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Karen Black Biography

Birth Name:Karen Blanche Ziegler

Birth Place:Park Ridge, Illinois, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Writer, Producer, Editorial department

Fast Facts

Was nominated for the Drama Critics' Circle Award for her role in "The Play Room․"
Married film director Stephen Eckelberry in 1987
Entered college at the age of 15, but after only two years of study she left Northwestern University to pursue the acting in New York
Was discovered by Francis Ford Coppola while performing in a play, and was ultimately cast in the film "You're a Big Boy Now" based on her performance
Was known for her ability to morph into a wide variety of characters
Well known for frequently working on horror projects
Actor Jack Nicholson recommended her for her role in "Five Easy Pieces․"

1970NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
1970NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1971Oscar-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
1971Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture: winner
1971Golden Laurel-Star of Tomorrow, Female: nominated
1971Golden Laurel-Best Supporting Performance, Female: nominated
1971NBR Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
1975Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture: winner
1976Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1976Grammy-Album of Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special: nominated
1977Medalla Sitges en Plata de Ley-Best Actress: winner
1998Best Actress-: winner
1999Acting Award-Best Actress: winner
2003Stinker Award-Worst Supporting Actress: nominated
2003Stinker Award-Worst Fake Accent: Female: winner
2004Chainsaw Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
2005International Fantasy Film Award-Best Actress: winner
2005Outstanding Achievement Award-Acting - Female: winner
2006TV Land Award-Blockbuster Movie of the Week: nominated