Marilu Henner's Incredible Memory
They say the memory goes as you get older, but that's not the case for Marilu Henner. The actress and best-selling author has hyperthymesia, also known as superior autobiographical memory, which allows her to recall specific, detailed information about every single day of her life since she was a child.
"It was never a trauma for me, it was just who I was," says Marilu, whose vivid memories started around the age of six. "I was very good at remembering things, and I was the family historian. People would come to me and ask me stuff and it was never a problem."
Marilu, who shared her experiences in an interview on "60 Minutes" last December, is now consulting on the new CBS drama "Unforgettable." The lead character (played by Poppy Montgomery), is a detective with hyperthymesia, and uses her skill to help solve crimes.
"I feel very protective about it this gift that I have. So when the show came up I definitely wanted to be part of it," Marilu says. "I thought, 'Let's make sure the right information is out there,' and it's been really great. I'm really happy about it." Marilu is also working on her ninth book, which taps into her gift. "It's called 'Total Memory' Makeover and it's helping people access their autobiographical memory," she shares.
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At 59, Marilu looks absolutely stunning in a body-hugging Dolce and Gabbana dress, Diane von Furstenberg heels and "a La Perla bra, and that's it," she chuckles. Marilu credits a holistic lifestyle for keeping her body in tip-top condition. "No dairy, no meat and no sugar. I am vegan," she declares to Third Age. "August 15, 1979, on a Wednesday is the day I gave up dairy products, and it changed my life forever." She stays active as well. "I speed walk, do Pilates and dance. I just move like an athlete all the time."
As for that amazing memory, it's definitely played a role in her love life. Marilu is currently married to Michael Brown, her third husband, whom she first encountered back in college. "I met him on Oct. 19, 1970, and he was my college roommate's boyfriend," she recalls. "We totally lost contact with each other over the years, but I ran into him two days before I was getting married because I was getting the license on Sept. 26, 1980, which was a Friday." Of course, she hasn't forgotten the thought that went through her mind that day. "As he walked away from me I was thinking, How come I'm not marrying a guy like that? That should tell you something."
Marilu will celebrate her 60th birthday next April, and the star already knows how she and her family will honor the momentous occasion. "Because it's during spring break, we're all going to Quebec City." She can't wait for the next decade of her life.
"Everything happened after 40," Marilu exclaims. "There's 38, 39 and you are like it's so dark and cloudy and you're climbing this mountain, and all of a sudden, the thunder clouds part and you get to the other side and all the cool people are up there. And you say hey, it's sunny up here and you really feel your power. At 50 it's even better. And 60 is going to be incredible."
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