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Jane Alexander Biography

Birth Name:Jane Quigley

Birth Place:Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Profession Actress, Producer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Won a Drama Desk Award for her role in the play "The Sisters Rosensweig" in 1993
Became the chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts in 1992 and remained in the position for five years
Has served on the board for numerous non-profit organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society, Project Green Hope, the National Stroke Association and Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament
First gained success during the late 1960s when she made her Broadway debut in "The Great White Hope․"
Studied math for two years at Sarah Lawrence College, but after a series of personal tragedies, she transferred to the University f Edinburgh in Scotland where she switched her focus to acting
Quote: "You have to have the ability to preserve, to get knocked down and get back up again․ Just talent is not enough․"
Became well-known for her made-for-television films later during the 1980s, including "Playing for Time" and "Warm Springs," among others
Co-starred in the stage production of "The Great White Hope" with James Earl Jones, who would later co-star with her again in the film adaptation of the show in 1970

Awards

1971Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1971Golden Globe-Most Promising Newcomer - Female: nominated
1971Golden Laurel-Star of Tomorrow, Female: nominated
1976Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama or Comedy Special: nominated
1977Oscar-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
1977Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama or Comedy Special: nominated
1979NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
1980Oscar-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
1980Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture: nominated
1980NSFC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
1981Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special: winner
1983LAFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
1984Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1984Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1984Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
1985Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
1985Bronze Wrangler-Fictional Television Drama: winner
1989ACE-Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries: nominated
2000Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Theatrical Motion Picture: nominated
2000OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2000Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2005Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Performer in a Children/Youth/Family Special: nominated
2005OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
2005Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: winner
2005Satellite Award-Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
2013ACTRA Maritimes Award-Outstanding Performance - Female: winner
2014OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2015Canadian Screen Award-Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Series: nominated
2025OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2025Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated