Deirdre O'Connell

Born:December 30, 1951

Place of Birth:Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Deirdre O'Connell, a versatile American character actress, has left an indelible mark on the world of stage, screen, and television throughout her illustrious career. Beginning her journey at Stage One, an experimental theatre in Boston, O'Connell's talent quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics alike. Her Broadway debut in the 1986 revival of "The Front Page" set the stage for a series of remarkable performances that would solidify her as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Notable for her exceptional range and depth as an actress, O'Connell garnered critical acclaim for her role in the off-Broadway production "Love and Anger," earning a nomination for the prestigious Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play in 1991. Her dedication to her craft has been recognized with two Drama-Logue Awards and a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for her outstanding contributions to the stage in Los Angeles, showcasing her unparalleled talent and commitment to her art.

Transitioning seamlessly to the world of film, O'Connell made her screen debut in "Tin Men" and went on to deliver memorable performances in a diverse range of movies such as "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Hearts in Atlantis," and "Wendy and Lucy." Her ability to inhabit complex and compelling characters with authenticity and nuance has captivated audiences and cemented her status as a respected and sought-after actress in the film industry.

On the small screen, O'Connell's presence has been equally impactful, with her first television credit dating back to 1977 in "Fernwood 2 Night." She has graced both television series and films with her talent, showcasing her versatility and skill in projects like "Nurse Jackie," "Law & Order," and "Six Feet Under." O'Connell's ability to bring depth and emotion to each character she portrays has made her a beloved figure in the world of television, earning her a dedicated following of fans and admirers.

Throughout her career, O'Connell has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhabit a wide array of characters with authenticity and depth, drawing audiences into the worlds she creates with her performances. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her innate talent and versatility, has solidified her status as a true powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Deirdre O'Connell's contributions to stage, screen, and television have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Hollis

2004

Joel Barish, heartbroken that his girlfriend underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realises that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake.

Synecdoche, New York

Ellen's Mother

2008

A theater director struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play.

St. Vincent

Linda

2014

A young boy whose parents just divorced finds an unlikely friend and mentor in the misanthropic, bawdy, hedonistic, war veteran who lives next door.

Cool World

Isabelle Malley

1992

A bizarre accident lands Frank Harris in Cool World, a realm of cartoons. Years later, cartoonist Jack Deebs, who's been drawing Cool World, crosses over as well. He sets his lustful sights on animated femme fatale Holli Would, but she's got plans of her own to become real, and it's up to Frank to stop her.

What Happens in Vegas

Mrs. Fuller

2008

During a wild vacation in Las Vegas, career woman Joy McNally and playboy Jack Fuller come to the sober realization that they have married each other after a night of drunken abandon. They are then compelled, for legal reasons, to live life as a couple for a limited period of time. At stake is a large amount of money.

Secondhand Lions

Helen

2003

The comedic adventures of an introverted boy left on the doorstep of a pair of reluctant, eccentric great-uncles, whose exotic remembrances stir the boy's spirit and re-ignite the men's lives.

Dragonfly

Gwyn

2002

A grieving doctor is being contacted by his late wife through his patient's near death experiences.

The Requin

Anne

2022

A couple on a romantic getaway find themselves stranded at sea when a tropical storm sweeps away their villa. In order to survive, they are forced to fight the elements, while sharks circle below.

Smoke

Sue the Waitress

1995

Writer Paul Benjamin is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren's smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn't mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife's murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid's quest to reconnect with his father and Auggie's discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.

Wendy and Lucy

Deb (voice)

2008

A near-penniless drifter's journey to Alaska in search of work is interrupted when she loses her dog while attempting to shoplift food for it.

Fearless

Nan Gordon

1993

After a terrible air disaster, survivor Max Klein emerges a changed person. Unable to connect to his former life or to wife Laura, he feels godlike and invulnerable. When psychologist Bill Perlman is unable to help Max, he has Max meet another survivor, Carla Rodrigo, who is wracked with grief and guilt since her baby died in the crash which she and Max survived.

State of Grace

Irene

1990

Hell's Kitchen, New York. Terry Noonan returns home after a ten-year absence. He soon reconnects with Jackie, a childhood friend and member of the Irish mob, and rekindles his love affair with Jackie's sister Kathleen.

Brain Dead

Mrs. Halsey

1990

In a battle of man versus machine, Martin, a top neurosurgeon who's studying brain malfunctions that cause mental illness, delves deep into his own mind to save himself from a megalomaniacal corporation.