Actors

From Stork to “Yellowstone”: The Life and Career of Jacki Weaver

Published

2 months ago

February 15, 2024

Daniel Wanburg

Contents

1 Who is Jacki Weaver?
2 Early life and education
3 Roles in movies
4 Roles in TV series
5 Awards and nominations
6 Love life and relationships
7 Net worth

Who is Jacki Weaver?

Jacqueline ‘Jacki’ Ruth Weaver was born on 25 May 1947, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and is an Australian actress, known for her work in film, television and theatre. She has appeared in a wide range of productions, and has won numerous awards throughout her career, including two Academy Award nominations for her roles in “Animal Kingdom” and “Silver Linings Playbook”. Some of her other notable roles include appearances in “The Disaster Artist”, “Yellowstone”, and “Stoker”.

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Early life and education

Jacki is the daughter of Edith Simpson, a migrant from England, and Arthur Weaver, a Sydney solicitor. Jacki attended Hornsby Girls’ High School, a public secondary school in Sydney’s upper North Shore.

Although there’s not a lot of detailed information available about her early education, it’s known that she had a keen interest in acting from a young age. She began her career on stage as a teenager, making her first professional stage appearance in a production of “Cinderella” at the age of 15. Over the years, she honed her craft and developed her skills in theater, which laid the foundation for her successful career in film and television.

Roles in movies

Jacki made her film debut in the 1963 TV movie “Hansel and Gretel”, and later in the decade appeared in low-budget movies such as “Split Level” (1964), “They’re a Weird Mob” (1966), and “The Schoolmistress” (1967).

She continued appearing in several Australian films, most notably “Stork” (1971), a comedy directed by Tim Burstall, and which also starred Bruce Spence and Graeme Blundell. The film was a significant success in Australia, and is considered a classic of Australian cinema. It was notable for its irreverent and humorous approach on subjects such as sex, drugs and counterculture, which made it controversial at the time of its release.

Jacki continued in Australian films, establishing herself as a prominent actress in the local industry. In 1975, she starred in the critically acclaimed mystery drama “Picnic at Hanging Rock”, directed by Peter Weir, based on the eponymous 1967 novel written by Joan Lindsay. In the following year, she played one of the leads in the biographical drama “Caddie”, which starred Helen Morse in the titular role. The film is based on the book “Caddie, the Story of a Barmaid”, a biography of a young single mother raising her children during the Great Depression. The film quickly became a hit in Australia, and launched Jacki to stardom.

In 1982, Jacki starred in another biopic, “Squizzy Taylor”, based on the life of the infamous Melbourne mobster, Joseph Theodore Leslie Taylor. In the following years, she appeared in the comedy „The Perfectionist” (1985), and also lent her voice in the animated movie “Abra Cadabra” (1983). After that, Jacki focused solely on her work on TV, before taking a full-fledged break from screen acting between 1988 and 1996.

She made her comeback in the comedy drama “Cosi”, written by Louis Nowra and directed by Mark Joffe. However, during the 1990s and 2000s, Jacki found it increasingly difficult to land new roles in film and on TV, so she shifted her focus toward her theatre career.

It all changed in 2010 when she starred in the critically acclaimed Australian crime drama film “Animal Kingdom”. Directed by David Michôd, the film follows a Melbourne crime family, and explores the power dynamics within the family after the death of the matriarch’s partner. Jacki played the role of Janine ‘Smurf’ Cody, the manipulative and controlling mother of the criminal Cody family. Her chilling portrayal of the character earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Following the success of “Animal Kingdom”, Jacki appeared in a string of Hollywood films. In 2012, she starred in David O. Russell’s romantic comedy-drama film “Silver Linings Playbook”, playing Dolores Solitano, the mother of the film’s protagonist, Pat Solitano Jr., portrayed by Bradley Cooper. The film, which also starred Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, received widespread acclaim, and Jacki’s performance as the caring and concerned mother earned her a second Academy Award nomination, for Best Supporting Actress.

