Harley Jane Kozak: Life, Career, Family, Movies, Age & Everything You Need to Know

When you look at Hollywood’s long list of multi-talented personalities, Harley Jane Kozak stands out as someone who has mastered more than one creative path. Known first for her work as an actress in films, television, and daytime soap operas, and later for her successful writing career, Kozak has built a reputation that spans decades. Her journey—from a childhood on a Nebraska farm to starring roles in some of the most recognizable films of the late 1980s and early 1990s, and then making an impressive shift into award-winning mystery writing—continues to capture interest worldwide.

This article explores who Harley Jane Kozak is, her early years, her acting career, her writing career, her children and family life, her age and birthday, and the defining moments that shaped her into the artist she is today.

Who Is Harley Jane Kozak?

Harley Jane Kozak is an American actress and author best known for her roles in films like Parenthood, Arachnophobia, When Harry Met Sally…, and The Favor. Beyond Hollywood, she gained a dedicated following as a novelist, writing a series of mystery books that won multiple awards.

She was born Susan Jane Kozak on January 28, 1957, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Over the years, her career has crossed through several creative lanes—including television, film, stage acting, and fiction writing—making her one of the most versatile women in American entertainment.

The name “Harley” wasn’t her birth name. She adopted it after a boyfriend owned a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and the sound of the word stuck with her so much that she later made it part of her own identity.

Today, Kozak is respected not just for her screen work but also for her sharp, engaging writing style in the world of mystery fiction.

Harley Jane Kozak – Early Life and Childhood

Harley grew up far from Hollywood’s glitz. After being born in Pennsylvania, she was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, on a farm where she lived with her mother, Dorothy, and her seven older siblings. Her father, Joseph Kozak, passed away when she was only a year old, leaving her mother to raise the large family.

Harley was the youngest of eight children—four brothers and three sisters—which shaped much of her grounded personality. She has described her upbringing as filled with hard work, music, creativity, and the strong influence of her mother, who worked as a music teacher.

By the time she reached adulthood, Harley had decided she wanted to pursue performing arts. She eventually moved to New York City, where she spent nearly a decade working as a waitress while attending acting classes.

Her persistence paid off when she was accepted into the highly competitive Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, earning her MFA and beginning her acting journey.

Harley Jane Kozak Young – Her Start in Acting

As a young actress in New York, Kozak appeared in stage productions and worked various jobs to support herself. She gained early attention in theater before making her break into television.

Her first major screen role came from the soap opera world, a stepping stone that many actors of the 1980s used to launch their careers. Kozak acted with passion, determination, and a growing confidence that eventually helped her land roles in larger productions.

She eventually moved to Los Angeles, and by the mid-1980s, her face became familiar to millions of American television viewers.

Rise to Fame: Harley Jane Kozak’s Television & Soap Opera Career

Soap operas were a powerhouse of American entertainment during the 1980s, and Harley Jane Kozak became one of the standout actresses of the era.

Texas (Early 1980s)

Her earliest recognized television role came from the soap Texas, where she proved her ability to portray emotional and complex characters.

Guiding Light

She later joined Guiding Light, playing Annabelle Sims Reardon—a role that further strengthened her presence in daytime TV.

Santa Barbara (1985–1989)

Her real breakthrough came when she joined the cast of Santa Barbara, playing Mary Duvall.
The character became one of the most beloved figures on the show, and her dramatic exit—dying after being crushed by a neon letter “C” from a hotel sign—remains one of the most unforgettable soap opera scenes of all time.

This role helped grow her fan base significantly and opened the door for her expansion into film.

Harley Jane Kozak Movies – A Strong Hollywood Run

After making her name in television, Kozak transitioned into Hollywood films, landing roles that showcased her talent and versatility.

1. The House on Sorority Row (1982)

Her film debut was in this horror thriller, which later became a cult classic.

2. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Kozak played Helen, a small but important role in one of the most iconic romantic-comedies ever made.

3. Parenthood (1989)

One of her most memorable roles came as Susan Buckman in Ron Howard’s Parenthood.
This performance remains a fan favorite because of its mix of humor, warmth, and everyday realism.

4. Arachnophobia (1990)

Kozak reached a new level of fame with Arachnophobia, starring alongside Jeff Daniels.
The film was a major box office success and remains one of the most recognized horror-comedies of the 1990s.

5. Other Films

Over the years, she also starred in:

• Side Out

• Necessary Roughness

• Magic in the Water

• The Taking of Beverly Hills

• All I Want for Christmas

• The Favor

Her filmography reflects her ability to handle comedy, drama, family films, and thrillers with ease.

Harley Jane Kozak Television Work – Beyond Soaps

Kozak continued her TV career with roles in multiple series:

• Knightwatch

• Harts of the West

• Bringing Up Jack

• Suddenly Susan (guest roles)

She also appeared in the 1996 Titanic miniseries as Bess Allison, portraying a mother desperately searching for her baby during the tragedy.

Her ability to move between genres—drama, family comedy, suspense—made her a dependable and admired actress across television.

Transition to Writing – From Actress to Award-Winning Author

In the early 2000s, Harley Jane Kozak surprised many by stepping into a new creative world: fiction writing.

Her debut novel, Dating Dead Men, was a commercial and critical success, winning:

• The Agatha Award

• The Anthony Award

• The Macavity Award

This was followed by more books in her Wollie Shelley Mystery Series, including:

1. Dating Dead Men

2. Dating Is Murder

3. Dead Ex

4. A Date You Can’t Refuse

Her writing career proved that she was not just a successful actress but a talented storyteller capable of building humor-filled, suspenseful narratives.

Harley Jane Kozak Husband – Personal Life & Marriages

Harley Jane Kozak has been married twice.

First Marriage

Her first marriage was to Van Santvoord in 1982.
The marriage was short-lived, ending in 1983.

Second Marriage

Her second marriage was to Gregory Aldisert, an entertainment attorney, in 1997. They were together until 2007.

Despite her high-profile acting career, Kozak has always kept her personal life relatively private.

Harley Jane Kozak Children

Harley Jane Kozak has three children, all from her second marriage to Gregory Aldisert:

• Audrey (daughter)

• Giana (daughter, twin)

• Lorenzo (son, twin)

Much like her own upbringing, Kozak has prioritized creating a grounded, creative environment for her children.

Harley Jane Kozak Family Background

Kozak comes from a large family. She is the youngest of eight children, raised primarily by her mother after the passing of her father.

Her family background includes:

• Musical influence from her mother

• A strong household filled with siblings

• A rural upbringing that shaped her worldview

• Support for education and the arts

These values stayed with her throughout her acting and writing careers.

Harley Jane Kozak Age and Birthday

• Birthday: January 28, 1957

• Age (2025): 68 years old

Her long career shows how she has evolved from a young actress in the 1980s into a respected author and creative figure admired by many.

Legacy of Harley Jane Kozak

Harley Jane Kozak’s influence is felt across two major industries—film/television and literature.
Her acting career delivered memorable roles that are still watched and appreciated today.
Her writing career earned her awards and a loyal readership.

Few entertainers switch paths so successfully, but Kozak embraced both acting and writing with skill, dedication, and passion.

Even today, fans know her for her warm personality, sharp storytelling ability, and unforgettable contributions to film and television.

Final Words – From Megacine

Harley Jane Kozak’s journey—from a Nebraska farm to Hollywood success and award-winning writing—is inspiring, diverse, and filled with achievements. Her story proves that creativity has no limits and that talent can shine across multiple fields.
This article is published for readers of Megacine, celebrating artists who make a lasting impact.