Laurie Metcalf

Overview

Laurie Metcalf was born June 16, 1955 in Carbondale, Illinois, the oldest of three children of Libby (Mars), a librarian, and James Metcalf, a budget director. She was raised in Edwardsville, Illinois. Laurie attended Illinois State University, where she obtained her bachelor of arts in theater in 1977. In her class were the immeasurable talents of John Malkovich, Glenne Headly, and Joan Allen. Laurie began acting at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Her acting career in film and television began with a minor and uncredited role in Robert Altman's A Wedding (1978). In 1988, Laurie found her most memorable and successful role to date, Jacqueline "Jackie" Harris in the television series Roseanne (1988). For her performance in the series, she was nominated for two Golden Globes and won three Primetime Emmy awards.
- IMDb mini biography by: tony.r.vario@gmail.com

The Student Experimental Theater-The Metcalf Theater-at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is named after her.
Metcalf is a founding ensemble member of the famous Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. Her ex-husband, Jeff Perry, was one of the three founders of the troupe.
Laurie is one of 6 performers to receive acting Tony Awards in back-to-back years. She won in 2017 for "A Doll's House, Part 2"(Lead Actress in a Play), and in 2018 for "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women"(Featured Actress in a Play). The others are Shirley Booth (1949/50), Gwen Verdon (1958/59), Sandy Dennis (1963/64), Stephen Spinella (1993/94), and Judith Light (2012/13).
As of 2018, she has been in 3 films that were Oscar nominated for Best Picture: JFK (1991), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Lady Bird (2017).
Has appeared in the most episodes of the 'Roseanne/The Conners' franchise than anyone else.

I don't know if ISU helped me become what I am, but I know that if I hadn't gone there, I wouldn't be what I am today.
I'm hideously shy as myself, but on stage I can run around naked and bite the heads off fish.
[on receiving an Oscar nomination, 2017] I'd like to think it's karma. I'd like to think that, having treated every single project as the most important one in that moment, and having worked your ass off and given 150 percent to each one, there's a little payback.