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Jennifer Jason Leigh Headshot

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Jason Leigh is an actress, writer and director known for her work in film, television and theater. She began acting professionally as a teenager, studying with Lee Strasberg and at Stagedoor Manor before appearing in films and television productions.

Date of Birth: February 05, 1962 (64)

Birth Place: Hollywood, CA, USA

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BIO

Jennifer Jason Leigh is an actress, writer and director known for her work in film, television and theater. She began acting professionally as a teenager, studying with Lee Strasberg and at Stagedoor Manor before appearing in films and television productions. Her early breakthrough came with Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), followed by acclaimed performances in films including Last Exit to Brooklyn, Miami Blues, Rush and Single White Female.


Leigh earned widespread critical acclaim for her performance as troubled rock singer Sadie Flood in Georgia (1995), winning the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress and the Best Actress award at the Montreal World Film Festival. She also received recognition for portraying writer Dorothy Parker in Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994), earning a Golden Globe nomination.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Leigh frequently worked with prominent independent filmmakers, appearing in films such as Short Cuts, The Hudsucker Proxy, Washington Square, eXistenZ, The Machinist, Synecdoche, New York, Margot at the Wedding and Greenberg. She also co-wrote and co-directed The Anniversary Party (2001) with Alan Cumming.

Leigh returned to major mainstream recognition with Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight (2015), earning Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for her supporting performance. Her later screen work has included Twin Peaks, Annihilation, Possessor, The Affair and the fifth season of Fargo, in which she played Lorraine Lyon.

Leigh has also maintained an extensive theater career. She played Sally Bowles in the 1998 Broadway revival of Cabaret and appeared on Broadway in Proof and The House of Blue Leaves. Her other stage credits include The Glass Menagerie, Man of Destiny, The Shadow Box, Picnic, Sunshine and Abigail's Party.

Over the course of her career, Leigh has received multiple honors for her acting and contributions to independent cinema, including career tributes from the Telluride Film Festival, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the American Cinematheque.

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STAGE CREDITS

The House of Blue Leaves The House of Blue Leaves
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2011
Bunny Flingus
Abigail's Party
[Off-Broadway]
2005
Beverly
Proof
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Catherine [Replacement]
Cabaret Cabaret
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 1998
Sally Bowles [Replacement], Sally Bowles [Replacement]
Sunshine
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Sunshine

