Mary Beth Hurt

2.1. Childhood and Education

Mary Beth Hurt was born Mary Beth Supinger on September 25, 1946, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Her parents were Delores Lenore (née Andre) and Forrest Clayton Supinger. Notably, her childhood babysitter was the actress Jean Seberg, who also hailed from Marshalltown. Hurt pursued her formal drama education at the University of Iowa before continuing her studies at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts through its Graduate Acting Program.

3.1. Stage Career

Hurt made her debut on the New York stage in 1974. She quickly established herself as a formidable presence in theater, receiving three nominations for the Tony Award for her performances on Broadway. These nominations were for her roles in Trelawny of the Wells, Crimes of the Heart, and Benefactors. For her work in Crimes of the Heart, she was awarded an Obie Award, recognizing her outstanding achievement in Off-Broadway theater. In 1975, she also received a Clarence Derwent Award for Best Supporting Female for her role as Miss Prue in the Off-Broadway production of Love for Love.

3.2. Film Career

Hurt's film debut came in 1978 with Woody Allen's dramatic film Interiors, where she played Joey, one of three sisters navigating the emotional turmoil of a disintegrating family and their mother's mental decline. Her compelling performance in this film earned her a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA). Other notable film roles include Laura in Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979), Helen Holm Garp in The World According to Garp (1982), and Regina Beaufort in Martin Scorsese's period drama The Age of Innocence (1993). In 1995, she lent her voice to portray Jean Seberg in Mark Rappaport's documentary From the Journals of Jean Seberg. Hurt also frequently collaborated with her husband, filmmaker Paul Schrader, appearing in his films such as Light Sleeper (1992) and Affliction (1997). Her performance in the 2006 film The Dead Girl earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

3.3. Television Career

Hurt has also maintained a notable presence in television, with a variety of guest appearances and roles in TV films and series. Her early television work included the 1974 TV film Ann in Blue, where she played Officer Elizabeth Jensen. She appeared in an episode of Kojak in 1976 and Great Performances in 1977. In 1979, she was featured in the TV film The Five Forty-Eight, and later in Baby Girl Scott in 1987. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, she had roles in series such as Tattingers (1988), Thirtysomething (1990), and a main role in the 12-episode series Working It Out (1990). In 1992, she appeared as a guest actress on Saturday Night Live. Her later television credits include episodes of Monty (1994), Law & Order (1996 and 2009), The Beat (2000), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2002). She also appeared in the 2001 TV film No Ordinary Baby.

3.4. Awards and Recognition

Mary Beth Hurt has received significant accolades throughout her career, underscoring her talent and versatility as an actress.

• Tony Awards**: Three nominations for her performances on Broadway in Trelawny of the Wells, Crimes of the Heart, and Benefactors.
• Obie Award**: Won for her role in Crimes of the Heart (1981).
• British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)**: Won for her film debut in Interiors (1978).
• Drama Desk Award**: Nominated for her role in Crimes of the Heart (1981).
• Independent Spirit Award**: Nominated for Best Supporting Female for her performance in The Dead Girl (2006).
• Clarence Derwent Award**: Received in 1975 for Best Supporting Female for her role in the Off-Broadway production of Love for Love.

5.1. Filmography

5.2. Television Appearances

5.3. Theater Appearances