Mary Steenburgen

Mary Steenburgen is an Academy Award-winning American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter known for her versatile performances across film and television. After being discovered by Jack Nicholson, Mary Steenburgen made her professional acting debut in his 1978 Western comedy ‘Goin’ South.’ She quickly garnered critical acclaim for her role in ‘Time After Time’ (1979) before earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for her performance as Lynda Dummar in Jonathan Demme’s ‘Melvin and Howard’ (1980). Steenburgen continued to build a diverse filmography, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for ‘Ragtime’ (1981) and starring in ‘Cross Creek’ (1983) and ‘Parenthood’ (1989). She also took on the memorable role of Clara Clayton in ‘Back to the Future Part III’ (1990), a character she reprised in the animated series adaptation.

This led to a worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group in 2020. Her original song ‘Glasgow (No Place Like Home),’ featured in the film ‘Wild Rose’ (2018), earned her a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Song in 2019, highlighting her musical prowess. She further starred as Maggie Clarke in the critically acclaimed series ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ (2020-2021), captivating audiences with her musical and dramatic performance. Steenburgen’s recent film credits include a role in Guillermo del Toro’s Academy Award-nominated ‘Nightmare Alley’ (2021) and the successful comedy ‘Book Club’ (2018).

Her enduring impact and humanitarian efforts are set to be honored with the prestigious Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in 2025, underscoring her commitment beyond her extensive creative work across film, television, and music.