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Betty Thomas Biography

Birth Name:Betty Lucille Nienhauser

Birth Place:St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Profession Director, Actress, Producer

Fast Facts

1998's "Dr․ Dolittle" would go on to be one of the highest grossing movies directed by a woman in the 1990s
After studying at Ohio University, she would become a high school teacher before joining The Second City in Chicago to pursue her acting career
Initially worked at The Second City in Chicago as a waitress to earn extra money, not intending to join as a performer
Began experimenting in the director's chair starting in the late '80s and would eventually go on to win numerous accolades for her efforts, including an Emmy
Upon moving to Los Angeles to join Second City's newest location, she would begin to land numerous small parts in film before landing her most well-known role to date, that of police officer Lucille Bates on NBC's "Hill Street Blues" in 1981
Good friends with Bill Murray, a fellow Second City alum

1981Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
1982Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
1983Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
1984Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
1985Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: winner
1986Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
1986Q Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series: winner
1987Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
1993CableACE-Directing a Comedy Series: winner
1993Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing in a Comedy Series: winner
1994CableACE-Directing a Comedy Series: nominated
1994DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series: nominated
1994Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing for a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1995CableACE-Directing a Comedy Series: nominated
1995DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Specials: nominated
1996Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1997DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Specials: winner
1997Audience Award-: winner
1997Crystal Globe-: nominated