(Of Yugoslavian-German-Irish-Native American heritage, she was raised in Kinnelon, NJ, the daughter of Dr. Salvatore Benanti, a psychotherapist, and the former Linda Wonneberger, who`s Laura`s vocal coach. Younger sister Mariel is a sophomore (and psych major) at Philadelphia`s St. Joseph`s University.) I love her! ... She`s wonderful, so bright, and so athletic the most generous person. I constantly try to be more like her.
- Laura Benanti