Leslie Ackerman

Leslie Ackerman is an American actress who grew up in Springfield, New Jersey. Her father began his career as an attorney before being appointed to the Federal District Court in Trenton, New Jersey. Ackerman developed an interest in theater during childhood, a passion that would eventually lead her to the Broadway stage.

Her Broadway debut came in 1974, when she played Abigail in Mourning Pictures. That same year she appeared in the film Law and Disorder, marking the beginning of a screen career that would span several decades. Subsequent film appearances included The First Nudie Musical in 1976, Joyride to Nowhere and Cracking Up in 1977, Hardcore in 1979, and Blame It on the Night in 1984.

Television became a significant part of Ackerman's career, with guest appearances on numerous series including Barnaby Jones, The Streets of San Francisco, All in the Family, Welcome Back Kotter, The Incredible Hulk, Quincy, CHiPs, Cagney and Lacey, Simon and Simon, Moonlighting, and Baywatch. In 1980 she took on the recurring role of Barbara Skagska in the NBC drama Skag. She also earned recognition among Star Trek fans for portraying a waitress in the Deep Space Nine episode Trials and Tribble-ations, which aired in 1996.

Preparation for her role in the 1979 television film Women at West Point required Ackerman to spend three weeks at the United States Military Academy, where she completed portions of military training. Her activities there included running the obstacle course, marching in full combat gear, and carrying a man on her shoulders over a distance of 100 yards.

In 2000, Ackerman wrote, produced, and starred in the film What's Eating You?, demonstrating her range beyond performance. In 1979 she married comedian Jeff Altman; the marriage produced one daughter before the couple divorced.