Laurie Metcalf

Laura Elizabeth “Laurie” Metcalf was born on June 16, 1955, in Carbondale, Illinois. She spent her early years in Edwardsville, Illinois. Metcalf initially majored in German and anthropology at Illinois State University before ultimately pursuing theatre, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Theater in 1976. During her time at ISU, she became a charter member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, connecting with future collaborators such as John Malkovich and Jeff Perry. Her early career was marked by significant stage work, notably an Off-Broadway Steppenwolf production of “Balm in Gilead” in 1984, which earned her an Obie Award for Best Actress and a Theatre World Award. Her performance in this play, particularly a 20-minute monologue, garnered praise and established her as a formidable stage presence. This early period also saw her make an uncredited film debut in Robert Altman’s “A Wedding” (1978) and a brief stint on “Saturday Night Live” in 1981.

Metcalf gained widespread recognition for her role as Jackie Harris in the ABC sitcom “Roseanne,” which aired from 1988 to 1997. Her portrayal earned her three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series from 1992 to 1994, solidifying her status in television. Concurrently, she expanded her film career with roles in films like “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985), “Uncle Buck” (1989), and Oliver Stone’s “JFK” (1991). The late 1990s and 2000s saw her balance continuous television appearances, including “The Norm Show” (1999–2001) and acclaimed guest roles in “Monk” (2006) and “Desperate Housewives” (2007), which garnered Emmy nominations. She also lent her voice to animated features, most notably as Mrs. Davis in the “Toy Story” franchise (beginning 1995) and Sarah Hawkins in “Treasure Planet” (2002).

Her career continued to thrive with a return to Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for “November” in 2008. Metcalf achieved significant critical acclaim on stage, winning two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Play for “A Doll’s House, Part 2” (2017) and Best Featured Actress in a Play for “Three Tall Women” (2018). In film, her performance as Marion McPherson in “Lady Bird” (2017) earned her Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Critics Choice nominations. She reprised her role as Jackie Harris in the “Roseanne” revival (2018) and its subsequent spinoff “The Conners” (2018–2025). Her work in television continued to be recognized, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks” (2022). Metcalf’s extensive career demonstrates her commitment to diverse roles and enduring presence in entertainment across various mediums.