Martha Plimpton, a talented actress with a rich family background in show business, was born on November 16, 1970, in New York City to two accomplished actors, Keith Carradine and Shelley Plimpton.
From a young age, Martha began her career in the entertainment industry. At the tender age of eight, her mother's friend, composer Elizabeth Swados, enrolled her in an actors' workshop. This early exposure to the craft laid the foundation for her future success.
As she grew older, Martha's opportunities in film and television began to multiply. At ten years old, she landed a small part in the 1981 film Rollover, and also appeared in a series of Calvin Klein commercials. Her breakthrough role came at age 14, when she played a tomboy in The River Rat (1984).
The following year, Martha was cast by Steven Spielberg in the iconic adventure film The Goonies (1985). Her performance in this film cemented her status as a rising star in the industry. During this time, she also appeared in The Mosquito Coast (1986),where she met fellow actor River Phoenix. Although they did not pursue a romantic relationship due to her age, they remained close friends.
In the late 1980s, Martha continued to build her resume, appearing in films such as the screwball comedy Stars and Bars (1988) and the critically acclaimed drama Running on Empty (1988),alongside River Phoenix. She also had a brief romantic relationship with actor Jon Patrick Walker.
In addition to her film work, Martha has a strong background in theater. She made her Chicago debut with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company Ensemble in "The Libertine" in 1996. Her contributions to the company earned her a National Medal of Arts award in 1998.
Throughout her career, Martha has continued to work in film and theater, appearing in a range of projects, including Colin Fitz Lives! (1997) and Eye of God (1997),which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Although some of her recent films have received mixed reviews, Martha's performances have consistently received praise.
Martha's dedication to her craft is matched only by her commitment to giving back to the community. She is a long-time supporter of the "52nd Street Project," a non-profit organization that pairs inner-city children with professional theater artists to create original theater productions. Through her work with this organization, Martha is helping to nurture the next generation of talented actors and inspiring young people to pursue their passions.
With her extensive experience in the entertainment industry and her dedication to her craft, Martha Plimpton is a true Hollywood legend in the making.
