jpg thumb ( 462x599 ) px right Marilu Henner ) ) Mary Lucy Denise Pudlowski , better known as Marilu Henner , is an American actress , author and producer . She is best known for her role in the television sitcom Taxi . Mary Lucy Denise Henner ( born April 6 , 1952 ) , known professionally as Marilu Henner , is an American actress , producer , and New York Times best-selling author best-known for her role as Elaine O'Connor Nardo on the sitcom Taxi from 1978 to 1983 ( Seasons 1-5 : Entire series ) .