leisha hailey

Born in Okinawa, Japan, on July 11, 1971, Leisha Hailey grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska. At 17, she moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 1991, she co-founded the pop duo The Murmurs with classmate Heather Grody, releasing several albums and performing at Lilith Fair during the 1990s. The duo later rebranded as Gush before disbanding. Hailey also expanded her musical endeavors by co-writing the Shakira hit song “Don’t Bother” for the 2005 album “Oral Fixation Vol. 2.” In 2005, she founded Marfa Records, furthering her involvement in the music industry.

Hailey’s acting career began with a television debut in a 1996 episode of “Boy Meets World,” followed by her first major film role in “All Over Me” in 1997. Her most recognized role came in 2004 as Alice Pieszecki in “The L Word,” a role she held until 2009. She reprised this role in “The L Word: Generation Q” from 2019 to 2023. Throughout her career, Hailey has appeared in various television series, including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2006, 2010), “Grey’s Anatomy” (2006), “American Dad!” (2007–2012), “Supernatural” (2015), “Bosch” (2016), and “Silicon Valley” (2017). She has also taken on film roles in productions such as “La Cucina” (2007), “Fertile Ground” (2011), and “Dead Ant” (2017).

In 2007, Hailey formed the electropop duo Uh Huh Her with Camila Grey, releasing their debut EP “I See Red” followed by the album “Common Reaction” in 2008. Beyond her acting and music, Hailey has engaged in various media projects, including hosting the podcast “PANTS” with “The L Word” co-star Kate Moennig. In 2025, she co-authored a memoir titled “So Gay for You: Friendship, Found Family, and the Show That Started It All” with Moennig, reflecting on their experiences and friendship.