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Movies

Eyes of a Stranger
[ 1981 ] Tracy Harris
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
[ 1982 ] Stacy Hamilton
Wrong Is Right
[ 1982 ] Young Girl
Easy Money
[ 1983 ] Allison Capuletti
Grandview, U.S.A.
[ 1984 ] Candy Webster
Flesh+Blood
[ 1985 ] Agnes
The Hitcher
[ 1986 ] Nh
The Men's Club
[ 1986 ] Teensy
Sister, Sister
[ 1987 ] Lucy Bonnard
Under Cover
[ 1987 ] Tanille Laroux
Heart of Midnight
[ 1988 ] Carol
The Big Picture
[ 1989 ] Lydia Johnson
Last Exit to Brooklyn
[ 1989 ] Tralala
Miami Blues
[ 1990 ] Susie Waggoner
Backdraft
[ 1991 ] Jennifer Vaitkus
Rush
[ 1991 ] Kristen Cates
Crooked Hearts
[ 1991 ] Marriet Hoffman
Single White Female
[ 1992 ] Hedra Carlson
The Prom
[ 1992 ] Lana
Short Cuts
[ 1993 ] Lois Kaiser
The Hudsucker Proxy
[ 1994 ] Amy Archer
Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle
[ 1994 ] Dorothy Parker
Georgia
[ 1995 ] Sadie Flood
Dolores Claiborne
[ 1995 ] Selena St. George
Bastard Out of Carolina
[ 1996 ] Anney
Kansas City
[ 1996 ] Blondie O Hara
A Thousand Acres
[ 1997 ] Caroline Cook
Washington Square
[ 1997 ] Catherine Sloper
eXistenZ
[ 1999 ] Allegra Geller
The King Is Alive
[ 2000 ] Gina
Skipped Parts
[ 2000 ] Lydia Callahan
The Quickie
[ 2001 ] Lisa
The Anniversary Party
[ 2001 ] Sally Therrian
Road to Perdition
[ 2002 ] Annie Sullivan
Hey Arnold! The Movie
[ 2002 ] Bridget
In the Cut
[ 2003 ] Pauline
Palindromes
[ 2004 ] MarkAviva
The Machinist
[ 2004 ] Stevie
Childstar
[ 2004 ] Suzanne
Rag Tale
[ 2005 ] Deputy Editor - The Rag, Mary Josephine MJ Morton
The Jacket
[ 2005 ] Dr. Beth Lorenson
Margot at the Wedding
[ 2007 ] Pauline
Synecdoche, New York
[ 2008 ] Maria
Greenberg
[ 2010 ] Beth - Beller's Party
Hateship Loveship
[ 2013 ] Chloe
The Moment
[ 2013 ] Lee
Kill Your Darlings
[ 2013 ] Naomi Ginsberg
The Spectacular Now
[ 2013 ] Sara
Jake Squared
[ 2013 ] Sheryl
Welcome to Me
[ 2014 ] Deb Moseley
Me
[ 2014 ] Kelly
Alex of Venice
[ 2014 ] Maureen
The Hateful Eight
[ 2015 ] Daisy Domergue
Anomalisa
[ 2015 ] Lisa Hesselman
Morgan
[ 2016 ] Dr. Kathy Grieff
LBJ
[ 2016 ] Lady Bird Johnson
Good Time
[ 2017 ] Corey Ellman
Amityville: The Awakening
[ 2017 ] Joan
Annihilation
[ 2018 ] Dr. Ventress
White Boy Rick
[ 2018 ] FBI Agent Snyder
Possessor
[ 2020 ] Girder
Awake
[ 2021 ] Dr. Murphy
The Woman in the Window
[ 2021 ] Jane Russell 2
Sharp Stick
[ 2022 ] Marilyn
Night Always Comes
[ 2025 ] Doreen
Crime 101
[ 2026 ]

TV Shows

Atypical
Elsa Gardner
Weeds
Jill Price-Gray
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen
[ 2026 ]
Fargo
[ 2023-2024 ] Lorraine Lyon

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2006 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Abigail's Party

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News

Photos: PROOF to Open at El Portal Theatre With Ed Begley Jr. and Hayden Begley Photo
Photos: PROOF to Open at El Portal Theatre With Ed Begley Jr. and Hayden Begley
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2026

Ed Begley Jr. and Hayden Begley star in David Auburn's PROOF, directed by Stuart Rogers, at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. See photos of the production.
Ed Begley Jr and Hayden Begley to Star in PROOF at the El Portal Theatre Photo
Ed Begley Jr and Hayden Begley to Star in PROOF at the El Portal Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2026

Ed Begley Jr and Hayden Begley will star in PROOF written by David Auburn at the El Portal Theatre. David Auburn’s PROOF is a passionate, intelligent story about fathers and daughters, the nature of genius, and the power of love.
GODSPELL Documentary, OVER YOUR DEAD BODY, & More Among Florida Film Festival Lineup Photo
GODSPELL Documentary, OVER YOUR DEAD BODY, & More Among Florida Film Festival Lineup
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 3, 2026

The Florida Film Festival has announced the film lineup and events schedule for next month’s 35th edition, featuring a documentary about the original Toronto production of the musical Godspell, the dark comedy Over Your Dead Body, and more.
Video/Photos: First Look at Vanessa Kirby in Netflix's NIGHT ALWAYS COMES Photo
Video/Photos: First Look at Vanessa Kirby in Netflix's NIGHT ALWAYS COMES
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 17, 2025

