Jane Rachel Brucker (born December 17, 1958) is an American actress and screenwriter, best known for her role as Lisa Houseman, the elder sister of protagonist Frances "Baby" Houseman, in the iconic 1987 film Dirty Dancing.
Biography
Brucker was born in La Jolla, California. She began her career in the mid-1980s, primarily taking on roles in film and television.
Career
Brucker's most notable role came in 1987 with Dirty Dancing, where she played Lisa Houseman, a character known for her humorous, somewhat naive demeanor and her rendition of the "Hula Hana" song. The film was a massive commercial success and cultural phenomenon, significantly raising Brucker's profile.
Following Dirty Dancing, Brucker continued to work in Hollywood, though her subsequent roles were less prominent. Her other film credits include Stealing Home (1988), where she played Laurel Wyatt, and Honeymoon Academy (1990), which she also co-wrote with Paul Elliott. She made guest appearances on television series such as Miami Vice in 1988.
After the early 1990s, Brucker largely stepped away from acting and screenwriting.
Personal Life
Jane Brucker was married to actor and director Emilio Estevez from 1985 to 1987. She later married Tony B. Gabriele, with whom she has two daughters, Macy and Sophie.
Filmography
- Dirty Dancing (1987) – Lisa Houseman
- Stealing Home (1988) – Laurel Wyatt
- Honeymoon Academy (1990) – Judith (also co-writer)
Television
- Miami Vice (1988) – episode "Mirror Image" – Sister Lila