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.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Insidious: The Red Door

Elise Rainier

2023

To put their demons to rest once and for all, Josh Lambert and a college-aged Dalton Lambert must go deeper into The Further than ever before, facing their family's dark past and a host of new and more horrifying terrors that lurk behind the red door.

Insidious

Elise Rainier

2011

A family discovers that dark spirits have invaded their home after their son inexplicably falls into an endless sleep. When they reach out to a professional for help, they learn things are a lot more personal than they thought.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Teacher

1984

Teenagers in a small town are dropping like flies, apparently in the grip of mass hysteria causing their suicides. A cop's daughter, Nancy Thompson, traces the cause to child molester Fred Krueger, who was burned alive by angry parents many years before. Krueger has now come back in the dreams of his killers' children, claiming their lives as his revenge. Nancy and her boyfriend, Glen, must devise a plan to lure the monster out of the realm of nightmares and into the real world...

Dumb and Dumber

Mrs. Neugeboren

1994

Lloyd and Harry are two men whose stupidity is really indescribable. When Mary, a beautiful woman, loses an important suitcase with money before she leaves for Aspen, the two friends (who have found the suitcase) decide to return it to her. After some "adventures" they finally get to Aspen where, using the lost money they live it up and fight for Mary's heart.

Insidious: Chapter 2

Elise Rainier

2013

The haunted Lambert family seeks to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.

Insidious: The Last Key

Élise Rainier

2018

Parapsychologist Elise Rainier and her team travel to Five Keys, NM, to investigate a man’s claim of a haunting. Terror soon strikes when Rainier realizes that the house he lives in was her family’s old home.

A Cinderella Story

Mrs. Wells

2004

Routinely exploited by her wicked stepmother, the downtrodden Samantha Montgomery is excited about the prospect of meeting her Internet beau at the school's Halloween dance.

Me, Myself & Irene

Mrs. Caleron

2000

Rhode Island State Trooper Charlie Baileygates has a multiple personality disorder. One personality is crazy and aggressive, while the other is more friendly and laid back. Both of these personalities fall in love with the same woman named Irene after Charlie loses his medication.

The Signal

Mirabelle

2014

On a road trip, Nic and two friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness – only to find himself in a waking nightmare.

Brewster's Millions

Journalist at Rally

1985

Monty Brewster, an aging minor-league baseball player, stands to inherit $300 million if he can successfully spend $30 million in 30 days without anything to show for it, and without telling anyone what he's up to... A task that's a lot harder than it sounds!

There's Something About Mary

Magda

1998

For Ted, prom night went about as bad as it’s possible for any night to go. Thirteen years later, he finally gets another chance with his old prom date, only to run up against other suitors including the sleazy detective he hired to find her.

Ouija

Paulina Zander

2014

A group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark powers of an ancient spirit board.

Boat Trip

Sonya the Coach

2002

Two guys whose love lives are a wreck look forward to finding ladies on the high seas. Unfortunately, they've mistakenly been booked on a gay cruise.

Insidious: Chapter 3

Elise Rainier

2015

A twisted new tale of terror begins for a teenage girl and her family, and revealing more mysteries of the otherworldly realm, 'The Further'.

My Sister's Keeper

Nurse Adele

2009

Sara and Brian live an idyllic life with their young son and daughter. But their family is rocked by sudden, heartbreaking news that forces them to make a difficult and unorthodox choice in order to save their baby girl's life. The parents' desperate decision raises both ethical and moral questions and rips away at the foundation of their relationship. Their actions ultimately set off a court case that threatens to tear the family apart, while revealing surprising truths that challenge everyone's perceptions of love and loyalty and give new meaning to the definition of healing.

The Running Man

Propaganda Officer

1987

By 2017, the global economy has collapsed and U.S. society has become a totalitarian police state, censoring all cultural activity. The government pacifies the populace by broadcasting a number of game shows in which convicted criminals fight for their lives, including the gladiator-style The Running Man, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian, where “runners” attempt to evade “stalkers” and certain death for a chance to be pardoned and set free.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Old Paulina Zander

2016

In 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their séance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by the merciless spirit, this small family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.

The Three Stooges

Nurse Crotchet

2012

Left on the doorstep of an orphanage run by nuns, three newborn knuckleheads grow up to be finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking janitors named Larry, Curly and Moe. When they learn that financial problems will soon force the only home they've ever known to close, the trio sets out to raise $830,000 in one month. Out in the world for the very first time, the three innocent bumblers become embroiled in a murder plot and find stardom on a TV reality show.