Netflix is previewing its latest crime thriller, Night Always Comes, with a trailer and new first-look photos. Starring Academy Award nominee Vanessa Kirby, the movie will be released on Netflix on August 15th. Check out the trailer and photos here!
Nancy Daly Will Receive Actors' Equity Foundation's Patrick Quinn Award Photo
Nancy Daly Will Receive Actors' Equity Foundation's Patrick Quinn Award
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025

The Actors' Equity Foundation has announced the final recipient of its awards for 2025: Nancy Daly for the Patrick Quinn Award for Distinguished Service to Actors.
ALAN CUMMING: UNCUT Comes to the State Theatre of New Jersey Photo
ALAN CUMMING: UNCUT Comes to the State Theatre of New Jersey
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2024

State Theatre New Jersey will present Alan Cumming: Uncut on Saturday, June 22 at 8pm.
Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden & More to be Featured in Williamstown Photo
Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden & More to be Featured in Williamstown Theatre Festival Readings
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 29, 2023

Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden and more will be featured in Williamstown Theatre Festival's Fridays@3 reading series.
The Coolidge Announces PROJECTIONS: SCIENCE FICTION FROM THE ART HOUSE Screenings of Photo
The Coolidge Announces PROJECTIONS: SCIENCE FICTION FROM THE ART HOUSE Screenings of Sci-Fi Classics
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2022

The Coolidge Corner Theatre ('the Coolidge') today announced the lineup for its January 2023 repertory series Projections: Science Fiction from the Art House. Art house sci-fi doesn't depend on rational explanations, modern CGI, common storytelling structures, or a giant budget to create otherworldly, thought-provoking films.
JES TOM: LESS LONELY Presented By Elliot Page & More At Summer Of Comedy At The Cherr Photo
JES TOM: LESS LONELY Presented By Elliot Page & More At Summer Of Comedy At The Cherry Lane Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 7, 2022

Mike & Carlee Productions, the team behind Oh Hello, Jacqueline Novak's Get On Your Knees, Chris Gethard's Career Suicide, and most recently, Alison Leiby's Oh God, A Show About Abortion, have announced their Summer of Comedy at Cherry Lane!
Ariana DeBose Joins Chris Pine's POOLMAN Film Photo
Ariana DeBose Joins Chris Pine's POOLMAN Film
by Michael Major - May 16, 2022

Ariana DeBose will join Jennifer Jason Leigh, Annette Benning, and Danny DeVito in Chris Pine's directorial debut. While plot details on the new film are mostly currently under wraps, it has been described as a 'moving tribute to Los Angeles,' inspired by films like La La Land, The Long Goodbye, and The Big Lebowski.
BWW Feature: From Screen and Page To Stage Photo
BWW Feature: From Screen and Page To Stage
by Jonathan Marshall - Mar 26, 2020

Reading play texts is an enjoyable way of attaining the theatre fix we're all feeling deprived of during these unprecedented times. It got us thinking about some screenplays and novels that could make for interesting stage adaptations.
INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO's James Lipton Has Died at 93 Photo
INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO's James Lipton Has Died at 93
by Stephi Wild - Mar 2, 2020

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that James Lipton, executive producer, writer, and host of the Bravo cable television series Inside the Actors Studio, has died at age 93.
TEAM MARCO, QT8: THE FIRST EIGHT and More to Play at Garden State Film Festival Photo
TEAM MARCO, QT8: THE FIRST EIGHT and More to Play at Garden State Film Festival
by Abigail Charpentier - Feb 12, 2020

Celebrating its 18th Anniversary, the artistic philosophy of the Garden State Film Festival is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and celebrates this spirit through dramatic screenings and unparalleled film collaborations attracting a diverse audience from around the world. From Wednesday, 25 - Sunday, 29 March 2020 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, GSFF unveils world premieres, Hollywood stars, industry panels, and as a nonprofit enterprise, serves as an added economic engine for Asbury Park's vitality through art, commerce and culture. Make your plans to be a part of intriguing panel discussions and can't miss parties, all held in numerous locations all over the city by the sea. 
Films from SLAVE PLAY's Jeremy O. Harris, Julie Taymor & More Join Line-Up at Sundanc Photo
Films from SLAVE PLAY's Jeremy O. Harris, Julie Taymor & More Join Line-Up at Sundance Film Festival
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Dec 4, 2019

