Profile Text
Birth Name: Adrienne Levine
Date of Birth: June 24, 1966
Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Death: November 1, 2006
Place of Death: Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
Adrienne Shelly, also known as Adrienne Shelley, was an American actress, film director, and screenwriter. Her roles included the films The Unbelievable Truth , Trust (1990), Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even , Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me ; Hexed (1993), Sleeping with Strangers , Teresa’s Tattoo , Sleep with Me , Roadflower , Grind (1997), and Factotum ; and the made-for-tv movie The Atlantis Conspiracy . Early in her career, she often worked with filmmaker Hal Hartley. She directed and wrote the films Sudden Manhattan and Waitress (2007), both of which she also starred in; and co-wrote the film Serious Moonlight (2009).
Adrienne was the daughter of Elaine and Sheldon Levine. She was raised on Long Island, New York. She was married to Andy Ostroy, until her death, with whom she had a daughter. Andy was chairman and CEO of marketing firm Belardi/Ostroy.
Adrienne’s paternal grandfather was named Harry Levine (the son of Sam Levine and Bertha). Harry was born in Manhattan, New York City, New York, to Russian Jewish parents.
Adrienne’s paternal grandmother was Annette Paskie (the daughter of Simon Paskie and Lena Litvin). Annette was born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, to Russian Jewish parents. Simon was the son of Jacob Paskie and Anna.
Adrienne’s maternal grandfather was named Benjamin Langbaum (the son of Morris Langbaum and Gussie). Benjamin was born in Warszawa, Mazowieckie, Poland, to a Jewish family.
Adrienne’s maternal grandmother was Betty Bonfield (the daughter of Solomon Bonfield and Jennie Tolchinsky). Betty was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents.
Sources: Genealogy of Adrienne Shelly (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.findagrave.com
Adrienne’s mother on the 1950 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Adrienne’s maternal grandmother, Betty Bonfield, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org