Born: 1956 (Paris, Tennessee)
Biography:
Cherry Jones (born November 21, 1956) is an American actress who has made significant contributions to both theater and film. Known for her exceptional talent on stage and screen, she has garnered numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career. From Tony Awards to Primetime Emmy Awards, her versatile performances have captivated audiences and solidified her reputation as one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation.
Jones was born in Paris, Tennessee, and grew up in a supportive environment. Her parents, a high school teacher and a flower shop owner, nurtured her love for the performing arts and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Early on, Jones displayed a natural inclination towards acting, and her parents further fostered her passion by enrolling her in drama classes with local teacher Ruby Krider. It was her high school speech teacher, Linda Wilson, who provided Jones with valuable guidance and preparation for her future endeavors.
After graduating from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in 1978, Jones embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of theater. Her career took off in 1980 when she became a founding member of the prestigious American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This early experience allowed her to hone her craft and establish herself as a formidable presence in the theatrical landscape.
Jones’s talent and dedication soon earned her opportunities on Broadway, where she would leave an indelible mark. In 1987, she made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed play Stepping Out, captivating audiences with her compelling performance. Her breakthrough came in 1995 with Lincoln Center’s production of The Heiress, in which she portrayed Catherine Sloper. Her exquisite portrayal earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play and solidified her standing as a leading actress.
Continuing her success on Broadway, Jones went on to win her second Tony Award for her remarkable performance as Sister Aloysius Beauvier in John Patrick Shanley’s play Doubt in 2005. Her nuanced and powerful portrayal of the conflicted nun garnered critical acclaim and further established her as a force to be reckoned with in the theater world. Throughout her career, Jones also garnered Tony nominations for her outstanding performances in Our Country’s Good (1991), A Moon for the Misbegotten (2000), and The Glass Menagerie (2014).
In addition to her theater work, Jones has made noteworthy contributions to film and television. Her on-screen presence has captivated audiences, showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. Some of her notable film appearances include The Horse Whisperer (1998), Erin Brockovich (2000), Signs (2002), The Village (2004), Amelia (2009), The Beaver (2011), A Rainy Day in New York (2019), and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021). Her powerful performances have brought depth and authenticity to the characters she portrays on screen.
Jones’s television career is equally impressive. Her breakthrough roles as Barbara Layton in The West Wing and President Allison Taylor in 24 showcased her versatility and earned her critical acclaim. In 2009, her exceptional performance in 24 earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She also received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her work in the groundbreaking series Transparent in 2015 and won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her roles in the Hulu drama series The Handmaid’s Tale (2019) and the HBO drama series Succession (2020).
Throughout her career, Cherry Jones has not only showcased her incredible talent but also inspired future generations of actors and actresses. Her dedication to her craft, her unmatched skills, and her ability to bring complex characters to life have made her an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Awards:
– Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for The Heiress (1995)
– Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Doubt (2005)
– Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for 24 (2009)
– Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for The Handmaid’s Tale (2019)
– Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Succession (2020)