A graduate of the prestigious Yale School of Drama, this chameleonlike player honed her skills on the New York stage during the '80s, making occasional film appearances in forgettable roles that failed to utilize her remarkable talent. Although far from famous, Clarkson was revered for her versatility in Hollywood and in the '90s the mature actress became the indie It Girl with a string of powerful performances in art-house movies. Whether playing a lesbian drug addict in
High Art, a judgmental '50s housewife in
Far from Heaven, a grieving mother in
The Station Agent, an aspiring screenwriter involved in a threesome in
The Dying Gaul opposite then real-life boyfriend Campbell Scott, or a cancer-stricken perfectionist in
Pieces of April, a devastating turn that snagged her an Oscar nod, Clarkson was always spot-on. She also brought her skills to the small screen, earning a pair of Emmys as the irrepressible aunt on
Six Feet Under.
Patricia Clarkson Fast Facts:
- Has appeared in more than 30 stage productions.
- Won the Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Performance at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival for her work in three nominated films, Far From Heaven, Pieces of April and All the Real Girls.
- Is the youngest of five girls.
- Her mother, Jacquelyn Clarkson, was a prominent member of the New Orleans City Council and served as a State Representative.
- Patricia Clarkson Relationships:
- Buzz Clarkson - Father
- Campbell Scott - Ex-significant Other
- Cindy Alsfeld - Sister
- Diane Hastings - Sister
- Jacquelyn Clarkson - Mother
- Jacquelyn Rutgers Clarkson - Sister
- Patricia Clarkson Awards:
- 2004 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Nominee
- 2002 Emmy: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Winner
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Winner
- 2003 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Nominee
- College:
- Fordham University, New York, NY (BA, 1982); Yale University, New Haven, CT (MFA, 1985); attended Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
