Julianna Margulies was born on June 8, 1966, in the picturesque town of Spring Valley, situated mere miles from the bustling metropolis of New York City, as the youngest of three daughters to a family of intellectuals and artists. Her mother, Francesca (Goldberg),was a dedicated teacher and professional dancer with a background in American ballet, while her father, Paul Margulies, was a creative advertising writer and philosopher with a passion for exploring the human condition. Julianna's heritage is rooted in the rich cultural traditions of Ashkenazi Jewry, tracing its origins back to Romania, Austria, Hungary, and Russia.
Prior to commencing her high school education at the tender age of 14 in New Hampshire, Julianna spent several formative years living with her family in the City of Light, Paris, and the land of tea and crumpets, England. This diverse upbringing would later influence her artistic expression and worldly perspective. Upon completing her high school education, Julianna enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts. During her time at the college, she honed her acting skills by appearing in various campus productions and plays.
Following her graduation, Julianna entered the workforce, taking on a humble role as a waitress to make ends meet. Her big break came when she landed her first film role as a prostitute seeking redemption in the 1991 crime drama Out for Justice. However, it would take her over a year to secure her next part, during which time she supported herself by participating in regional theater productions and national television commercials.
Julianna's perseverance paid off when she was cast in the hit television series ER in 1994, marking the beginning of a successful and critically acclaimed career. Since then, she has appeared in a wide range of films, including the 2002 horror thriller Ghost Ship, the 2002 drama Evelyn, and the 2006 action movie Snakes on a Plane. Her most notable and enduring role to date is that of Alicia Florrick in the CBS drama The Good Wife, a character she has brought to life with Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performances.
