Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies was born on June 8, 1966, in Spring Valley, New York. Her early life included periods living in Paris and England before attending Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned a B.A. degree in liberal arts and participated in campus plays. She began her acting career with her feature film debut in “Out for Justice” (1991), followed by several regional theater productions and national TV commercials, supporting herself as a waitress. Margulies achieved significant recognition in 1994 with her role as Carol Hathaway in the NBC medical drama “ER.” Originally, her character was intended to die in the pilot, but overwhelming audience response led producers to change the storyline, making her a series regular. She remained a core cast member for six seasons, from 1994 to 2000, and returned for a guest appearance in the final season in 2009. During her time on “ER,” she received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1994, and multiple Emmy nominations thereafter. She also earned four Golden Globe Award nominations for her performance in the series. Her decision to leave “ER” after six seasons despite a substantial offer from NBC was driven by a desire to pursue theatre and avoid what she perceived as a decline in her character’s development. This choice allowed her to explore diverse roles and return to her New York theatre roots.

Following her departure from “ER,” Margulies expanded her career across stage and screen. She appeared in various theatrical productions, including “Intrigue With Faye,” “Ten Unknowns,” and “The Vagina Monologues.” Her filmography during this period included roles in “Evelyn” (2002), “Ghost Ship” (2002), and “Snakes on a Plane” (2006). She also took on significant television roles such as Morgaine in the TNT miniseries “The Mists of Avalon” (2001) and Julianna Skiff in four episodes of HBO’s “The Sopranos” (2006–2007). In 2009, Margulies took on the lead role of Alicia Florrick in the CBS legal drama “The Good Wife.” Her critically acclaimed performance earned her two additional Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Television Critics Association Award. She was also credited as a producer for “The Good Wife” from its third season until its conclusion in 2016. In 2015, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, specifically noting her advocacy for Erin’s Law, which addresses child sexual abuse. More recently, she has appeared in “The Hot Zone” (2019) and “The Morning Show” (2021–2023), continuing to engage in prominent television projects and advocacy work.

Beyond acting, Margulies is an author. She published a children’s book, “Three Magic Balloons,” in 2016, based on a story by her father. In 2021, she released her autobiography, “Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life,” which chronicles her nomadic childhood and acting journey. She is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, serving on the board of the MCC Theater Company in New York City and advocating for causes such as Project ALS and human rights. Margulies has also been a vocal supporter of Holocaust education through the Holocaust Educator School Partnership at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Her career demonstrates a consistent commitment to impactful roles and social advocacy, earning her numerous accolades and establishing her as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.