Martha Plimpton Biography: Martha Plimpton, born on November 16, 1970, is an acclaimed American actress and a member of the renowned Carradine acting family. She began her career in film as a teenager and successfully transitioned into mature roles across film, television, and theater. Plimpton has received multiple accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, and has been nominated for three Tony Awards.
Martha Plimpton Biography
Martha Plimpton was born on November 16, 1970, in New York City, into a family rooted in show business—her parents are actors Keith Carradine and Shelley Plimpton. She began her acting journey at the age of eight when her mother’s friend, composer Elizabeth Swados, enrolled her in an acting workshop. By the age of 10, she had landed a small role in Rollover (1981) and appeared in a series of Calvin Klein commercials.
Martha Plimpton Biography 2025 Details
| Born | November 16, 1970
New York City, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Parents |
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| Family | Carradine |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Martha Plimpton
Martha Plimpton is an American actress and member of the Carradine family. She started her career as a teen actress in film before transitioning to adult roles on stage and screen. She has received several awards including a Primetime Emmy Award as well as nominations for three Tony Awards.
Martha Plimpton Achievements
She made her film debut in the political thriller Rollover (1981) and gained widespread recognition for her role in The Goonies (1985). Her film credits include The Mosquito Coast (1986), Shy People (1987), Running on Empty (1988), Parenthood (1989), Samantha (1991), Beautiful Girls (1996), Small Town Murder Songs (2011), Frozen II (2019), and Mass (2021). On television, Plimpton earned an Emmy for her recurring guest role in The Good Wife (2009–2013).
Martha Plimpton Personal Life
Her breakthrough came in The River Rat (1984), where she played a tough, tomboyish character. A year later, she gained wider recognition when Steven Spielberg cast her in The Goonies (1985). During the filming of The Mosquito Coast (1986), she met River Phoenix, though they didn’t date until later, as she was only 15 at the time. Despite having a smaller role in the film, it helped solidify her reputation as a serious actress.
Martha Plimpton Wiki
- Born: 16 November 1970 (age 54 years), New York, New York, United States
- Parents: Keith Carradine, Shelley Plimpton
- Siblings: Cade Carradine, Sorel Carradine
- Height: 1.65 m
Early Life
Born in New York City, Plimpton is the daughter of actors Keith Carradine and Shelley Plimpton, who met during the original Broadway production of Hair. Her grandfather was the celebrated actor John Carradine. She is distantly related to writer George Plimpton and cartoonist Bill Plympton. Martha attended Manhattan’s Professional Children’s School and first appeared on stage when her mother brought her on during the curtain call of The Leaf People, followed by another early appearance in The Ass and the Heart.
Key Details
- Full Name: Martha Campbell Plimpton
- Date of Birth: November 16, 1970
- Place of Birth: New York City, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Keith Carradine (father), Shelley Plimpton (mother)
- Children: None
- Estimated Net Worth: $4.5 million
Family Background
Born into a family steeped in the performing arts, Martha Plimpton was destined for the stage and screen. Her father, Keith Carradine, is a celebrated actor and musician, while her mother, Shelley Plimpton, is a respected stage actress. Growing up in New York City, she was surrounded by creativity and artistry, which naturally influenced her path. She attended the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan, an institution known for supporting young performers. This foundation helped her launch a career that would soon gain national attention.
Career Beginnings and Milestones
Plimpton began acting professionally at a young age, making her film debut in Rollover (1981). Her breakout performance came in 1985 with The Goonies, where she played the witty and sharp-tongued Stef Steinbrenner. She followed up with significant roles in The Mosquito Coast (1986) and Running on Empty (1988), the latter earning her a nomination for a Young Artist Award. In addition to her screen work, Plimpton became an active member of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, taking on challenging roles in plays like Hedda Gabler (2001). Her Broadway performances in The Coast of Utopia and Top Girls earned her several Tony Award nominations, confirming her status as a powerhouse on stage.
Notable Works and Achievements
Martha Plimpton has excelled across television, film, and theater. On TV, she is perhaps best known for playing Virginia Chance in the hit comedy Raising Hope (2010–2014), which brought her an Emmy nomination. Her recurring role as the sharp-tongued attorney Patti Nyholm on The Good Wife (2009–2013) earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2012. In film, she appeared in classics like Parenthood (1989), Beautiful Girls (1996), and lent her voice to Yelena in Disney’s Frozen II (2019). Her stage credits include A Delicate Balance (2014), where she starred alongside Glenn Close and John Lithgow, reinforcing her reputation as a distinguished and versatile stage performer.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
In recent years, Martha Plimpton has continued to demonstrate her range and relevance with a variety of compelling roles. She starred as Eileen O’Neal in the ABC sitcom The Real O’Neals (2016–2017), portraying a traditional Catholic mother with both humor and nuance. In 2021, she received widespread acclaim for her emotionally resonant role in the drama Mass, reinforcing her reputation for delivering powerful and layered performances. Plimpton remains active across stage and screen, regularly taking on new projects that showcase her adaptability and ongoing dedication to the craft of acting.
