Laura San Giacomo, a beloved actress known for her roles in iconic films and television shows, has transformed her life beyond Hollywood into a passionate advocacy for inclusive education and disability rights. Best known for her performance as Kit De Luca in "Pretty Woman" and as Maya Gallo in the NBC sitcom "Just Shoot Me!", San Giacomo has maintained a steady acting career while dedicating herself to causes close to her heart.
Born in West Orange, New Jersey, to MaryJo and John San Giacomo, she grew up in Denville, where her love for acting blossomed during her time at Morris Knolls High School. After honing her skills at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting, setting the stage for her professional career.
San Giacomo made her mark in Hollywood with guest appearances on popular television shows in the late 1980s, including "Spenser: For Hire," "Crime Story," and "Miami Vice." However, it was her role in Steven Soderbergh's groundbreaking film "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" (1989) that catapulted her to fame. The film won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, earning San Giacomo a Los Angeles Film Critics Association's New Generation Award and a Golden Globe nomination.
In 1990, she starred alongside Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman," where her character Kit De Luca became a fan favorite. San Giacomo's range extended to the stage, featuring in numerous theater productions, including Shakespearean classics like "Romeo and Juliet" and contemporary works like "Italian American Reconciliation." During the early 1990s, she continued to build her filmography with roles in movies such as "Vital Signs," "Quigley Down Under," and "Under Suspicion."
In 1990, she married actor Cameron Dye, and their son Mason was born in 1996. Mason's diagnosis of cerebral palsy profoundly impacted San Giacomo, prompting a significant shift in her career. Seeking a more stable schedule to spend time with her son, she transitioned from film to television, landing the role of Maya Gallo in "Just Shoot Me!" The show aired from 1997 to 2003, earning her a Golden Globe nomination in 1999.
After "Just Shoot Me!" concluded, San Giacomo's appearances became less frequent, yet she remained active in the industry, narrating the true-crime series "Snapped" and starring in films like "Checking Out" and "Havoc." In 2006, she reunited with her "Just Shoot Me!" co-star Enrico Colantoni on "Veronica Mars" and secured a role in the series "Saving Grace" alongside Holly Hunter.
Beyond her acting career, San Giacomo has been a vocal advocate for inclusive education, inspired by her experiences as a mother. She became involved with the CHIME Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusive education for children of all abilities. In the early 2000s, she helped establish an elementary school through the institute, which integrates children with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers.
In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2016, San Giacomo shared her perspective on disability, asserting, "Disability is natural. It's always been. It always will be. It's part of the world, and it's part of life." She also challenged the negative narratives often surrounding disabilities, suggesting that society should view them as opportunities for growth and understanding.
San Giacomo's advocacy extends to public service announcements, including "The More You Know," which earned her recognition at the 2000 Media Access Awards. She has collaborated with Media Access to create PSAs promoting inclusive education and diversity, emphasizing the benefits of inclusive environments for all children.
In recent years, she has continued to balance her acting career with her advocacy work. Since 2016, San Giacomo has appeared in 13 episodes of the popular series "NCIS" as Dr. Grace Confalone, with her most recent appearance in 2024. Her commitment to accessibility issues remains strong, as she presented Mobility Ambassadorships to local businesses in 2021 that made their spaces fully accessible, even matching donations for those who signed up to become #MobilityAmbassadors.
In 2020, during the challenging times of the pandemic, San Giacomo recorded a heartfelt message urging people to vote by mail, highlighting the struggles many faced, including long lines at food banks. As of April 2025, the 62-year-old actress has been spotted sporting a youthful blonde hairstyle, a departure from her iconic dark locks in "Pretty Woman." She remains active in the industry, with upcoming projects in various stages of production.
San Giacomo's legacy, however, extends beyond her memorable film and television roles. Her advocacy for inclusive education and her efforts to change perceptions about disability have created a lasting impact that resonates with many. As she continues to navigate her career and activism, Laura San Giacomo remains a figure of inspiration and change.
