Laurie Metcalf is a well-known American actress who has appeared in films, on television, and in the theater. In her tenure, she has won three Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards and has been nominated for the Oscar and the Golden Globe. She first rose to prominence through her starring role in the American sitcom Roseanne. The program appeared on TV Guide’s list of the 50 Greatest Programs of All Time. Metcalf garnered three Emmy Awards for her role. She began her career as a theater artist and received praise for her performance as Darlene in an Off-Broadway Steppenwolf production of ‘Balm in Gilead.’ She eventually entered the television and film industries. In the comedy-drama film “Desperately Seeking Susan,” in which she had a supporting role, she portrayed her first significant role on the big screen. Her other notable films include ‘JFK,’ the ‘Toy Story film series, ‘Meet the Robinsons,’ and ‘Ladybird. She was nominated for an Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actress for her performance in a leading role in ‘Ladybird’. She has also appeared in advertisements for Plan USA, a humanitarian organization known for assisting disadvantaged children around the globe.
Youth and Early Life
Laura Elizabeth Metcalf was born Laurie Metcalf in Carbondale, Illinois, in the United States. Her birthdate is June 16, 1955. She is the oldest sibling of three. James, her father, was the finance director at Illinois University-Edwardsville. Libby, her mother, was a librarian.
Metcalf attended Illinois State University as a student. During this period, she was also a secretary. She initially majored in German with the intention of becoming an interpreter. However, she eventually switched to anthropology. Finally realizing that acting was her genuine passion, she decided to major in theatre. In 1976, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts.
Laurie’s Performing Career
Laurie Metcalf launched her acting career with the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company. She appeared in an Off-Broadway performance of ‘Balm in Gilead.’ Her acclaimed performance earned her the Obie Award for Best Actress and the Theatre World Award for Best Debut. In the years that followed, she published ‘Educating Rita’ (1987), ‘Libra’ (1994), and ‘All My Sons (2001).
In 2008, she appeared in the Broadway play ‘November’, for which she received her first Tony Award nomination. Following her performance in ‘Voice Lessons’ by Justin Tanner, she starred in the autobiographical plays ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ and ‘Broadway Bound’.
She appeared in productions of ‘The Other Place’ (2011), ‘Long Days into the Night’ (2012), ‘Domesticated’ (2013), and ‘Misery’ (2015-2016) over the subsequent years. She garnered her first Tony Award for ‘Best Actress in a Play’ in 2017 for her performance in the Broadway production of ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’, a role for which she received critical acclaim.
She was also nominated for the ‘Drama League Award’ and the ‘Drama Desk Award’. She subsequently appeared in the 2018 revival of “Three Tall Women,” for which she received her second Tony Award for “Best Featured Actress in a Play.”
Film & TV Profession
In 1985, Laurie Metcalf made her film début in the American comedy-drama “Desperately Seeking Susan” with a small role. Rosanna Arquette, Madonna, and Aldan Quinn starred in the film. The movie was a financial triumph, grossing approximately seven times its budget. After starring in the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ from 1988 to 1997, she began garnering recognition. Her performance was highly regarded and earned her three Emmys.
Next, she appeared in films like ‘Stars and Bars (1988), ‘Miles from Home’ (1988), ‘Internal Affairs (1990), ‘JFK’ (1991), ‘A Dangerous Woman’ (1993), ‘Toy Story’ (1995), ‘Scream 2’ (1997), and ‘Toy Story 2’ (1999). She has also appeared in television movies such as ‘Always Outnumbered’ (1998) and ‘Balloon Farm (1999). She appeared in the sitcom ‘The Norm Show’ from 1999 to 2001.
Her 2000s roles include ‘Treasure Planet’ (2002), ‘Beer League (2006), ‘Meet the Robinsons (2007), ‘Stop-Loss’ (2008), and ‘Toy Story 3’ (2010). She also had a recurring role on ‘The Big Bang Theory beginning in 2007. She then appeared in television series such as “Easy Money,” “Getting On,” and “The McCarthys.”
She returned to the big screen in 2017 with a leading role in the drama film ‘Lady Bird’ after a seven-year absence. Greta Gerwig directed the feature film. The narrative focuses on a senior in high school and her troubled relationship with her mother. The film was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Metcalf was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
Laurie’s Major Opera
The portrayal of Roseanne in the American sitcom ‘Roseanne’ is one of Laurie Metcalf’s most notable works. The series, which centered on an American working-class family, was a tremendous success and gained widespread popularity. In 1989-1990, it was the most-watched television program. Metcalf’s performance was also lauded, and it earned her three Emmy Awards. In 2002, the program was ranked No. 35 on TV Guide’s list of the 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
She played a significant role in the conspiracy thriller film ‘JFK’. The film investigates the events leading up to the assassination of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Produced on a budget of $40 million, the film grossed more than $205 million, proving to be a tremendous financial success. The film was praised by critics and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning two for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.
Metcalf was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the drama film ‘Lady Bird’ in 2017. The narrative focuses on a high school student’s strained relationship with her mother. The film was a financial triumph, grossing $77 million on a budget of $10 million, and received positive reviews. It was nominated for five Academy Awards but did not win any.
Laurie’s Personal Life
From 1983 to 1992, Laurie Metcalf was married to actor Jeff Perry. 1984 witnessed the birth of their daughter, Zoe Perry. After her divorce, she began dating Matt Roth, with whom she had a son named Will. They ultimately got married. In 2005, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Mae Akins. Donovan was adopted by the couple in the late 2000s. In 2014, the couple finally divorced.
Estimated Net Worth
American actress Laurie Metcalf has a net worth of $14 million. Laurie has received multiple Primetime Emmy, Tony, and Academy Award nominations and awards for her work. She maintained her fame through starring and supporting roles in films such as “Lady Bird” and “Uncle Buck.” She rose to prominence through her appearances on the sitcom “Roseanne,” but she maintained it through films such as “Lady Bird” and “Uncle Buck.”