Dianne Duvall

Harley Jane Kozak, born Susan Jane Kozak in 1957, is an American actress and author. She began her acting career in film and television, with notable roles including Mary Duvall on "Santa Barbara" and appearances in "Parenthood" and "Arachnophobia." After a decade-long acting career, Kozak shifted her focus to writing, publishing five mystery novels. Her debut novel, "Dating Dead Men," received multiple awards, including the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. She has written a series featuring amateur sleuth Wollie Shelley, and also penned a paranormal romantic suspense novel titled "Keeper of the Moon."

Kozak's early life involved moving several times with her family before attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and later New York University. She worked as a waitress for ten years before graduating from NYU's Graduate Acting Program. She legally changed her name to Harley Jane Kozak, adopting the first name from a former boyfriend. Kozak has been married twice and has three children. She resides in Los Angeles.

Harley Jane Kozak established herself as an actress with a diverse range of roles. Her film debut was in "The House on Sorority Row" (1982), followed by a significant role as Mary Duvall on the soap opera "Santa Barbara" from 1985 to 1989. During her time on "Santa Barbara," her character's unusual death led to a viewer outcry and a campaign for her return, though Kozak declined to reprise the role in its original form, opting instead for a brief appearance as an angel. She also appeared in films such as "Parenthood" (1989) and "Arachnophobia" (1990). Kozak's television work included roles on "Texas," "Guiding Light," and the CBS series "Harts of the West." She also featured in the mini-series "Titanic" and the made-for-TV movie "Unforgivable," receiving praise for her performance. Kozak was initially cast in the TV show "Once and Again" but withdrew due to pregnancy.

Following her extensive acting career, Harley Jane Kozak dedicated herself to writing, primarily in the mystery genre. She has authored five novels, all featuring greeting-card designer and amateur sleuth Wollie Shelley, a character known for her eccentric circle of friends and family. Kozak's debut novel, "Dating Dead Men" (2004), garnered significant critical acclaim, earning her the Agatha Award, Anthony Award, and Macavity Award for best first novel. Her subsequent mystery novels include "Dating Is Murder: A Novel" (2005), "Dead Ex" (2007), and "A Date You Can't Refuse" (2008). Beyond her mystery series, Kozak also ventured into paranormal romantic suspense with her book "Keeper of the Moon."