In the following year, she appeared in the horror-thriller “Stoker”, in which she played the role of Gwendolyn ‘Gin’ Stoker, the aunt of Mia Wasikowska’s character, India. In the same year, she appeared in the dark comedy “Parkland”, which chronicled the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Weaver continued to take on a variety of roles in Hollywood films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In 2017, she appeared in the comedy-drama “The Disaster Artist”, which told the story behind the making of the cult film “The Room”; Weaver portrayed the role of Carolyn Minnott, one of the actresses in “The Room”.

In the following year, Weaver appeared in the Netflix post-apocalyptic thriller film “Bird Box”, alongside Sandra Bullock. The film garnered a significant amount of attention, and was widely viewed on the streaming platform.

More recently, in 2022, Jackie starred in the biographical drama “Father Stu”, written and directed by Rosalind Ross. The film is based on the true story of former boxer Stuart Long (played by Mark Wahlberg), who became a Catholic priest.

Happy birthday, Jacki Weaver! We’re blessed to have you in our #FatherStuMovie family. pic.twitter.com/kwt74Ue0Kp

— Father Stu Movie (@FatherStuMovie) May 25, 2022

Roles in TV series

Jacki made her first TV series appearance in 1967, in an episode of the Australian horror drama “Wandjina!” In the following years, she continued to appear in popular Australian TV series such as “Homicide” (1966), “Division 4” (1969-1970), and “Matlock Police” (1971).

Jacki’s first recurring role was in the Australian drama “House Rules”, which aired in 1988, and followed the lives of the residents of a public housing complex in suburban Melbourne. The series was created by Barbara Bishop, and also starred Jacob Kino and Matt Day.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Jacki continued to work in Australian television, appearing in a variety of roles in series such as “The Challenge” (1986), “Water Rats” (1997), and “Marriage Acts” (2000).

Jacki’s international television career began to take-off after her success in “Animal Kingdom” and “Silver Linings Playbook”. In 2014, she starred in the American crime drama limited series “Gracepoint”, created by Chris Chibnall; the show is a remake of the critically acclaimed British series “Broadchurch”, and follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a small, tight-knit coastal town in California. The series stars David Tennant, who also starred in the original British version, as Detective Emmett Carver, and Anna Gunn as Detective Ellie Miller.

In the following year, she joined the cast of the comedy “Blunt Talk”, which aired from 2015 through 2016, which starred Patrick Stewart, Adrian Scarborough and Timm Sharp.

In 2016, Jacki played the leads in the Australian television miniseries “Secret City”, a political thriller based on the novels “The Mandarin Code” and “The Marmalade Files” by Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis. Jacki portrayed Catriona Bailey, a powerful and ruthless political figure.

In 2019, Jacki took on a leading role in the American dark comedy television series “Perpetual Grace, LTD”, playing the role of Lillian, the cunning and manipulative wife of a conman preacher played by Ben Kingsley. The series was lauded for its unique tone and the performances of its ensemble cast, including Jacki’s standout portrayal of the complex and intriguing Lillian.

More recently, in 2021 and 2022, she played the role of Caroline Warner in the critically-acclaimed US neo-western “Yellowstone”. The show follows the Dutton family, who own and operate the largest contiguous ranch in the United States, located in Montana. It was created by Taylor Sheridan, who is known for his work as a screenwriter on films such as “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water”. The series stars Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the patriarch of the family, as well as Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and Cole Hauser, among others. The series has been praised for its stunning cinematography, gripping storylines, and strong performances by the cast.

Awards and nominations

Jacki has won more than 20 awards through her career, and been nominated for over 40 others, including two Oscars.

Her first major recognition came in 1972, when she was rewarded with the AFI (Australian Film Institute) Award for Best Actress, for her performance in the comedy “Stork”. Four years later, she won her second AFI Award for her supporting role in “Caddie”.

