Laurie Metcalf Biography: Laura Elizabeth Metcalf, born on June 16, 1955, is an American actress and comedian celebrated for her wide-ranging and layered performances on both stage and screen. With a career spanning over 40 years, she has earned numerous honors, including four Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards. Her work has also garnered nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Metcalf launched her acting career with Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company and remains active in the city’s theater scene. She made her Broadway debut in the 1985 play My Thing of Love. Over the years, she has received six Tony Award nominations, winning Best Actress in a Play in 2017 for A Doll’s House, Part 2, and Best Featured Actress in a Play in 2018 for the revival of Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women.
Laurie Metcalf Biography
Laurie Metcalf was born on June 16, 1955, in Carbondale, Illinois, as the eldest of three children to Libby (née Mars), a librarian, and James Metcalf, a budget director. She was raised in Edwardsville, Illinois. Metcalf attended Illinois State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater in 1977. Among her classmates were future acting greats John Malkovich, Glenne Headly, and Joan Allen. She began her acting journey with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and made her film debut with a minor, uncredited role in Robert Altman’s A Wedding (1978). In 1988, Metcalf landed what would become her most iconic role as Jackie Harris on the hit TV series Roseanne (1988). Her performance earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe nominations.
Laurie Metcalf Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Laura Elizabeth Metcalf
June 16, 1955 (age 69) |
| Alma mater |
Illinois State University |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active |
1974–present |
| Works |
Full list |
| Spouses |
|
| Children |
4, including Zoe Perry |
| Relatives |
Zoe Akins (great-aunt)
Hugo Rumbold (great-uncle) |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Laurie Metcalf
Laura Elizabeth Metcalf is an American actress and comedian. Known for her complex and versatile roles across the stage and screen, she has received various accolades throughout a career spanning more.
Laurie Metcalf Wiki
- Born: 16 June 1955 (age 69 years), Carbondale, Illinois, United States
- Children: Zoe Perry, Mae Roth, Will Theron Roth, Donovan Roth
- Spouse: Matt Roth (m. 1993–2014), Jeff Perry (m. 1983–1986)
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series · See more
- Height: 1.69 m
- Parents: Libby Metcalf, James Metcalf
Early Life and Education
Laurie Metcalf was raised in Edwardsville, Illinois, a place she once described as “nowhere near a theatre.” Her father, James Metcalf, worked as the budget director at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville until his unexpected death in 1984. Her mother, Libby, was a librarian. Metcalf also has a notable family connection to the arts—her great-aunt was Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Zoë Akins. She attended Illinois State University, graduating in the class of 1976. While in college, Metcalf worked as a secretary and took satisfaction in completing tasks, often becoming so absorbed in her work that she would forget to eat lunch.
She initially majored in German with the intention of becoming an interpreter, then switched to anthropology, before ultimately following her true passion and declaring a major in theatre. Metcalf noted that acting, like anthropology, involves studying and interpreting human behavior. Though she described herself as painfully shy, she began auditioning for plays in high school and quickly became captivated by acting.
Laurie Metcalf Facts
Where does Laurie Metcalf live? And how much money does Laurie Metcalf earn?
| Birth Date |
16-6-1955 |
| Heritage/origin |
American- German- English- Irish- Welsh- |
| Ethnicity |
White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Christian |
| Residence |
She lives together in a house in Los Angeles, California, United States. |
Laurie Metcalf Net Worth 2025
Laurie Metcalf has accumulated $12 million net worth based on her acting career. The Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress became first known for starring as Jackie Harris in the sitcom “Roseanne”. She then starred in numerous dramas and films such as Lady Bird, Uncle Buck, Internal Affairs, Dear God, and many more.
| Estimated Net Worth |
14 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Product Endorsements |
Plan USA |
| Colleagues |
Saoirse Ronan, Tracy Letts & Lucas Hedges |
| Management |
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment |
Laurie Metcalf: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
Laurie is single now but she had two marriages previously. Her first husband was Jeff Perry and they have a daughter named Zoe. Her second husband was her co-star, Matt Roth and they have a son, Will, a daughter called Akins, and they even adopted another son namely Donovan.
| Relationship status |
Single |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Partner |
Currently in no confirmed relationship |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands |
Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry & Matt Roth |
| More info |
Was previously married and divorced |
| Expecting a baby? |
She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, mother of: Zoe Perry, Mae Akins Roth, Will Theron Roth & Donovan Roth |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- James Lloyd Metcalf (Grandfather)
- Pearle/Pearl Marie Stadel (Grandmother)
- Libby Metcalf (Mother)
- James Metcalf (Father)
- James Metcalf (Brother)
- Linda Metcalf (Sister)
- Zoe Perry (Daughter)
- Mae Akins Roth (Daughter)
- Will Theron Roth (Son)
- Donovan Roth (Son)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This gracious actress originating from Carbondale, Illinois, United States has a thin body & square face type.
| Hair color |
Dark brown |
| Hairstyle |
bob |
| Eye Color |
Hazel |
| Height |
169 cm |
| Weight |
57 kilo |
| Feet size |
N/A |
| Does Laurie Metcalf smoke? |
Yes, on occasion |
| Does Laurie Metcalf have a tattoo? |
No |
| Fitness, workout and diet |
Laurie likes to exercise in the morning. She also does yoga to help her stay flexible and energetic. |
FAQs
Where did Laurie Metcalf grow up?
Laurie Metcalf grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois, a town she once remarked was far removed from the theatre world.
What did Laurie Metcalf study in college?
Laurie Metcalf initially studied German and anthropology at Illinois State University before ultimately majoring in theatre.
What job did Laurie Metcalf have during college?
While attending Illinois State University, Laurie Metcalf worked as a secretary and enjoyed the sense of accomplishment in completing tasks.
Is Laurie Metcalf related to anyone famous?
Yes, Laurie Metcalf’s great-aunt was Zoë Akins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.
Why did Laurie Metcalf hesitate to pursue acting?
Laurie Metcalf was initially reluctant to choose acting as a career because she believed it wouldn’t provide steady work.
Was Laurie Metcalf shy as a child?
Yes, Laurie Metcalf has described herself as extremely shy growing up, though she overcame it enough to audition for plays in high school.
