Laurie Metcalf

Who Is Laurie Metcalf?

Laurie Metcalf is a renowned actress who gained prominence as an original ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in the 1970s. After establishing herself as a talented stage actress, she achieved widespread acclaim for her Emmy-winning role as Jackie on the iconic 1990s sitcom Roseanne. Metcalf’s impressive portfolio includes her contributions to the beloved animated film Toy Story (1995) and its sequels, as well as notable appearances in television series such as The Big Bang Theory and Getting On. Her dedication to the theater remains evident, having garnered Tony Award nominations for her performances in November and Misery.

Early Years

Born Lauren Elizabeth Metcalf on June 16, 1955, in Carbondale, Illinois, she was raised in nearby Edwardsville. Initially a shy child, Metcalf discovered that her inhibitions faded when she performed on stage, prompting her to take part in productions at Edwardsville High School. Despite her passion for acting, she approached her education pragmatically, enrolling at Illinois State University to major in German and later anthropology, while working as a secretary to support herself.

Her continued interest in the performing arts led to a small role in the play What the Butler Saw, where her talent caught the attention of classmate Terry Kinney. Encouraged by Kinney, Metcalf decided to devote more time to her craft. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater in 1976 and subsequently became an original ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, co-founded by Kinney, alongside future luminaries Gary Sinise and John Malkovich.

Career Rise and ‘Roseanne’

For several years, Laurie Metcalf and the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble refined their craft through various small productions, eagerly embracing roles that piqued their interest. Metcalf’s early forays into more prominent channels included an uncredited role in Robert Altman’s A Wedding (1978) and a single-episode appearance on Saturday Night Live (1981). She gained recognition among theater enthusiasts through Steppenwolf’s revival of Balm in Gilead, which made its way to New York in 1984. In her captivating portrayal of Darlene, a prostitute, Metcalf delivered an impressive 20-minute monologue, earning her an Obie Award for her outstanding performance. This role also caught the attention of film director Susan Seidelman, which led to supporting roles in Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) and Making Mr. Right (1987).

In 1988, Metcalf achieved a significant breakthrough with her role in the television series Roseanne, which starred comedian Roseanne Barr as the titular character. The show quickly ascended to the top of the ratings, garnering critical acclaim for its honest depiction of the challenges faced by a working-class family. Metcalf’s portrayal of Jackie Harris, the well-meaning younger sister with eccentric ideas, received widespread praise, and she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series from 1992 to 1994.

During this time, Metcalf also appeared in notable films such as Uncle Buck (1989), JFK (1991), and Leaving Las Vegas (1995). She lent her voice to the character of the mother in the Pixar-Disney blockbuster Toy Story (1995), further expanding her reach in the entertainment industry.

Later Successes

After Roseanne concluded in 1997, Metcalf turned her attention to film, appearing in projects such as Scream 2 (1997), Bulworth (1998), and Toy Story 2 (1999). She returned to television with a regular role on Norm for three seasons and made guest appearances on critically acclaimed shows, earning Emmy nominations for her performances on 3rd Rock from the Sun, Monk, and Desperate Housewives. Beginning in 2007, she took on a recurring role as Mary Cooper, the devoted mother of Sheldon Cooper (portrayed by Jim Parsons) on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory.

Metcalf remained committed to her first love, theater, earning her first Tony Award nomination in 2008 for her role as presidential speechwriter Clarice Bernstein in David Mamet’s November. She received additional nominations for her performances in The Other Place (2013) and Misery (2016). In 2015, Steppenwolf honored Metcalf, recognizing its evolution from a modest theater company to one of the nation’s premier theatrical organizations.

Reprising her role in Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (scheduled for 2019), Metcalf continued to earn acclaim for her television work, particularly with the HBO medical comedy Getting On (2013). In 2016, she made Emmy history with nominations in three different categories: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for Getting On; Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy for The Big Bang Theory; and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama for Louis C.K.’s Horace and Pete. After years of recognition for her acting prowess, Metcalf received her first Golden Globe nomination in late 2017 for her performance as Marion McPherson in the critically acclaimed film Lady Bird, followed shortly by her first Oscar nomination for the same role.

Personal Life

Metcalf has been married twice, first to actor Jeff Perry (1983-1992) and then to Matt Roth (2005-2014). She is a mother of four children from her two marriages, including her oldest daughter, Zoe Perry, who has also pursued a career in acting.