Jacki’s performance in “Animal Kingdom” (2010) earned her many awards, both in Australia and internationally, including a Satellite Award, NBR Award (National Board of Review, USA), and a nomination for a Golden Globe.

Two years later, she won the AACTA (formerly AFI) International Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook”, and won the 2013 AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Award for the same performance. In addition, she won a prestigious Gold Derby award as a part of the ensemble cast of “Silver Linings Playbook”.

Jacki is also a two-time winner of the Mommie Dearest Award for Worst Screen Mom of the Year – given by Women Film Critics Circle, and actually compliments – for her roles in “Animal Kingdom” (2010) and “Widows” (2018).

Love life and relationships

Since her rise to fame in the 1970s, Jacki’s tumultuous romantic life has been the subject of a lot of media attention. She’s been married five times, including twice to the same man, and has had several high-profile relationships behind her. She’s also garnered a lot of controversy for her admitted infidelities during her marriages.

In 1966, Jacki married her high school sweetheart David Price, but the couple parted ways in 1970, and Jacki had a son with her partner at the time, John Waters, shortly after separating from David.

During the early 1970s, Jacki was in a long-term relationship with the late Sydney Theatre Company founder, Richard Wherett. As she revealed in her memoir “Much Love, Jac”, the two were planning for a baby, but she unfortunately suffered four miscarriages, which she said marked the beginning of the end of their relationship. Despite parting ways in 1965, the couple remained close friends until his death in 2001. Richard came out as gay shortly after he was diagnosed with HIV in 1986. In her interviews, Jacki reveals that she was aware of her late ex-partner’s sexual orientation, but denies the rumors that their relationship was a ‘cover-up’.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpeCkFglTfl/?hl=en

In 1975, a year after parting ways from Richard, Jacki married Max Hensser, however, the marriage wasn’t long lasting, and the couple finalized their divorce in 1977. She soon became romantically involved with former Sydney crime reporter and film producer Phil Davis, with whom she lived from 1976 through 1981.

She then met her future husband, radio and TV presenter, Derryn Hinch. They married in 1983, and would remain together until 1996. The couple began dating again in the following year, and exchange vows for the second time shortly afterwards, however, their marriage only lasted a year the second time around. Nonetheless, the two have remained close friends to this day.

In 2003, Jackie married the South African actor Sean Taylor. Reflecting on her previous relationships, Jacki says that she’s finally found a partner for life in Sean. The couple reside together in Los Angeles, California, and are living a quiet life away from media attention.

Net worth

As of May 2023, Jacki’s net worth has been estimated at more than $2 million.

Actors

Tatyana Ali: The Harvard Graduate Who Starred in a Hit Sitcom

Published

53 mins ago

April 28, 2024

Daniel Wanburg

Contents

1 Who is Tatyana Ali?
2 Education and early life
3 Roles in TV series
4 Roles in movies
5 Other credits
6 Awards and nominations
7 Love life and relationships
8 Interesting facts and hobbies
9 Height, eyes and wealth

Who is Tatyana Ali?

American actress and singer Tatyana Marisol Ali was born in North Bellmore, New York State USA, on 24 January 1979, making Aquarius her zodiac sign. She’s appeared in nearly 100 TV series and movies, but is probably still known best for playing Ashley Banks in the evergreen sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, which starred Alfonso Ribeiro, James Avery and Will Smith, and was created by Susan and Andy Borowitz. It follows a poor young adult who’s been sent to live with his wealthy cousins, the series aired from 1990 through 1996, and won 15 of its 43 award nominations.

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Education and early life

Tatyana was raised alongside her sisters Kimberly and Anastasia in North Bellmore, by their Afro-Panamanian mother Sonia Ali and Indo-Trinidadian father Sheriff Ali; her father was a police officer, while her mother was a registered nurse.

Tatyana fell in love with acting at the age of five, when she began watching TV series on a daily basis with her sisters, and was nine when she made her debut film appearance, playing Park Girl in the 1988 action adventure comedy movie “Crocodile Dundee II”; in the following year, Tatyana played Michelle in the episode “Life After Death” of the action “A Man Called Hawk”.

