Was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts after high school despite having never been on stage in her youth.
Made her TV debut in 1985 on an episode of the British police drama Juliet Bravo.
Has appeared in a number of PBS productions, including Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery!
In 1996, made her film debut in Half Moon Street, a romantic thriller that starred Sigourney Weaver and Michael Caine.
In 1997, won a Tony for her performance in A Doll's House.
Landed her role in 1999's Tumbleweeds (for which she won a Golden Globe) after director Gavin O'Connor saw her on the PBS news program Charlie Rose. O'Connor eventually had to produce the film himself since the original backers passed on the film because McTeer was a relative unknown in the U.S.
In 2008, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a designation bestowed by the Queen of England.
Awards
2000, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Winner
1999, Oscar — Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Nominee
2009, Emmy — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: Nominee
2009, Tony — Actress (Play): Nominee
2010, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: Nominee
1997, Tony — Actress (Play): Winner
2012, Independent Spirit Awards — Best Supporting Female: Nominee
2011, Screen Actors Guild Awards — Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Nominee
2000, Sundance Film Festival — Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Ensemble Performance (Dramatic): Winner
2015, Critics' Choice Television Awards — Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or Limited Series: Nominee
1999, Screen Actors Guild Awards — Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Nominee
2000, Independent Spirit Awards — Best Female Lead: Nominee
2012, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Nominee
2014, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: Nominee
2011, Oscar — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Nominee
2016, Olivier Awards — Best Actress: Nominee
College
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, England (1983)
Details
Birth Place: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England
