Retired from the entertainment industry in the early 1990s to attend
Harvard Business School and pursue a career in business.
Posed for Playboy Magazine in the April 1981 issue. She appeared again
in the May 1984 issue with Phillip Anderson, an actor and model she was
dating at the time.
Lives in New York City, where she is a successful real estate
broker. She is member of the Real Estate Board of New York and active
in community and charitible affairs. (2004)
She graduated cum laude from the University of Texas with a degree in Italian history and proficiency in several languages, including Russian.
Has acted on the stage as well as on film. In 1982, she appeared in the
play "A Philadelphia Story", and won the L.A. Drama-Logue Critics Award
for her performance. In 1987, she starred in the play "A Girl's Guide
to Chaos."
In 1981, she wrote a tell-all book titled "My Capitol Secrets", which
included some scandalous revelations of her married life with South Carolina Congressman John W. Jenrette. It was a best-seller.
Attempted a pop-singing career in her 20s and recorded a country and
western song ["It Gives Me The Low Down Blues Ever Since You Found
Money Stashed In My Shoe"] while her ex-husband was serving his prison
time.
She is the subject of the tribute song "Rita Jenrette" by The Cheesedogs.