Ileen Getz

Who was Ileen Getz?

Ileen Getz was an American actress, most recognized for her role as Dr. Judith Draper in the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Getz was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Northwestern University, she joined the Econo-Art Theatre Company and Practical Theatre Company, both in Chicago, Illinois.

She began her television work in 1995, with appearances on shows such as Law & Order and Seinfeld. In 1996, Getz became a recurring cast member on 3rd Rock from the Sun, playing a professor of women's studies with no personality. Her film career included minor roles in such films as Celebrity, Lovely and Amazing, The Station Agent, Changing Lanes, and the posthumously released Friends with Money and East Broadway.

Getz also worked in New York City theatre, on Broadway and at the Lincoln Center, as well as the Manhattan Theatre Club, at which she starred in Night and Her Stars, written by Richard Greenberg. Greenberg later wrote a lead role for her in Hurrah at Last which premiered at South Coast Repertory in 1998.

Getz died of cancer at the age of 43 in New York City, survived by her husband, Mark Grinnell; two children; and a brother.