Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo

65 · Born: Sep 14, 1960

Personal Details

BornSep 14, 1960 New York City, New York, USA
Parents
  • Peggy Chessington Leo
  • Arnold Leo

Biography

Melissa Leo is a renowned American actress, distinguished for her outstanding performance in the 2010 cinematic masterpiece, The Fighter, which earned her the prestigious Academy Award. Born on September 14, 1960, in the vibrant city of New York, Leo's talent and dedication have led her to achieve unparalleled success in the entertainment industry.

Her iconic role as the mother of boxer Micky Ward in The Fighter, alongside the talented Mark Wahlberg, garnered her widespread recognition and accolades. This remarkable performance earned her both the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and the coveted Oscar award, solidifying her position as a leading lady in the world of cinema.

Leo's impressive repertoire also includes notable performances in the critically acclaimed films Frozen River (2008) and the HBO series Mildred Pierce, which have garnered her numerous award nominations. Throughout her illustrious career, Melissa Leo has consistently demonstrated her exceptional acting abilities, earning her a reputation as one of the most talented and respected actresses in the industry.

Career

2025
The Knife
The Knife as Detective Carlsen
King Ivory
King Ivory as Ginger Greene
Guns Up
Guns Up as Michael Temple
2024
2023
The Equalizer 3
The Equalizer 3 as Susan Plummer
2022
Jane
Jane as Principal Rhodes
Coast
Coast as Olivia
2021
Ida Red
Ida Red as Ida ‘Red’ Walker
Body Brokers
Body Brokers as Dr. White
2020
I Know This Much Is True
I Know This Much Is True as Concettina Ipolita Tempesta 'Ma' Birdsey
The Equalizer 2
The Equalizer 2 as Susan Plummer
The Ashram
The Ashram as Chandra
Unlovable
Unlovable as Maddie
Furlough
Furlough as Joan Anderson
2017
Novitiate
Novitiate as Reverend Mother
The Most Hated Woman in America
The Most Hated Woman in America as Madalyn Murray O'Hair
2016
Snowden
Snowden as Laura Poitras
London Has Fallen
London Has Fallen as Secretary of Defense Ruth McMillan
All the Way
All the Way as Lady Bird Johnson
2015
The Big Short
The Big Short as Georgia Hale
Wayward Pines
Wayward Pines as Nurse Pam
2014
The Equalizer
The Equalizer as Susan Plummer
Dwegons and Leprechauns
Dwegons and Leprechauns as Grandma Fitz / Butterfly McDweg / Mrs. Fitzgerald
Oblivion
Oblivion as Sally
Olympus Has Fallen
Olympus Has Fallen as Secretary of Defense Ruth McMillan
Prisoners
Prisoners as Holly Jones
2012
Francine
Francine as Francine
Flight
Flight as Ellen Block
Mildred Pierce
Mildred Pierce as Lucy Gessler
2010
The Fighter
The Fighter as Alice Ward
Conviction
Conviction as Nancy Taylor
Treme
Treme as Toni Bernette
2009
Don McKay
Don McKay as Marie
Dear Lemon Lima
Dear Lemon Lima as Mrs. Howard
True Adolescents
True Adolescents as Sharon Mitchell
2008
Santa Mesa
Santa Mesa as Maggie
Frozen River
Frozen River as Ray Eddy
The Alphabet Killer
The Alphabet Killer as Kathy Walsh
Lullaby
Lullaby as Stephanie
2007
One Night
One Night as Wendy
Mr. Woodcock
Mr. Woodcock as Sally Jansen
The Cake Eaters
The Cake Eaters as Ceci Kimbrough
Black Irish
Black Irish as Margaret McKay
Racing Daylight
Racing Daylight as Sadie / Anna
Stephanie Daley
Stephanie Daley as Miri Daley
Dear Lemon Lima
Dear Lemon Lima as Mrs. Howard
2006
The Limbo Room
The Limbo Room as KC Collins
2005
Runaway
Runaway as Lisa Adler
Confess
Confess as Agnes Lessor
2004
2003
21 Grams
21 Grams as Marianne Jordan
2000
Fear of Fiction
Fear of Fiction as Sigrid Anderssen
1999
Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics as Jo DeAngelo
The 24 Hour Woman
The 24 Hour Woman as Dr. Suzanne Pincus
1995
1993
1991
1990
The Bride in Black
The Bride in Black as Mary Margaret
1989
Nasty Boys
Nasty Boys as Katie Morrissey
The Young Riders
The Young Riders as Emma Shannon
1988
A Time of Destiny
A Time of Destiny as Josie Larraneta
1986
Deadtime Stories
Deadtime Stories as Judith 'MaMa' Baer
1985
Always
Always as Peggy
Silent Witness
Silent Witness as Patti Mullen