Harley Jane Kozak is a distinguished American author and actress, best known for her work in paranormal romance, paranormal suspense, thriller, and mystery stories. She was born Susan Jane Kozak in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Nebraska. Kozak developed an interest in the arts at a young age, which led her to attend New York University. After graduation, she pursued an acting career, appearing in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.
Kozak's acting career includes notable roles in films such as "The House on Sorority Row," "Clean and Sober," "When Harry Met Sally," "Arachnophobia," and "Parenthood." She is also well-known for her portrayal of Mary Duvall in the popular soap opera "Santa Barbara." However, in the early 2000s, Kozak decided to shift her focus to writing, and she has since become a successful and acclaimed author.
As a writer, Kozak has written four novels featuring greeting card designer and amateur sleuth Wollie Shelley. These novels include "Dating Dead Men," "Dating Is Murder: A Novel," "Dead Ex," and "A Date You Can't Refuse." "Dating Dead Men" won the Agatha Award for best first novel in 2004, highlighting Kozak's talent for storytelling and her ability to create engaging and memorable characters.
Kozak has also contributed to the Keepers L.A. series, collaborating with authors Alexandra Sokoloff and Heather Graham. In 2006, she edited an anthology called "Landmarked for Murder" with Nathan Walpow and Michael Mallory. Kozak's writing is known for its wit, humor, and engaging plotlines, making her a popular and beloved author in the mystery genre.
In addition to her writing and acting careers, Kozak is also a devoted wife and mother. She has been married twice, first to actor Van Santvoord in the early 1980s and then to entertainment lawyer Gregory Aldisert from 1997 to 2007. She has three children with her second husband: Audrey Valentine, Lorenzo Robert, and Giana Julia. After the birth of her children, Kozak retired from acting almost completely, dedicating her time to her family and writing. She currently resides in Agoura Hills, California, where she continues to write and publish novels.