She then continued acting while being simultaneously focused on her education. Tatyana studied at Marymount High School in Los Angeles, California, and upon matriculating in 1997 enrolled at Harvard University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2002.

Roles in TV series

In 1989, Tatyana played Girl in the episode “Shall We Dance?” of the critically acclaimed romantic family comedy “The Cosby Show”, and the following years saw her appear in an episode or two of the family comedy “Getting By”, the fantasy horror “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and the comedy “In the House”.

From 1984 through 1997, she played various characters in 12 episodes of the popular adventure comedy “Sesame Street”, which today stars Caroll Spinney, Frank Oz and Jim Henson, and was created back in 1969 by Lloyd Morrisett Jr. and Joan Ganz Cooney. The series follows a group of children and muppets, and has won 247 of its 583 award nominations.

In 2002, Tatyana played Shelly in the episode “Girls Own Juice” of the action crime comedy “Fastlane”, and the following year saw her play Olivia in the “The Big Condom-Nation Episode” of the comedy “Half & Half”. Her following role came in 2009, when cast to star as Quinci in the comedy “Buppies”, created by Julian Breece, and which also starred Robin Thede and Preston Davis; it follows the lives of several black actors and actresses, and the series won one of its six award nominations.

Tatyana portrayed Maya in 10 episodes of the 2013 comedy “Second Generation Wayans”, and from 2007 through 2013 played Roxanne in 53 episodes of the long-running soap opera “The Young and the Restless”.

Most recently, from 2018 through 2022, she voiced Mrs James in the animated adventure comedy “Fancy Nancy”, created by Krista Tucker and Jamie Mitchell, and which starred Mia Sinclair Jenness, Dana Heath and Alyson Hannigan. It follows the life of a young girl who likes to wear colorful clothes, and the series was nominated for six awards.

Roles in movies

In 1995, Tatyana portrayed Rita in the family comedy “Kidz in the Wood”, and some of her following film roles were in the 1996 thriller “Fall Into Darkness”, the crime mystery “Kiss the Girls” and thecomedy “Fakin’ Da Funk” both in 1997.

The year 1998 saw her play Monica in the horror mystery thriller “The Clown at Midnight”, directed by Jean Pellerin, and which starred Christopher Plummer and Margot Kidder; it follows seven teenagers who are being chased by a serial killer. Tatyana’s following notable performance was playing Cherie Smith in the popular 2001 romantic comedy “The Brothers”, written and directed by Gary Hardwick, and which starred Morris Chestnut, Shemar Moore and D. L. Hughley; it tells the story of four best friends as they’re maturing, and the film won one of its nine award nominations. Some of Tatyana’s notable performances in the remainder of the decade were in the 2007 romantic comedy “The List”, the 2008 comedy “Nora’s Hair Salon II” and the 2009 romantic drama “Mother and Child”.

She starred as Victoria in the 2014 comedy “The Divorce”, written and directed by Donald Welch, and which also starred Jonelle Allen; it follows the wealthy anchorwoman Yolanda Massey’s celebration of her recently finalized divorce.

Tatyana’s three most recent movie roles have been in the 2022 thriller “Vanished: Searching for My Sister”, the 2022 drama “It Snows All the Time” and the 2023 biographical drama “Giving Hope: The Ni’cola Mitchell Story”; she’s currently shooting for the upcoming film “Christmas Kennel”.

Other credits

Tatyana has seven producing credits, which include the 2008 comedy movie “Nora’s Hair Salon II”, the 2012 short film “October 31”, and the 2018 romantic musical movie “Jingle Belle”.

She received special thanks for both the 2020 short animated movie “Canvas” and the 2023 mystery thriller film “Missing”.

Tatyana’s made a guest appearance in close to 100 talk-shows, most recently in “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race”, “Entertainment Tonight” and “Tamron Hall”.

