Lin Shaye

Born:October 12, 1943

Place of Birth:Detroit, Michigan, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Lin Shaye, born on October 12, 1943, is a seasoned American actress renowned for her captivating performances in various horror franchises such as Nightmare on Elm Street, Ouija, and Insidious. Despite her intimidating presence on screen, Shaye's journey to stardom was paved with dedication and hard work.

During her formative years at the University of Michigan, Shaye immersed herself in the world of arts, majoring in Art History while actively participating in a multitude of university productions. Her passion for acting led her to Columbia University School of the Arts, where she honed her craft and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in the entertainment industry.

Upon completing her studies, Shaye ventured into the bustling theater scene of New York City, where she graced both off- and off-off-Broadway stages with her exceptional talent. From intimate theater productions to grand performances at Lincoln Center and Broadway, she showcased her versatility and garnered acclaim for her compelling portrayals.

Shaye's foray into the world of cinema marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in her career. With a penchant for delving into the darker realms of storytelling, she found her niche in horror films, captivating audiences with her ability to embody complex and chilling characters. Her roles in iconic horror franchises solidified her status as a prominent figure in the genre, earning her a dedicated following of fans worldwide.

Beyond her contributions to the horror genre, Shaye's filmography boasts a diverse range of roles that showcase her versatility as an actress. Whether portraying a supportive mother figure or a mysterious psychic, she infuses each character with depth and nuance, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.

In addition to her work on the silver screen, Shaye has also made notable appearances on television, further expanding her reach and showcasing her talent to a broader audience. Her magnetic presence and undeniable skill have cemented her status as a respected and sought-after actress in the industry.

Throughout her career, Shaye has demonstrated a remarkable ability to immerse herself fully in every role she undertakes, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to her performances. Her dedication to her craft and unwavering commitment to storytelling have earned her critical acclaim and admiration from peers and audiences alike.

As a trailblazer in the realm of horror cinema, Shaye continues to captivate audiences with her unparalleled talent and fearless approach to challenging roles. With each new project, she pushes the boundaries of her craft and solidifies her legacy as a true icon of the silver screen.

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Lin Shaye
Lin Shaye

Filmography

Acting

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A Nightmare on Elm Street

Teacher

1984

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Insidious

Elise Rainier

2011

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Dumb and Dumber

Mrs. Neugeboren

1994

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The Running Man

Propaganda Officer

1987

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Insidious: The Red Door

Elise Rainier

2023

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Insidious: The Last Key

Elise Rainier

2018

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A Cinderella Story

Mrs. Wells

2004

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Insidious: Chapter 2

Elise Rainier

2013

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There's Something About Mary

Magda

1998

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Insidious: Chapter 3

Elise Rainier

2015

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Me, Myself & Irene

Mrs. Caleron

2000

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Cellular

Exotic Car Driver

2004

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My Sister's Keeper

Nurse Adele

2009

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Snakes on a Plane

Grace

2006

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Ouija

Paulina Zander

2014

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The Grudge

Faith Matheson

2019

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Ouija: Origin of Evil

Old Paulina Zander

2016

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The Three Stooges

Nurse Crotchet

2012

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New Nightmare

Nurse with Pills

1994

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The Signal

Mirabelle

2014

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Critters

Sally

1986

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Last Man Standing

The Madame

1996

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Kingpin

Landlady

1996

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Stuck on You

Makeup Babe

2003

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Critters 2

Sal

1988

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Critters 3

Sal (archive footage)

1991

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National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1

Witness

1993

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Boat Trip

Sonya the Coach

2002

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Brewster's Millions

Journalist at Rally

1985

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The Hidden

Carol Miller

1987

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Dead End

Laura Harrington

2003

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Detroit Rock City

Mrs. Bruce

1999

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A Good Old Fashioned Orgy

Dody

2011

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Pump Up the Volume

PTA Parent #3

1990

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Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy

Self

2010

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Corrina, Corrina

Repeat Nanny

1994

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Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Rubber Rose Maid

1994

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Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again

Nurse with Telegram

1982

Production