Won an art scholarship to the University of Minnesota, but dropped out to marry and travel with Spanish photographer Paco Grande
Became interested in acting through studying mime in Paris with Etienne Decroux, Marcel Marceau's teacher
Worked as a model for the Wilhelmina Agency and from that was asked to audition for the 1976 remake of King Kong
Breakthrough role was as a femme fatale opposite Jack Nicholson in The Postman Always Rings Twice in 1981
Became the first actress in over four decades to be nominated for Best Actress (Frances) and Best Supporting Actress (Tootsie) at the Academy Awards in the same year (1982)
Made Broadway debut in a 1992 revival of A Streetcar Named Desire; has memorably played Tennessee Williams' three greatest heroines: Blanche DuBois (Streetcar); Maggie (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof); and Amanda Wingfield (The Glass Menagerie)
Made first appearance as a TV regular on American Horror Story in 2011
Is an accomplished photographer and has published two books of photos (50 Photographs; In Mexico)
Is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF
Has a Celtic knot tattooed on her left wrist
Awards
2019Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series:nominated
2017Emmy-Outstanding Limited Series:nominated
2017Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie:nominated
2015Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie:nominated
2015Critics' Choice Television Awards-Best Actress in a Movie or Limited Series:nominated
2015Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
2014Critics' Choice Television Awards-Best Actress in a Movie or Mini-Series:winner
2014Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
2013Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
2013Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:nominated
2013Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:nominated
2012Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:nominated
2012Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:winner
2012Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:winner
2012Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:winner
2012Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:winner
2012Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:winner
2012Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:winner
2011Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:winner
2011Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:winner
2011Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:winner
2009Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:winner
2004Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
2003Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie:nominated
1998Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:nominated
1996Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress for a Miniseries or a Special:nominated
1996Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:winner
1995Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:winner
1994Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role:nominated
1994Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:winner
1993Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
1993Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Actress:winner
1990Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:nominated
1989Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1985Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1985Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:nominated
1984Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1984BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress:nominated
1983Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:nominated
1983Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:winner
1982Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:winner
1982Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1982New York Film Critics Circle-Best Supporting Actress:winner
1977Golden Globe-New Star of the Year - Actress:winner