Awards and nominations

Tatyana’s won seven of her 18 award nominations. She won a 1991 Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Starring in a New Television Series and a 1997 YoungStar Award for Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Comedy TV Series, both for her performance in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, and four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series from 2011 through 2014, all for “The Young and the Restless”.

Love life and relationships

Tatyana avoids speaking about her love life in public, but has still shared the details of two men whom she’s been with. She began dating the late American actor Jonathan Gregory Brandis in 1995, but they split three years later; Jonathan committed suicide by hanging on 11 November 2003.

Tatyana revealed in March 2016 that she and Dr. Vaughn Rasberry had become engaged; he’s today an assistant professor of English language at Stanford University, and the two met on the dating website eHarmony. Tatyana and Vaughn exchanged vows on 17 July 2016, and she gave birth to their first son Edward Aszard Rasberry on 16 September 2016, while their second son Alejandro Vaughn Rasberry followed on 15 August 2019.

The family of four’s today splitting their time between Los Angeles and Stanford.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJFbqyLXBa/

Interesting facts and hobbies

Tatyana enjoys being active on Instagram; close to 900,000 people are following her on the network today, and she’s posted more than 1,300 pictures, with many of these showing her spending time with her friends.

One of her closest friends is famous American actor, screenwriter and producer Will Smith.

Tatyana’s fluent in Spanish, and can also speak some Hindi.

She loves to read books in her spare time, and her favorite is “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield.

Tatyana wanted to pursue music in the ‘90s, and her debut album “Kiss the Sky” came out in 1998, however, she then chose to focus on acting.

Her favorite actors are the late Humphrey Bogart and Spencer Tracy, while some of Tatyana’s favorite movies include “The Harder They Fall”, “The Left Hand of God” and “The Caine Mutiny”.

Her sister Anastasia N. Ali appeared in two episodes of the series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

Tatyana’s been featured in “King’s Magazine” twice.

Height, eyes and wealth

Tatyana’s age is 44. She has black hair and brown eyes, is 5ft 4ins (1.63m) tall and weighs around 135lbs (61kgs).

Tatyana’s net worth’s been estimated at over $4 million, as of April 2023.

Actors

How Becki Newton Went from a Waitress to a TV Star – Biography

Published

53 mins ago

April 28, 2024

Daniel Wanburg

Contents

1 Who is Becki Newton?
2 Education and early life
3 Roles in TV series
4 Roles in movies
5 Other credits
6 Awards and nominations
7 Love life and marriage
8 Interesting facts and hobbies
9 Height, eyes and wealth

Who is Becki Newton?

American actress Rebecca Sara ‘Becki’ Newton was born in New Haven, Connecticut USA, on 4 July 1978, making Cancer her zodiac sign. She’s appeared in 25 TV series and movies, but is probably known best for playing Amanda Tanen in all the 85 episodes of the romantic comedy series “Ugly Betty”, which Fernando Gaitan and Silvio Horta created, and which starred Tony Plana, Eric Mabius and America Ferrera. It follows ‘Ugly’ Betty who’s begun working at a large fashion company, the series aired from 2006 through 2010, and won 54 of its 176 award nominations.

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Education and early life

Becki was raised in New Haven by her mother Jennifer Newton (nee Chase), who’s probably known best for being the daughter of the late American composer and music arranger Robert Bruce Chase, and father Thomas Newton; Becki’s brother Matthew’s an actor, moviemaker and acting coach.

Becki studied at a local high school in New Haven, appearing in a couple of plays performed at the school, while she was also passionate about sports, playing both softball and soccer for school teams. She matriculated in 1996, and then enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000.

While attending college, as well as at the start of her acting career, Becki worked as a waitress to financially support herself; she moved to New York City in 2000, and attended several auditions prior to winning her first role.

Roles in TV series

Becki launched her career in 2001, when she appeared in the comedy “Burly TV”, while she was then cast to appear in the 2003 episode “Look Again” of the crime mystery “Cold Case” and several episodes of the soap opera “Guiding Light” in 2003 and 2004.

