Maria Pitillo, born on January 8, 1965, in Elmira, New York, is an American former actress known for her roles in both film and television. She grew up in Mahwah, New Jersey, after her parents divorced, and attended Mahwah High School before transferring to Northern Highlands Regional High School.

Despite an altercation with her English teacher that prevented her from attending her high school graduation ceremony, she  pursued her passion for acting.

Her career began unexpectedly when a friend invited her to audition for a TV commercial while she was working as a department store clerk. Her first job was an advertisement for Pepto-Bismol, and she soon appeared in commercials for Bank of Boston, York Peppermint Pattie, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Chic Jeans.

In 1987, she landed a role on the ABC soap opera "Ryan's Hope," playing Nancy Don (Lewis) until the show ended in 1989.

Maria Pitillo moved to Hollywood in the early 1990s, where she took on small parts in theatrical motion pictures and starring roles in several made-for-TV movies. She earned critical praise for her performances in "Middle Ages," "Escape from Terror: The Teresa Stamper Story," and "Between Love and Honor."

Her career breakthrough came with the 1995 FOX sitcom "Partners," where she played Alicia Sondergard alongside Jon Cryer and Tate Donovan. Although the show was critically successful, it was canceled after one season.

Her most notable role came in 1998 when she starred as Audrey Timmonds in the monster film "Godzilla." She also had a recurring role on the TV series "Providence" from 1999 to 2002. After retiring from acting in 2008, she worked as an interior designer alongside her husband, David R. Fortney. They eventually divorced, but Maria continues to live in Ross, California, north of San Francisco.