Rena Sofer was born on December 2, 1968, in Arcadia, California, to Susan (Franzblau), a psychology professor, and Martin Sofer, a Conservative Jewish rabbi. She moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when her parents divorced, and was discovered at age 15 by a New York talent agent, which led her to start modeling before transitioning to acting.

Rena Sofer made her television debut on "Another World" and later joined the soap opera "Loving," where she played Rockie McKenzie for three years.

She gained widespread recognition for her role as Lois Cerullo on "General Hospital," a role that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1995.

Rena Sofer also appeared in primetime television, including guest roles on "Seinfeld," "Melrose Place," and "Friends," and had regular roles on "Just Shoot Me!" and "Ed."

Rena Sofer also appeared in films such as "Traffic" (2000) and "Keeping the Faith" (2000). She returned to daytime television in 2013, taking on the role of Quinn Fuller on "The Bold and the Beautiful," which she played until 2022.

Rena Sofer has been married twice, first to actor Wally Kurth, with whom she has a daughter, and later to TV director Sanford Bookstaver, with whom she has another daughter. She recently married Sanford Bookstaver again in 2024.