Marianne Leone

Marianne Leone is an actress, essayist, and screenwriter. She is the author of three memoirs “Jesse,” “Ma Speaks Up,” and most recently “Five-Dog Epiphany.” She had a recurring role on HBO’s “The Sopranos” as Joanne, Christophers Mother. She has also appeared in films by David O. Russell, Larry David, and John Sayles.Her latest project is a novel, and it is “Christina the Astonishing.” It’s a coming-of-age novel told from the perspective of an irrepressible girl by the name of Christina. Her encounters with Catholic school, nuns, Italian mothers, and smalltown Massachusetts all come together in one brewing stew.

Marianne Leone, actress, writer and advocate for disabled children, is the author of "Five-Dog Epiphany: How a Quintet of Badass Bichons Retrieved Our Joy." She and her husband, actor Chris Cooper, will join Joe Donahue on stage at Page Hall on the University at Albany Downtown Campus for a Creative Life conversation at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 16.