The Grudge

Faith Matheson

2019

After a young mother murders her family in her own house, a detective attempts to investigate the mysterious case, only to discover that the house is cursed by a vengeful ghost. Now targeted by the demonic spirits, the detective must do anything to protect herself and her family from harm.

Cellular

Exotic Car Driver

2004

A young man receives an emergency phone call on his cell phone from an older woman. She claims to have been kidnapped – and the kidnappers have targeted her husband and child next.

Snakes on a Plane

Grace

2006

FBI agent Neville Flynn boards a flight from Honolulu, Hawaii to Los Angeles, escorting a key witness to testify against a mob boss at an upcoming trial. An on-board assassin releases a crate full of hundreds of deadly venomous snakes in an attempt to eliminate the witness. Flynn and a host of frightened passengers and crew must band together to survive the slithery threat.

New Nightmare

Nurse with Pills

1994

Cast and crew from A Nightmare on Elm Street are terrorized by Freddy Krueger and his razor-fingered glove as he crosses over into the real world.

Stuck on You

Makeup Babe

2003

In Martha's Vineyard, Mass., conjoined twins Walt and Bob Tenor make the best of their handicap by being the fastest grill cooks in town. While outgoing Walt hopes to one day become a famous actor, shy Bob prefers to stay out of the spotlight. When a fading Hollywood actress, Cher, decides to get her show "Honey and the Beaze" cancelled, she hires Walt -- and his brotherly appendage -- as her costars. But their addition surprisingly achieves the opposite.

Critters

Sally

1986

Carnivorous aliens arrive unannounced at a Kansas family farm; two intergalactic bounty hunters soon follow, determined to blow them off the planet.

Last Man Standing

The Madame

1996

John Smith is a mysterious stranger who is drawn into a vicious war between two Prohibition-era gangs. In a dangerous game, he switches allegiances from one to another, offering his services to the highest bidder. As the death toll mounts, Smith takes the law into his own hands in a deadly race to stay alive.

Kingpin

Landlady

1996

After bowler Roy Munson swindles the wrong crowd and is left with a hook for a hand, he settles into impoverished obscurity. That is, until he uncovers the next big thing: an Amish kid named Ishmael. So, the corrupt and the hopelessly naive hit the circuit intent on settling an old score with Big Ern.

Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy

Self

2010

For decades, Freddy Krueger has slashed his way through the dreams of countless youngsters, scaring up over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight terrifying, spectacular films.

Dead End

Laura Harrington

2003

Christmas Eve. On his way to his in-laws with his family, Frank Harrington decides to try a shortcut, for the first time in 20 years. It turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life.

Critters 3

Sal (archive footage)

1991

As fanged, furious furballs viciously invade an L.A. apartment building and sink their teeth into the low-rent tenants, Josh leads the battle to beat back the conniving critters and save the planet.

The Hidden

Carol Miller

1987

When average, law-abiding citizens suddenly turn to a life of hedonistic behavior and violent crime, Detective Tom Beck is tasked with helping young FBI agent Lloyd Gallagher determine the cause.

Detroit Rock City

Mrs. Bruce

1999

In 1978, a Kiss concert was an epoch-making event. For the four teen fans in Detroit Rock City getting tickets to the sold-out show becomes the focal point of their existence. They'll do anything for tickets -- compete in a strip club's amateur-night contest, take on religious protesters, even rob a convenience store!

National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1

Witness

1993

An LA detective is murdered because she has microfilm with the recipe to make cocaine cookies. Two cops partner to find and stop the fiends before they can dope the nation by distributing their wares via the 'Wilderness Girls' cookie drive.

Corrina, Corrina

Repeat Nanny

1994

When Manny Singer's wife dies, his young daughter Molly becomes mute and withdrawn. To help cope with looking after Molly, he hires sassy housekeeper Corrina Washington, who coaxes Molly out of her shell and shows father and daughter a whole new way of life. Manny and Corrina's friendship delights Molly and enrages the other townspeople.

Critters 2

Sal

1988

Three bounty hunters from space fly back to the town of Grovers Bend, hoping to save local residents from a new batch of Critter eggs.

Pump Up the Volume

PTA Parent #3

1990

Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.

A Good Old Fashioned Orgy

Dody

2011

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Rubber Rose Maid

1994

A girl born with enormous thumbs in the repressive era of the 1950s learns to turn her quirks into assets.

Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again

Nurse with Telegram

1982

While conducting a research experiment intended to bring about an alternative to modern surgery, exhausted Los Angeles surgeon Dr. Daniel Jekyll falls asleep and accidentally inhales the white powders, transforming him into a wildly uninhibited nymphomaniac.