The nonprofit Sundance Institute announced today the showcase of new independent feature films selected across all categories for the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The Festival hosts screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City and at Sundance Mountain Resort, from January 23a?"February 2, 2020. The Sundance Film Festival is Sundance Institute's flagship public program, widely regarded as the largest American independent film festival and attended by more than 120,000 people and 1,300 accredited press, and powered by more than 2,000 volunteers last year.
VIDEO: Netflix Releases Trailer for Season Three of ATYPICAL Photo
VIDEO: Netflix Releases Trailer for Season Three of ATYPICAL
by Kaitlin Milligan - Oct 17, 2019

Netflix has released the trailer for season three of Atypical, a coming of age story that follows Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), a 19-year-old on the autism spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the ongoing central theme of the series: what does it really mean to be normal?
Photo Flash: Netflix Releases First Look at ATYPICAL Season 3 Photo
Photo Flash: Netflix Releases First Look at ATYPICAL Season 3
by Kaitlin Milligan - Oct 1, 2019

Netflix has released the first look images for the third season of its original series, Atypical.
DTLA Film Festival Announces 2019 Slate, Featuring Quentin Tarantino Documentary Photo
DTLA Film Festival Announces 2019 Slate, Featuring Quentin Tarantino Documentary
by Kaitlin Milligan - Sep 18, 2019

The 11th annual DTLA Film Festival, which is set to run from October 23rd -27th at Regal L.A. LIVE, announced today its full feature film lineup and select award recipients. A total of 38 feature-length movies – evenly divided between narrative and documentary - are slated to screen, with the majority making their World Premiere, West Coast Premiere, US Premiere, Los Angeles Premieres, and all eligible for awards.
Tara Wood's Tarantino Documentary Biopic QT8: THE FIRST EIGHT Will Open the DTLA Film Photo
Tara Wood's Tarantino Documentary Biopic QT8: THE FIRST EIGHT Will Open the DTLA Film Festival
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Sep 17, 2019

The 11th annual DTLA Film Festival, which is set to run from October 23rd -27th at Regal L.A. LIVE, announced today its full feature film lineup and select award recipients. A total of 38 feature-length movies – evenly divided between narrative and documentary - are slated to screen, with the majority making their World Premiere, West Coast Premiere, US Premiere, Los Angeles Premieres, and all eligible for awards.
Netflix Rounds Out Cast for AWAKE Starring Gina Rodriguez Photo
Netflix Rounds Out Cast for AWAKE Starring Gina Rodriguez
by Kaitlin Milligan - Aug 21, 2019

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barry Pepper, Finn Jones, Ariana Greenblatt, Frances Fisher, Shamier Anderson, Lucius Hoyos and Gil Bellows round out the cast of Netflix's sci-fi thriller Awake starring Gina Rodriguez.
Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott & Sarah Gadon Join Cast of BLACK BEAR Photo
Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott & Sarah Gadon Join Cast of BLACK BEAR
by Kaitlin Milligan - Jul 30, 2019

Productivity Media Inc and Oakhurst Entertainment announced today that Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon are set to join the cast of the upcoming thriller BLACK BEAR, directed by Lawrence Michael Levine.  Penned by Levine, the film will be produced by Tandem Pictures' Julie Christeas and Jonathan Blitstein, Richard J Bosner (Blue Creek Pictures), Sophia Takal and Oakhurst's Marina Grasic and Jai Khanna. Productivity will finance the film.  Shooting is underway in the Adirondack Mountains in Long Lake, NY.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jennifer Jason Leigh been in?

Jennifer Jason Leigh has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Jennifer Jason Leigh been in?

Jennifer Jason Leigh has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jennifer Jason Leigh been nominated for?

and Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Abigail's Party.

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