Laura Linney Then and Now

Laura Linney Then

Laura Linney, born on February 5, 1964, in Manhattan, New York, grew up surrounded by the rich and vibrant world of theater. 

Her father, Romulus Zachariah Linney IV, was a renowned playwright and professor whose influence profoundly shaped Laura’s early life. 

Growing up in such an environment naturally instilled in Linney a deep appreciation for the performing arts, which would become a defining feature of her career.

Her educational journey in acting began at an elite preparatory high school, which she completed in 1982. 

This period marked the beginning of her formal training in the craft of acting. Linney’s passion for theater led her to Brown University, where she studied acting and became actively involved with the student theater group. 

This involvement was pivotal; it provided her with practical experience and a platform to hone her skills. Notably, Linney performed in one of her father’s plays at Brown, a testament to her commitment to both her family’s legacy and her own artistic development.

Upon graduating from Brown in 1986, Linney sought further refinement of her acting skills and pursued advanced training at the prestigious Juilliard School.

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Juilliard, known for its rigorous and comprehensive acting programs, equipped Linney with the technical expertise and artistic insight necessary to excel in the competitive world of professional theatre and film. 

This period of intense study laid a solid foundation for her future successes in both stage and screen performances, marking the beginning of what would become a distinguished and versatile acting career.

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Laura Linney Acting Career

Laura Linney’s film career began with modest roles, including a small part in Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) and a comedic role in Dave (1993). 

Her early exposure to the industry included a notable appearance as Mary Ann Singleton in the television miniseries Tales of the City (1993), based on Armistead Maupin’s beloved book. 

These initial roles helped establish her presence in Hollywood, but it was her performance in Primal Fear (1996) that marked a significant breakthrough. 

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Starring opposite Richard Gere in this gripping thriller about the murder of an archbishop, Linney’s compelling performance caught critical attention, paving the way for more prominent roles.

Following her breakthrough, Linney showcased her versatility in films like Absolute Power (1997), where she played the daughter of Clint Eastwood’s character, who is framed in a conspiracy involving the president. 

Her role in The Truman Show (1998), a satirical comedy-drama, further cemented her status as a talented actress capable of navigating complex characters and stories. 

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The early 2000s saw Linney’s acting career flourish, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as a single mother in You Can Count on Me (2000). 

Her performances continued to receive acclaim, leading to several Emmy Awards for roles in television series and movies, including Frasier (2002), Wild Iris (2004), and the HBO miniseries John Adams (2008).

Linney’s role in Kinsey (2004), portraying the wife of the sex researcher Alfred Kinsey, earned her a second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress. 

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Her performance in The Squid and the Whale (2005), where she played a writer navigating a troubled divorce, was equally well-received. 

She continued to diversify her filmography with appearances in Man of the Year (2006), Breach (2007), and The Savages (2007), which garnered her a third Academy Award nomination for her role as a playwright dealing with family issues.

In the following years, Linney took on a variety of roles, including a confidante to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) and a housekeeper in Mr. Holmes (2015). 

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Her more recent work includes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016), Sully (2016), and Nocturnal Animals (2016). 

Linney also starred in The Dinner (2017), an adaptation of Herman Koch’s novel, and in the dramatic films Falling (2020) and The Roads Not Taken (2020), which explore complex familial and existential themes.

In television, Linney gained significant recognition for her role as a cancer-stricken high-school teacher in The Big C (2010–13), winning a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for her portrayal. 

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Her later television work includes a critically acclaimed role in Netflix’s Ozark (2017–22), where she played the wife of a money launderer entangled with a drug cartel. 

Linney also reprised her role as Mary Ann in the Netflix series Tales of the City (2019), set two decades after the original series.

In addition to her film and television achievements, Linney has maintained a strong presence in the theater. 

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She received Tony Award nominations for her performances in The Crucible (2002), Sight Unseen (2004), Time Stands Still (2010), and The Little Foxes (2017). 

Her stage career expanded internationally with a critically acclaimed debut in London’s My Name Is Lucy Barton (2018), which later transferred to Broadway in 2020, earning her yet another Tony nomination. 

Linney’s diverse body of work across film, television, and theater underscores her versatility and enduring impact as an actress.

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Laura Linney Movies

• Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) – Carmen
• Dave (1993) – Rita
• Primal Fear (1996)
• Absolute Power (1997) 
• The Truman Show (1998) 
• The Mothman Prophecies (2002) 
• You Can Count on Me (2000) 
• The Laramie Project (2002) 
• The Life of David Gale (2003) 
• Kinsey (2004)
• The Squid and the Whale (2005) 
• Man of the Year (2006) 
• Breach (2007) 
• The Savages (2007) 
• The Nanny Diaries (2007)
• Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) 
• The Fifth Estate (2013)
• The Dinner (2017)
• The Roads Not Taken (2020) 
• The Big C (2010–13) 
• Nocturnal Animals (2016) 
• Sully (2016) 
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)
• Mr. Holmes (2015)
• The Dinner (2017)
• Falling (2020)
• The Roads Not Taken (2020) 
• Bonnie (2022)
• The Miracle Club (2023)
• Wildcat (2023)
• Suncoast (2024)

Laura Linney’s Personal Life

From 1995 to 2000, Laura Linney was married to actor David Adkins, who is also known professionally as David Adkins. 

Their relationship, which began in the mid-1990s, was a significant part of Linney’s personal life during a formative period of her acting career.

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Although their marriage lasted for five years, it was an important chapter in Linney’s life as she navigated the early stages of her burgeoning career in film and television.

In 2007, Linney married Marc Schauer, a real estate agent, marking a new phase in her personal life. Schauer has been a supportive partner throughout Linney’s career and personal endeavors. 

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Their marriage, which followed Linney’s previous relationship, has been characterized by a strong and private partnership. 

Together, they welcomed a son in 2004, adding a new dimension to Linney’s life as a mother. This period has seen Linney balancing her successful career with the joys and responsibilities of family life.

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Laura Linney Now

Laura Linney, now 60 years old, is a distinguished American actress known for her compelling performances across film, television, and theater. 

Her extensive career has earned her numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards. 

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Linney’s versatility and skill have also garnered her three Academy Award nominations and five Tony Award nominations, highlighting her significant contributions to the performing arts.

In 2024, Linney appeared in the film Suncoast, a recent addition to her diverse filmography. 

The movie showcases her continued ability to captivate audiences with her nuanced portrayals and engaging screen presence. 

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Suncoast represents a continuation of Linney’s impressive career, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to exploring new and challenging roles. 

Her work in this film, along with her previous accomplishments, underscores her status as a leading figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her talent and dedication to her craft.

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Laura Linney’s Net Worth

Laura Linney is an American actress and singer with a net worth of $10 million, reflecting her successful career across multiple entertainment mediums. 

Her impressive net worth is a testament to her talent and accomplishments in acting and music, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the industry. 

Linney’s diverse body of work, including critically acclaimed roles in film, television, and theater, has contributed to her financial success and enduring influence in the world of entertainment.

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