born Nov. 6, 1946, Pasadena, Calif., U.S.
U.S. film actress.
She played saccharine television roles in Gidget (1965–66) and The Flying Nun (1967–70) before developing her talent at the Actors Studio (1973–75), from which she emerged as a dramatic actress in the television movie Sybil (1977, Emmy Award). Hollywood finally rewarded her with strong roles in Norma Rae (1979, Academy Award), Absence of Malice (1981), Places in the Heart (1984, Academy Award), and Steel Magnolias (1989). Her other films include Soapdish (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and Forrest Gump (1994).