Mary Steenburgen, a renowned Academy Award-winning American actress, was born in Newport, Arkansas, USA. Her mother, Nellie May (Wall) Steenburgen, was a dedicated school-board secretary, and her father, Maurice H. Steenburgen, was a diligent freight-train conductor. Interestingly, her surname originates from distant Dutch ancestry, and her roots also include English, Scottish, and Welsh heritage.
As a young girl, Mary was deeply passionate about arts and literature. She would often tap-dance her way through talent shows and school functions, showcasing her talents. Her involvement in school drama classes laid the foundation for her future acting career. After appearing in numerous high school plays, she enrolled at Hendrix College, a highly progressive Southern School located in Conway, Arkansas. Upon the recommendation of her drama professor, she left college in 1972 and moved to New York to pursue professional acting studies.
Under the guidance of renowned drama coaches, Mary honed her craft, eventually emerging as one of the most accomplished and sought-after screen actresses. Her breakthrough role came when Jack Nicholson discovered her and cast her as a sassy adventuress in his rollicking western, Goin' South (1978). Her exceptional performances in diverse film roles have earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.
Mary's portrayal of a liberated young bank clerk in San Francisco, who crosses paths with English author H.G. Wells via time machine, in Nicholas Meyer's Time After Time (1979),received critical praise. Her subsequent role as Lynda Dummar in Melvin and Howard (1980) catapulted her to fame and earned her the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Her stunning performance as a strong-willed turn-of-the-century mother in Ragtime (1981) left audiences and critics alike in awe.
As a notable patron of arts, Mary is an active supporter of humanitarian causes. She has two children from her previous marriage to actor Malcolm McDowell. Since 1995, she has been married to actor Ted Danson, and the couple resides in the Los Angeles area.
