Trivia

Has suffered from bipolar disorder since she was a young girl.

Had scoliosis in junior high school and wore a full-torso brace.

She met her husband, Dan Gilroy, while they were both working on the film Freejack (1992). Gilroy as screenwriter had turned down an offer to rewrite it, and Rene had turned down an offer to star in it. Both changed their minds, met on the set, and were soon married.

A huge Red Sox fan, she often attends games at Fenway Park and road games when the team is in California. She attended their post World Series victory party at the team hotel in Colorado after game 4 in 2007.

Was originally cast as Dr. Chase Meridian in Batman Forever (1995) but, when Michael Keaton was replaced by Val Kilmer, she was replaced with Nicole Kidman because the producers felt that she was too old to be a convincing love interest for Kilmer.

Gave birth, at age 39, to her only child, daughter Rose Gilroy (Rose Jean Gilroy), on August 31, 1993. Child's father is her husband, Dan Gilroy.

Has seven siblings on her father's side. The late one-time auto-mechanic-turned-sculptor Nino Russo had at least six other children besides Rene. They are: Jim, January Debra, Toni Lynn, David, and Anthony John Russo.

Is a devout Christian.

Her father was of Italian descent. Her maternal grandfather was also of Italian descent, while her maternal grandmother had German, English, and Irish ancestry.

Lives in Los Angeles and Toluca Lake, California.

Ex-sister-in-law of Bernie Taupin.

Is allergic to sesame.

Sister-in-law of John Gilroy and Tony Gilroy.

Aunt-in-law of Carolyn Gilroy and Sam Gilroy.

Daughter-in-law of Frank D. Gilroy.