From Lieutenant Marta Robbins In 'Taxi' To Directorial Debut: Jennifer Esposito's Unconventional Career Pivot

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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Jennifer Esposito’s career is a masterclass in reinvention, a journey that has taken her from the high-octane, mainstream comedy of Taxi to the gritty, deeply personal world of independent filmmaking. While many fans remember her as the sharp, no-nonsense Lieutenant Marta Robbins in the 2004 action-comedy, her most compelling work today, as of December 2025, is happening behind the camera. Her recent, ambitious pivot to writing and directing the critically-acclaimed film Fresh Kills reveals an artist willing to risk everything for her vision, a stark contrast to her early, high-profile Hollywood roles.

The role in Taxi, starring alongside Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon, marked a peak in her early-2000s filmography, solidifying her reputation as a formidable New York actress. However, her latest project, a female-driven mafia drama that required her to mortgage her own house, showcases a new, uncompromising chapter. This radical shift highlights a commitment to storytelling that transcends commercial success, making her one of Hollywood's most intriguing figures today.

Jennifer Esposito: Full Biography and Profile

Jennifer Esposito is an American actress, writer, director, author, and health advocate, known for her intense, authentic performances across film and television. Her career spans over three decades, marked by both critical acclaim and challenging personal health battles.

Full Name: Jennifer Esposito
Date of Birth: April 11, 1973
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Education: Studied at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City.
Notable Film Roles: Summer of Sam (1999), Don't Say a Word (2001), The Master of Disguise (2002), Crash (2004), Taxi (2004), Jesus, Mary and Joey (2006).
Notable Television Roles: Spin City (1997–1999), Blue Bloods (2010–2012) as Detective Jackie Curatola, Mistresses (2014–2015), NCIS (2016–2017) as Special Agent Alexandra Quinn, The Boys (2019) as CIA Deputy Director Susan Raynor, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020), Bupkis (2023).
Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Crash (2005).
Other Ventures: Author of the book Jennifer's Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease, founder of the Jennifer's Way Foundation for Celiac Education, and former owner of the gluten-free bakery Jennifer's Way.
Current Focus: Writer and Director of the feature film Fresh Kills.

The High-Octane Role That Defined an Era: Lieutenant Marta Robbins in 'Taxi'

The mention of "Jennifer Esposito Taxi" immediately conjures the image of Lieutenant Marta Robbins, the formidable NYPD officer chasing down a gang of supermodel bank robbers in the 2004 action-comedy film. Directed by Tim Story and starring Queen Latifah as the speed-demon taxi driver Belle Williams and Jimmy Fallon as the bumbling Detective Washburn, the film was a high-energy, New York-centric romp.

Esposito's role as Lieutenant Robbins was crucial to the plot's structure. She served as the relentless, authoritative figure, constantly breathing down the neck of Washburn while trying to catch the Brazilian supermodels led by Vanessa (Gisele Bündchen).

This character was a perfect fit for Esposito’s established on-screen persona: tough, street-smart, and commanding. It mirrored other successful roles of the era, such as her Oscar-winning ensemble part as Ria in Crash, which was released the same year. The sheer visibility of a major studio film like Taxi cemented her status as a recognizable fixture in Hollywood’s action and comedy genres. The movie, while a commercial success, allowed Esposito to showcase her ability to hold her own against big-name stars and deliver sharp, comedic timing amidst chaos.

Her work in the film was part of a string of police and detective roles that would later define her television career, leading to fan-favorite parts as Detective Jackie Curatola on Blue Bloods and Special Agent Alexandra Quinn on NCIS, further establishing her topical authority in the crime drama genre.

The Radical Pivot: Mortgaging Her Home for 'Fresh Kills'

Fast forward two decades from the release of Taxi, and Jennifer Esposito has made her most profound career move: becoming a writer and director. Her debut feature film, Fresh Kills, represents a dramatic and deeply personal departure from the mainstream roles she was known for. This project is not just a career shift; it is a testament to her unwavering artistic commitment, as she famously mortgaged her own home to finance the independent production.

A Female-Driven Mafia Saga

Fresh Kills is set on Staten Island and is a gripping drama that flips the male-dominated mafia genre on its head. The film focuses on the lives of the women who are born into the mob life and are trapped by its unspoken rules, a perspective rarely explored with such intimacy and nuance.

The film stars Emily Bader and Odessa A'zion as the young women at the heart of the story, alongside a powerhouse cast including Domenick Lombardozzi and Annabella Sciorra. Esposito herself also takes on a role in the film. Unlike typical mob narratives that glorify violence and power, Fresh Kills explores the complex family ties and the generational trauma that shapes the women's lives. It is a story about loyalty, silence, and the desperate struggle for autonomy within a patriarchal structure.

The Director's Uncompromising Vision

Esposito's decision to self-finance the film came after facing numerous rejections from studios who were hesitant to back a female-driven mob story from a first-time director. Her willingness to risk her personal finances underscores the passion and necessity she felt for telling this specific story. She produced, wrote, directed, and starred in the film, making it a true passion project. The early reviews for Fresh Kills have been strong, praising its authentic voice and the powerful performances, particularly from the younger cast members.

Beyond the Screen: Advocacy and the Battle with Celiac Disease

Esposito’s life and career have been profoundly shaped by her personal health journey. After years of struggling with mysterious illnesses, she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a severe autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. This diagnosis led her to become a fierce advocate and entrepreneur, adding a significant layer of topical authority to her public profile.

Her experience inspired her to write the book, Jennifer's Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease, detailing her struggles and offering guidance to others. Furthermore, she founded the Jennifer's Way Foundation for Celiac Education to raise awareness and provide support for those navigating the complexities of the disease. She also opened the now-closed Jennifer's Way bakery, a dedicated gluten-free establishment in New York City, further demonstrating her commitment to the celiac community.

This dedication to advocacy, much like her independent filmmaking, reveals a woman who channels her personal struggles into powerful, meaningful work. Whether she is playing a tough NYPD Lieutenant in Taxi, a CIA Deputy Director in The Boys, or directing a raw, female-focused drama, Jennifer Esposito continues to redefine her career on her own fiercely independent terms.

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