In 2008 and 2009, she played Amanda Tanen in 12 episodes of the comedy “Mode After Hours”, while the year 2011 saw her cast as the main character Annie Matopoulos in all the nine episodes of the romantic comedy “Love Bites”, created by Cindy Chupack, and which also starred Greg Grunberg and Constance Zimmer. The series follows the life of a young woman who’s all about love, and it was nominated for two awards.

In 2012 and 2013, Becki played Quinn in 10 episodes of the hit romantic comedy “How I Met Your Mother”, while the year 2013 also saw her star as Chloe Goodwin in all the eight episodes of the comedy “The Goodwin Games”; it was created by Carter Bays and Chris Harris, also starred Scott Foley and Melissa Tang, and follows three estranged siblings who’ve met at their father’s funeral, and who won’t be able to inherit his $23 million unless they bond through several games invented by their father.

Becki’s three most recent roles in TV series have been in seven episodes of the 2019 thriller “Tell Me a Story”, 12 episodes of the 2019 comedy “Divorce”, and 11 episodes of the 2022 crime mystery “The Lincoln Lawyer”.

Roles in movies

Becki made her debut film appearance in the popular 2004 fantasy comedy “P. S.”, written and directed by Dylan Kidd, and which starred Laura Linney, Topher Grace and Marcia Gay Harden. It follows a divorced woman who’s fallen for a young man who highly resembles her high school sweetheart, and the series won three of its seven award nominations.

Becki’s following film role came in 2007, when cast to play Jennifer in the critically acclaimed musical “August Rush”, directed by Kirsten Sheridan, and which starred Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. It follows a musical prodigy who’s using his talent to find his biological parents, and the movie won four of its 16 award nominations, including an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song.

Becki’s since appeared in only three movies: the 2011 drama “The Chamberland Sisters”, the 2016 comedy “Winning Ugly” and the 2019 comedy “Otherhood”.

Other credits

Becki sang the song “Gene Simmons is My Daddy” in the 2007 episode “A Nice Day for a Posh Wedding”, and the song “Milkshake” in the 2008 episode “A Thousand Words by Friday” of the series “Ugly Betty”.

Some of her recent talk-show appearances have been in “Entertainment Tonight”, “Live with Kelly and Mark” and “All About”.

Awards and nominations

Becki was nominated for a 2007 Gold Derby Award for Ensemble of the Year and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2007 and 2008, all three for her and her colleagues’ performance in “Ugly Betty”.

She was also nominated for a 2009 The Webby Award for Best Performance – Webisodes, for “Mode After Hours”.

Love life and marriage

Becki’s quite open when it comes to speaking about her marriage with Canadian actor Chris Diamantopoulos, but hasn’t mentioned other men whom she’s perhaps dated.

She and Chris met while waiting for a train at a New York City subway station; Chris has more than 110 acting credits to his name, and is perhaps known best for starring as Savvas in the 2021 crime thriller mini-series “True Story”. Becki revealed on 1 July 2010 that she and Chris were expecting their first child together, and Becki gave birth to their son in November; their daughter followed sometime in the first half of the 2014.

Becki’s married to Chris Diamantopoulos as of April 2023, and they have two children together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgf5ya9Lm7G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Interesting facts and hobbies

Becki’s a huge fan of American actor and singer Patrick Swayze, and some of her favorite movies include “Dirty Dancing”, “Ghost”, and “Jump!”

She’s an avid salsa dancer.

Becki can speak Greek, German and Spanish.

Her aunt Stephanie Chase is a famous American classical violinist.

Becki isn’t active on Instagram, as she dislikes social media networks.

She’s passionate about fashion, and reads a number of fashion magazines on a daily basis.

Becki’s a philanthropist, and has worked with charity organizations which aim to help underprivileged children and abandoned animals.

Height, eyes and wealth

Becki’s age is 44. She has green eyes and blonde hair, is 5ft 3ins (1.6m) tall and weighs around 120lbs (54kgs).

