Janey Louise Jones

Mary-Louise Parker is an American actress celebrated for her diverse career across film, television, and theater. She launched her career with stage performances, earning a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in 'Prelude to a Kiss' in 1990. Her film work gained significant attention throughout the 1990s with roles in "Grand Canyon," "Fried Green Tomatoes," and "The Client." Parker achieved critical acclaim for her stage work, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in David Auburn's "Proof" in 2001. She also garnered widespread recognition for her television performances, including a recurring role on "The West Wing," an Emmy and Golden Globe for her part in "Angels in America," and a Golden Globe for her lead role in the series "Weeds." Her career continues with notable stage returns and film appearances, alongside her work as a contributing writer for "Esquire" magazine and author of a memoir.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Mary-Louise Parker spent her formative years in various locations due to her father's military career, including Thailand, Germany, and France. This peripatetic childhood, which she described as "profoundly unhappy" despite material comforts, may have contributed to a later exploration of complex emotional landscapes in her roles. She pursued her passion for drama at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating in 1986. Her early career began on the soap opera "Ryan's Hope" before she moved to New York City and made her significant Broadway debut in "Prelude to a Kiss."

Parker's career is marked by a series of critically lauded performances. Her portrayal of Catherine Llewellyn in David Auburn's "Proof" earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play in 2001. This success was paralleled by her role as Harper Pitt in the HBO miniseries "Angels in America," for which she received both a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award. She later achieved widespread popularity as Nancy Botwin, the lead in the television series "Weeds" (2005–2012), a role that earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Her return to Broadway has also been met with acclaim, including a second Tony Award for "The Sound Inside."

Beyond her acting endeavors, Mary-Louise Parker has established herself as a writer. Since 2007, she has been a regular contributor of articles to "Esquire" magazine. In 2015, she published her memoir, "Dear Mr. You," which is structured as a collection of letters. This venture into writing offers a different avenue for her to express her perspectives and experiences, complementing her extensive work in performance.

“My parents did everything they could; I had books, clothes, a home and a warm bed, but I was never happy.”

“I'm really in favor of legalizing marijuana. I don't think it's that controversial.”