!; (pictured on Mork & Mindy in 1979)
Hecht best known for playing Jeanie DaVinci opposite Robin Williams on Mork & Mindy; (pictured with Robin Williams in 1979)
Hecht’s breakout turn was alongside Michael Keaton and Henry Winkler (pictured) in 1982’s Night Shift
She appeared in St. Elmo’s Fire and the original Baywatch pilot, Panic at Malibu Pier (pictured in 1989’s Baywatch: Panic at Malibu Pier)
Her character Gina Pomeroy carried over into the series — but Gina didn’t, with producers recasting the role while David Hasselhoff, Parker Stevenson and Erika Eleniak all survived the jump to primetime; (Nicole Eggert, David Hasselhoff, Alexandra Paul, David Charvet, Pamela Anderson for Season 3 in 1992)
The couple are parents to two children, Maggie and Bailey.
Hecht reportedly introduced Mork & Mindy co-star Pam Dawber to her future husband Mark Harmon.
She also remains friends with Alexander, whose character she played the therapist of on Seinfeld in 1989.
A keen poker player, Hecht was one of six celebrities remaining at the 2007 WPT Celebrity Invitational at the Commerce Casino and one of ten to win $1,000 for her charity in 2008 at the same event.