Becki’s net worth’s been estimated at over $2 million, as of April 2023.

Actors

What is Amy Sedaris doing now? Net Worth, Husband, Siblings

Published

53 mins ago

April 28, 2024

Daniel Wanburg

Contents

1 Who is Amy Sedaris?
2 Education and early life
3 Roles in movies
4 Roles in TV series
5 Other credits
6 Awards and nominations
7 Love life and boyfriend
8 Interesting facts and hobbies
9 Height, eyes and wealth

Who is Amy Sedaris?

American actress, comedienne and author Amy Louise Sedaris was born in Endicott, New York State USA, on 29 March 1961, making Aries her zodiac sign. She’s appeared in over 120 TV series and movies, ut is perhaps still known best for playing Deb in the hit 2003 adventure family comedy movie “Elf”, which Jon Favreau directed, and which starred Bob Newhart, James Caan and Will Ferrell. It follows oversized elf Buddy as he’s travelling from the North Pole to New York City to see his biological father; the movie won two of its nine award nominations.

Amy’s still today highly active in the film industry, and is currently working on two upcoming projects: the series “Bedrock” and the movie “Ghosted”.

Image source

Education and early life

Amy was raised in Endicott alongside her five siblings Paul, Tiffany, Gretchen, David and Lisa, by their father Louis Harry ‘Lou’ Sedaris, and mother Sharon Elizabeth (nee Leonard); Amy’s of Greek descent from her father’s side and Anglo-American through her mother – she was raised Greek Orthodox Christian.

She studied at Jesse O. Sanderson High School, and it was during her time there that she became interested in comedy and acting, however, Amy wouldn’t pursue a career in the film industry until over 10 years later. She was also into sports while at Jesse O. Sanderson, playing soccer for the school team.

Amy matriculated in 1979 and then didn’t enroll at college, but rather spent the following 12 years working various jobs to financially support herself, including being a cashier at the Winn-Dixie supermarket, and a waitress at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago, Illinois.

Roles in movies

Amy’s debut film role was playing Topaz Radulavitch in the 1991 comedy “Big Deals”, while some of her following roles were in the 1997 romantic comedy “Commandments”, the action adventure comedy “Six Days Seven Nights” and short comedy “Wheels of Fury” both in 1998

In 2001, she portrayed Other Student in Class in the popular romantic comedy “Jump Tomorrow”, written and directed by Joel Hopkins, and which starred Tunde Adebimpe, Hippolyte Girardot and Raul A. Reyes. It follows a Nigerian man who’s about to marry a woman chosen for him by his parents, while he’s now fallen in love with a Latina woman who’s also about to marry; the movie won four of its 10 award nominations. Amy could then have been seen appearing in the 2004 comedy “My Baby’s Daddy”, and in 2005 the comedy “Strangers with Candy” and the romantic musical comedy “Romance & Cigarettes”.

The year 2009 saw her play Toni Lesnicki in the horror comedy “Jennifer’s Body”, directed by Karyn Kusama, and which starred Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody. It follows a high school cheerleader who’s turned into a succubus, and has begun killing her classmates; the series won three of its seven award nominations.

Amy voiced Jill in the critically acclaimed 2011 animated adventure comedy “Puss in Boots”, and was then cast to appear in the sports comedy “Ping Pong Summer”, the comedy “Hits” and the adventure comedy “Chef”, all released in 2014.

She voiced Guinea Fowl in the 2019 animated adventure “The Lion King”, which Jon Favreau directed, and which starred Donald Glover, Beyonce and Seth Rogen. The movie follows a young lion who’s run away from his kingdom following his father’s murder – the movie won 21 of its 66 award nominations, including an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Visual Effects.

Amy’s three most recent film roles have been in the comedy “Theatre Camp”, the crime drama “Harley Quinn & The Joker: Sound Mind” and the romantic comedy “Somebody I Used to Know”, all released in 2023.

