Rena Sofer Biography 2026: Age, Height, Husband, Children, Career, General Hospital & More
Rena Sofer is a beloved American actress best known for her iconic roles in daytime television. She captivated audiences as the bold and bubbly Lois Cerullo on General Hospital, earning a Daytime Emmy Award, and later brought depth and drama as Quinn Fuller on The Bold and the Beautiful. With a career spanning over four decades, Sofer has appeared in numerous primetime shows, Hallmark movies, and guest spots while balancing family life and personal reinvention.
In 2026, fans continue to search for Rena Sofer age, Rena Sofer husband, Rena Sofer height, and details about her return to and exit from General Hospital. Here is her complete, up-to-date biography.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rena Sherel Sofer |
| Nick Name | Rena |
| Profession | Actress |
| Birth Date | December 2, 1968 |
| Age | 57 (as of March 2026) |
| Birth Place | Arcadia, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Lois Cerullo on General Hospital, Quinn Fuller on The Bold and the Beautiful, Emmy-winning soap star |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (Russian Jewish descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 130 lb (59 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Attended Montclair State University |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Marital Status | Married to Sanford Bookstaver (remarried 2024) |
| Spouses | Wally Kurth (m. 1995; div. 1997), Sanford Bookstaver (m. 2003; div. 2017; remarried 2024) |
| Children | Rosabel Rosalind Kurth (b. 1996), Avalon Leone Bookstaver (b. 2005) |
| Family | Father: Martin Sofer (Orthodox rabbi, deceased?); Mother: Susan Franzblau (psychology professor); Brother: David Sofer |
| Hobbies | Pottery, woodworking, animal rescue & advocacy, spending time with family and dogs |
| Current Work | Actress; recently wrapped return stint on General Hospital; relocating to New York |
| Years Active | 1984–present |
Early Life & Education
Rena Sherel Sofer was born on December 2, 1968, in Arcadia, California. Her father, Martin Sofer, was an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, and her mother, Susan (née Franzblau), worked as a psychology professor. After her parents divorced when she was young, Rena moved with her father and brother David to Teaneck, New Jersey, and later lived in Western Pennsylvania and North Bergen, New Jersey.
She attended the Frisch School, a Modern Orthodox Jewish high school in Paramus, New Jersey, and graduated from North Bergen High School. Sofer then took classes at Montclair State University (then Montclair State College). Growing up in a religious household shaped her values, though she has described her own Jewish practice as more cultural and personal.
At age 15 or 16, while shopping in New York’s Greenwich Village, a modeling scout spotted her. She briefly tried modeling but quickly realized her true passion was acting. She studied the Meisner Technique and Method Acting, which helped launch her career in commercials, student films, and music videos.
Career Journey
Early Days and Breakthrough on Daytime TV (1980s–1990s)
Sofer landed her first major role as Rocky McKenzie on the ABC soap Loving while still a teenager. In 1993, she originated the role of Lois Cerullo on General Hospital. The loud, fun-loving Brooklynite who married into the Quartermaine family became an instant fan favorite. Her chemistry with co-stars and memorable storylines made Lois one of the most beloved characters in soap history.
In 1995, Sofer won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Lois, along with a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress.
She left General Hospital in 1997 but returned for short guest stints. After daytime, Sofer built a successful career in primetime with guest appearances on shows like Melrose Place, Friends, Seinfeld, Two and a Half Men, NCIS, and 24.
Primetime, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Hallmark (2000s–2020s)
Sofer played Quinn Fuller on CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful from 2013 to 2022. Her portrayal of the scheming, complex jewelry designer earned her international recognition and several Soap Awards France nominations and wins, including Best Villain.
She has also starred in many Hallmark Channel movies, including Always & Forever and others, showcasing her warm, romantic side. Sofer has appeared in made-for-TV films and episodic roles throughout her career.
Return to General Hospital and Recent Moves (2023–2025)
In 2023, Sofer made a highly anticipated return to General Hospital as Lois Cerullo after a 26-year absence. Fans loved seeing the character back in Port Charles. She wrapped her two-year comeback stint in October 2025, with Lois written out to Seoul, South Korea (leaving the door open for future returns).
In 2025, after nearly 35 years in Los Angeles, Sofer and her husband announced they were relocating to New York for “quieter and calmer times.” She continues acting while embracing new chapters.
