50 Facts About Mary Steenburgen

Early Life and Education

Mary Steenburgen’s journey to stardom began in a small town in Arkansas. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her illustrious career.

1. Mary Nell Steenburgen was born on February 8, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas.
2. Her father, Maurice Hoffman Steenburgen, worked as a freight-train conductor for the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
3. Her mother, Nellie Mae (née Wall), was a school-board secretary.
4. Steenburgen has a sister named Nancy Kelly (née Steenburgen), who is a teacher.
5. She attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where she studied drama.
6. In 1972, she left college to pursue acting in New York City.
7. Steenburgen studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.

Breakthrough and Early Career

Mary's big break came when she was discovered by a Hollywood legend, leading to her first major role.

8. Jack Nicholson discovered Steenburgen in the reception room of Paramount Pictures's New York office.
9. Nicholson cast her in his Western comedy film Goin' South (1978).
10. In Goin' South, she played Julia Tate, a character who marries Henry Moon (Nicholson's character) to prevent him from being hanged.
11. Her performance in Goin' South earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
12. Her next notable role was in the time-travel romantic comedy Time After Time (1979).
13. In Time After Time, she played a modern woman who falls in love with author H.G. Wells, played by Malcolm McDowell.
14. The film Time After Time was a commercial success and received critical praise.

Personal Life and Relationships

Mary's personal life has been as eventful as her career, including her marriages and family.

15. During the filming of Time After Time, she met her future husband, British actor Malcolm McDowell.
16. They married on September 29, 1980, and had two children: actress Lilly McDowell and producer/director Charlie McDowell.
17. On October 7, 1995, Steenburgen married actor Ted Danson at their home in Martha’s Vineyard.

Major Film Roles and Awards

Mary's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and memorable roles in various films.

18. Her performance in Melvin and Howard (1980) earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
19. For her role in Melvin and Howard, she also received the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture.
20. In 1983, she played Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in the biopic Cross Creek.
21. She starred in the film One Magic Christmas (1985) as a woman who falls on devastating times at Christmas.
22. In 1989, she played Karen Buckman in Parenthood, a film exploring the lives of four related families.
23. Steenburgen played Clara Clayton, a schoolteacher who falls in love with Doc Brown, in Back to the Future Part III (1990).
24. In What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), she played a frustrated housewife who seduced young Johnny Depp’s character.
25. She played Belinda Conine in Philadelphia (1993), a film dealing with themes of AIDS and discrimination.
26. In Nixon (1995), she played Hannah Nixon, the president’s mother.
27. Steenburgen is also remembered as Emily in Elf (2003), a Christmas comedy film starring Will Ferrell.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Mary has always been dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting various causes.

28. She is an active supporter of humanitarian causes and has been involved with various groups ranging from human rights to environmental causes.
29. Steenburgen spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, highlighting her commitment to social and political causes.
30. She received an honorary degree (Doctor of Fine Arts) from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas (1989).
31. She also received an honorary degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) from Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas (2006).
32. In April 2002, Steenburgen returned to her former high school in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to teach drama workshops to students.
33. She cofounded Artists for New South Africa, an organization aimed at ending apartheid in South Africa.

Recent Work and Continued Success

Even after decades in the industry, Mary continues to shine in both film and television.

34. In recent years, she has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020).
35. She also appeared in The Good Place (2020), Grace and Frankie (2020), and Bless the Harts (2019–2020).
36. Her film roles include On Becoming a God in Central Florida (2019), The Conners (2018), Antiquities (2018), and Book Club (2018).
37. For her song "Glasgow (No Place Like Home)", written for the musical film Wild Rose (2018), Steenburgen received the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Song.

Legacy and Influence

Mary Steenburgen's impact on the film and television industry is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire.

38. She has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role in The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank (1988).
39. Steenburgen won the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her role in Time After Time (1979).
40. Her extensive filmography includes Goin' South (1978), Time After Time (1979), Melvin and Howard (1980), Cross Creek (1983), One Magic Christmas (1985), Parenthood (1989), Back to the Future Part III (1990), What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), It Runs in the Family (1994), Philadelphia (1993), Nixon (1995), and Elf (2003).
41. Her television roles include The Butcher's Wife (1991), The Long Walk Home (1990), The Whales of August (1987), Dead of Winter (1987), Faerie Tale Theatre (1983), Romantic Comedy (1983), and Ragtime (1981).
42. Steenburgen’s children, Lilly McDowell and Charlie McDowell, are both involved in the entertainment industry.
43. Her influence on the film industry extends beyond her acting career, as she has been an advocate for women in film.
44. Steenburgen’s performances have had a significant cultural impact, with roles in films like Back to the Future Part III and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape becoming iconic.
45. She has contributed to education by teaching drama workshops at her former high school.
46. Her philanthropic work extends to various causes, including human rights, environmental conservation, and arts education.
47. Steenburgen has been an active public speaker, advocating for various causes and sharing her insights on the film industry.
48. She has received numerous other awards and honors for her contributions to the arts, including honorary degrees from Hendrix College and Lyon College.
49. Her legacy in film is marked by her versatility and range, playing a wide variety of roles from comedic characters to dramatic leads.
50. Steenburgen’s impact on television is equally significant, with appearances in shows like Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist and The Good Place showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres and formats.

Mary Steenburgen's Lasting Impact

Mary Steenburgen's career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. From her early days in Arkansas to winning an Academy Award, she's shown remarkable talent and resilience. Her roles in films like Back to the Future Part III and What's Eating Gilbert Grape have left a lasting mark on pop culture. Beyond acting, her commitment to philanthropy and arts education highlights her generous spirit. Married to Ted Danson since 1995, she balances a successful career with a fulfilling personal life. Her influence extends to young actors and filmmakers, inspiring future generations. Whether on screen or off, Steenburgen's contributions continue to resonate, making her a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. Her legacy, marked by numerous awards and heartfelt performances, ensures she'll be remembered for years to come.