Roles in TV series

Amy’s debut TV series role was playing various characters in 12 episodes of the 1995 comedy “Exit 57”, and in 1999 and 2000, she stared as Jerri Blank in all the 31 episodes of the comedy “Strangers with Candy”, created by Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello, who also starred in the series; it follows a 46 years old former drug addict who’s just enrolled at high school.

The first half of the 2000s saw Amy appear in an episode or two of the comedy “Just Shoot Me!”, the romantic comedy “Sex and the City” and the drama “Fling”, and in 2007, she played Beth in the hit comedy “Rescue Me”, which Denis Leary created, as well as starred in, alongside Steven Pasquale and Michael Lombardi. The series follows the life of firefighter Tommy Gavin, it aired from 2004 through 2011, and won nine of its 37 award nominations.

In 2011, Amy voiced a character in an episode of both the animated family comedy “SpongeBob SquarePants” and the animated comedy “Bob’s Burgers”, and in 2013 and 2014, she starred as Louise Laffer in the comedy “Alpha House”, created by Garry Trudeau, and which also starred John Goodman and Clark Johnson. It follows the lives of four Republican senators, and the series won one of its six award nominations.

Amy Sedaris and Baby Yoda.

Name a more iconic duo.

You literally can’t. pic.twitter.com/lHsOJodwsV

— Mike T (@rhymeswithbeg) December 6, 2019

Some of Amy’s most recent roles in TV series have been in four episodes of the animated comedy “American Dad!” 2009 to 2012 (voice role), four episodes of the action adventure fantasy “The Mandalorian” since 2019 and the 2022 episode “Tech” of the comedy “ZIWE”,.

Other credits

Amy wrote all 12 episodes of the 1995 comedy series “Exit 57”, and all the 31 episodes of the 2000 comedy series “Strangers with Candy”, while she also wrote and produced the comedy series “At Home with Amy Sedaris”, which aired from 2017 through 2020.

Some of her most recent talk-show appearances have been in “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen”, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “60 Minutes”.

Awards and nominations

Amy’s been nominated for 15 awards, including two Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series in 2018 and 2019, both for “At Home with Amy Sedaris”.

She was also nominated for a 2016 Gold Derby Award for Comedy Guest Actress, for her performance in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, two Writers Guild of America Awards for Comedy/Variety Sketch Series in 2019 and 2020, both for “At Home with Amy Sedaris” and a 2021 Critics Choice Super Award for Best Voice Actress in an Animated Series, for “BoJack Horseman”,

Love life and boyfriend

Amy avoids speaking about her love life in public, but has shared with her fans that she’s never wished to marry or have children, and has maintained that.

There’s only a single man whom Amy’s been with, that her fans know about: in 1999, she met American comedian, actor and screenwriter Paul E. Dinello while shooting together for the series “Strangers with Candy”; Paul’s appeared in 14 TV series and movies, and has won 16 of his 53 award nominations. He and Amy were together for eight years, breaking up in 2007 for unknown reasons, however, they’ve remained close friends to this day, and Amy’s godmother to Paul’s two children.

Amy seems to be unattached as of April 2023, hasn’t married and doesn’t have children.

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Interesting facts and hobbies

Amy’s a supporter of the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and took part in their anti-fur campaign.

She was featured in Dolly Parton’s 2007 music video “Better Get to Livin’”.

Amy’s today running her own company Dusty Food Cupcakes, which she runs from her own kitchen.

She’s a star on Instagram, as more than a million people are following her on the social media network today, while she’s posted nearly 9,000 pictures and videos; most of Amy’s content has been taken by her, as she’s a passionate amateur photographer.

She and her older brother David Sedaris wrote together the play “The Book of Liz”.

Amy published her guide to entertaining – “I Like You: Hospitality Under Influence” – in 2006.

Her favorite actress is Meryl Streep, while some of Amy’s favorite movies include “Adaption”, “Before and After” and “The Manchurian Candidate”.