Notable Career Highlights
- Daytime Emmy winner for General Hospital (1995)
- Originator of Lois Cerullo (1993–present, with breaks)
- Long-running role as Quinn Fuller on The Bold and the Beautiful
- Successful transition to primetime and Hallmark movies
Personal Life
Rena Sofer’s love life has been a journey of second chances. She first married actor Wally Kurth (who played Ned on General Hospital) in 1995; they welcomed daughter Rosabel Rosalind Kurth in 1996 before divorcing in 1997.
In 2003, she married director and producer Sanford Bookstaver. They had daughter Avalon Leone Bookstaver in 2005 but divorced in 2017. The couple rekindled their romance around 2019, got engaged, and remarried on May 18, 2024—on what would have been their 21st anniversary. In 2025 and 2026, Sofer has joyfully celebrated both their “1st and 22nd” wedding anniversaries, calling Bookstaver the love of her life.
The family includes two daughters and several rescue dogs. Sofer is a proud mom who often shares moments with her girls on social media. She is an outspoken advocate for animal rescue, pro-choice rights, and Jewish community causes. In recent years, she has taken up pottery and woodworking as creative hobbies.
The family relocated from Los Angeles to New York in 2025.
Controversies
Rena Sofer has generally maintained a positive public image with few major controversies. She has spoken openly about personal challenges, including her divorces and the emotional process of remarrying. Like many in the entertainment industry, she has addressed online criticism and fan expectations around soap storylines, but she handles such matters with grace and professionalism.
Awards & Achievements
- Daytime Emmy Award (1995) – Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (General Hospital)
- Soap Opera Digest Award (1995) – Outstanding Younger Lead Actress (General Hospital)
- Soap Awards France – Best Villain of the Year (2016, The Bold and the Beautiful)
- Multiple nominations for her work on The Bold and the Beautiful
Physical Statistics
Rena Sofer stands at 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) tall with a slim, athletic build. She has dark brown to black hair and warm brown eyes. Her classic beauty and expressive face have made her a favorite in both dramatic and romantic roles.
Quotes
“I got to re-marry my best friend once again!” — on her 2024 remarriage to Sanford Bookstaver.
“Lois is still loud and she’s still mouthy.” — describing her return to General Hospital.
“I’m eternally grateful.” — reflecting on her time playing Lois Cerullo after wrapping in 2025.
Earnings & Net Worth
Rena Sofer’s net worth is estimated at $3 million to $8 million as of 2026, depending on the source. Her wealth comes from decades of soap opera salaries, primetime guest spots, Hallmark movies, endorsements, and real estate. Long runs on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful provided steady income, supplemented by her husband’s work in directing and producing.
Interesting Facts
- She was discovered by a modeling scout at age 15–16 in Greenwich Village.
- Her father was an Orthodox rabbi, and she attended Jewish day schools growing up.
- She is a passionate animal lover who advocates for shelter pets and has multiple rescue dogs.
- Sofer practices pottery and woodworking as creative outlets.
- She has described herself as “Proud to be Pro-Choice” and actively supports women’s rights.
- In 2025, after 35 years in Los Angeles, she moved to New York for a calmer lifestyle.
Did You Know?
Rena Sofer’s first General Hospital husband on screen (Ned, played by her real-life ex Wally Kurth) connects her personal and professional worlds in a unique soap opera twist!
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @rena.sofer – Shares family moments, pottery, dog rescues, and acting updates.
- Official updates often appear on General Hospital and soap fan pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Rena Sofer in 2026?
She is 57 years old and will turn 58 on December 2, 2026.
Who is Rena Sofer’s husband?
She is married to director/producer Sanford Bookstaver. They originally wed in 2003, divorced in 2017, and remarried in 2024.
What is Rena Sofer’s height?
She stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Why did Rena Sofer leave General Hospital in 2025?
She wrapped her return stint as Lois Cerullo in October 2025 as the character moved to Seoul. Sofer expressed gratitude for the experience and noted she and her family were relocating to New York for a quieter life, though the door remains open for future returns.
Conclusion
From her early days on Loving to her Emmy-winning turn as Lois Cerullo and her memorable run as Quinn on The Bold and the Beautiful, Rena Sofer has brought warmth, strength, and authenticity to every role. Her story of career longevity, family resilience, and finding love again inspires many. As she embraces life on the East Coast in 2026, fans look forward to whatever chapter comes next—whether on screen or in her creative pursuits.
If you enjoyed this Rena Sofer biography 2026, feel free to share it with fellow soap fans or on social media. Her journey reminds us that second chances and new beginnings are always possible!