Personal Life and Relationships
Plimpton has had several notable relationships throughout her life. She dated actor River Phoenix from 1986 to 1989, and the two maintained a close friendship until his tragic death in 1993. She was engaged to actor Jon Patrick Walker between 1994 and 1996, and briefly dated comedian Fred Armisen in the mid-2000s. Though she has no children, Plimpton divides her time between the U.S. and London, where she enjoys the thriving theater community. Her focus remains largely on her career and advocacy work.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Family Heritage: Plimpton is part of the iconic Carradine acting family. Her grandfather, John Carradine, was a prolific character actor known for his roles in horror and Western films.
- Early Start in Entertainment: Before her acting breakthrough, she began modeling as a teenager in a Calvin Klein campaign, which highlighted her distinctive, tomboyish look.
- Musical Interests: A skilled vocalist, she has performed in cabaret shows and musical events, demonstrating her talents beyond acting.
- Fashion Sense: Known for her unique and vintage-inspired fashion choices, Plimpton often showcases her personal flair through bold, retro styles.
- Activism: Plimpton is a co-founder of A Is For, a nonprofit organization advocating for reproductive rights and fighting stigma surrounding abortion. She’s widely recognized for her commitment to women’s health and social justice.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Philanthropy plays a major role in Plimpton’s life. Through A Is For, she actively champions reproductive justice, frequently collaborating with advocacy groups and participating in fundraising efforts. Her activism has solidified her public image as not only an accomplished actress but also a dedicated advocate for women’s rights. Plimpton’s legacy is shaped by both her extensive acting portfolio and her civic engagement. Transitioning from child stardom in the 1980s to respected roles in film, TV, and theater, she’s built a career marked by versatility and purpose. Her dedication to storytelling and activism alike makes her a standout figure in both entertainment and public discourse.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Looking ahead, Plimpton continues to pursue projects that align with her creative instincts and social values. Following her acclaimed role in Mass (2021), there is anticipation around her next steps, including rumored collaborations with leading directors and playwrights. Plimpton’s influence spans generations—from her iconic performance in The Goonies to her Emmy-winning television work and tireless advocacy. Her ability to bring authenticity and depth to her characters, along with her outspoken commitment to human rights, ensures her lasting impact as both a cultural and artistic force.
Martha Plimpton Net Worth 2025
Martha Plimpton’s estimated net worth is around $4.5 million, earned through her extensive and varied work in film, television, and theater. Her income sources span acting roles, voice work, and stage performances. While she maintains a relatively private lifestyle, her steady presence in high-profile projects reflects a successful and stable career in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
What is Martha Plimpton famous for?
She was Tony-nominted and won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Award for her performance in Lincoln Center’s The Coast of Utopia. Martha was only a teenager when she appeared in the 1980’s films The River Rat, The Goonies, The Mosquito Coast and Running on Empty. You can see her in Fox’s Raising Hope.
How long did River Phoenix and Martha Plimpton date?
The Raising Hope actress—who dated the late actor for four years in the ’80s and ’90s—explained that she remained close friends with him until his untimely death in 1993 at the age of 23.
Where does Martha Plimpton live?
Plimpton resides part-time in London, her visa allowing her to stay until 2024.
Is Martha Plimpton a vegetarian?
Was conceived while her unmarried parents Keith Carradine and Shelley Plimpton were performing together in the Broadway production of “Hair” (1970). Became a vegetarian as a teen after her boyfriend, the late River Phoenix, introduced her to the lifestyle.
Does Martha Plimpton have a kid?
Plimpton herself doesn’t have any children, only an adorable two-year-old wheaten-terrier mutt named Eloise she is raising with her boyfriend, Edward Owens.
Was Martha Plimpton in the blacklist?
Martha Plimpton, the beloved ’80s icon, is another powerhouse guest star on The Blacklist, playing Dr. Sharon Fulton. Sharon is a morally questionable psychiatrist for the FBI who tracked down serial killers that escaped justice by identifying clues through patient sessions.