Annabelle Howard

Annabelle Gurwitch is an American author, actress, and television personality recognized for her role as a hostess on TBS's "Dinner and a Movie." Her career spans theater, television, and film, with early acting roles in Off-Broadway productions and television shows like "The Guiding Light" and "Alien Nation." She also co-wrote episodes for the animated series "ThunderCats."

Gurwitch has authored several books, including the New York Times bestseller "I See You Made an Effort," which was adapted into a solo show. Her literary work often draws from personal experiences, humor, and observations on life, relationships, and societal issues. Her most recent book, "The End of My Life Is Killing Me," details her journey after a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. She has also contributed essays to various publications and served as a commentator for NPR.

Annabelle Gurwitch began her acting career on the Off-Broadway stage in New York City, participating in productions at notable venues like The Public Theater. Her theater credits include world and West Coast premieres of plays by contemporary playwrights. A significant recognition came when her performance in "Joe and Betty" was named among The New York Times' "Top Ten Performances in Theatre of the Year 2002." Transitioning to television, Gurwitch appeared in early shows such as "Not Necessarily the News" and "The Guiding Light." She also took on roles in "The Equalizer," "China Beach," and "Alien Nation." Her contributions extended to writing, as she co-wrote two episodes of the animated children's series "ThunderCats." She later gained wider recognition as a co-host for the TBS show "Dinner and a Movie" from 1996 to 2002.

Gurwitch is a prolific author, having penned six books that often blend humor with deeply personal narratives. Her 2014 book, "I See You Made an Effort," achieved status as a New York Times bestseller and was a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor Writing. This work was later adapted into a touring solo show. The book also included "Autumn Leaves," an ebook exploring an erotic fantasy. More recently, "The End of My Life Is Killing Me" (2026) candidly addresses her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, while "You're Leaving When?" (2021) humorously recounts her experiences with a boarder following a divorce. Her essays have been featured in prominent publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times, and she has been a regular commentator for NPR's "All Things Considered."

In 2007, Annabelle Gurwitch wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the documentary film "Fired!" This film explored the experiences of individuals who had lost their jobs, incorporating interviews, skits, and comedy routines, including material from a stage play of the same name. The documentary featured a diverse group of individuals, from UAW workers to former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. The film was screened at the U.S. Department of Labor and various labor film festivals, highlighting themes of employment and dismissal. Gurwitch has also been associated with environmental issues and secular humanism, and was recognized by OncoDaily as one of the 100 Influential Women in Oncology.