Maura Tierney

26xK...gHma

2 Mar 2024

Maura Tierney

Maura Tierney, born on February 3, 1965, is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her versatile performances across various mediums.
She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Lisa Miller in the sitcom "NewsRadio" from 1995 to 1999, showcasing her comedic talents alongside a talented ensemble cast. Tierney's role as Lisa Miller contributed significantly to the show's success and popularity during its run.

However, it was her role as Abby Lockhart in the long-running medical drama "ER" that solidified Tierney as a prominent figure in television. She portrayed the complex character of Abby Lockhart from 1999 to 2009, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for her performance. Her portrayal of Abby Lockhart, a dedicated nurse dealing with personal struggles, resonated with audiences and critics alike, showcasing Tierney's ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles.

In addition to her successful television career, Tierney has also made significant contributions to the film industry. She has appeared in a diverse range of films, including "Primal Fear" (1996), "Liar Liar" (1997), "Primary Colors" (1998), "Forces of Nature" (1999), "Insomnia" (2002), "Baby Mama" (2008), "Beautiful Boy" (2018), "The Report" (2019), and "The Iron Claw" (2023). Her performances in these films have further showcased her talent and versatility as an actress, allowing her to explore a wide range of characters and genres.

One of Tierney's most notable roles in recent years is that of Helen Solloway in the mystery drama series "The Affair" (2014–2019). Her portrayal of Helen, a complex and multi-dimensional character, earned her critical acclaim and won her a Golden Globe Award. Tierney's performance in "The Affair" demonstrated her ability to navigate the intricacies of human relationships and emotions, cementing her status as a highly respected actress in the industry.
Throughout her career, Maura Tierney has consistently delivered captivating performances across both television and film, earning her a dedicated fan base and widespread admiration from audiences and critics alike. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft continue to make her a standout presence in the entertainment industry.

Maura Tierney's upbringing was rooted in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, where she was born and raised. She hails from an Irish American Catholic family and is the eldest of three children. Her mother, Pat (née James), worked as a real estate broker, while her father, the late Joseph M. Tierney, was a prominent figure in Boston politics, serving on the Boston City Council for 15 years.

Tierney's passion for acting was evident from a young age. She attended Mount Alvernia Academy Elementary School and later Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts, where she immersed herself in drama studies. It was during this time that Tierney's talent for acting began to shine, leading to her participation in the Boston Globe Drama Festival.
After completing her early education, Tierney pursued further studies at New York University (NYU). Initially majoring in dance, she later shifted her focus to drama. At NYU, Tierney honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future career in acting, graduating with a solid foundation in performing arts.

Maura Tierney's career trajectory took a significant turn when she relocated to Los Angeles in 1987, eventually landing a breakthrough role in Disney's made-for-TV film "Student Exchange." Following this success, she secured her first starring role in the independent film "Dead Women in Lingerie."
Tierney continued to build her resume with a variety of small roles in both film and television. Notably, she appeared in the short-lived spin-off of "All in the Family" titled "704 Hauser" in 1994. However, it was her leading role in the sitcom "NewsRadio" from 1995 to 1999 that brought her widespread recognition. During this time, she also starred in several successful films such as "Primal Fear," "Liar Liar," "Primary Colors," "Forces of Nature," and "Welcome to Mooseport."

Following the cancellation of "NewsRadio," Tierney made a deliberate choice not to pursue another sitcom. Instead, she transitioned to the medical drama "ER," where she portrayed Nurse Abigail "Abby" Lockhart from 1999 to 2008. Her role expanded from a guest appearance to a full-time regular character, earning her critical acclaim and an Emmy Award nomination for her work on the show.

Tierney departed from "ER" in 2008 after nearly ten seasons but returned for a cameo appearance later in the final season. During her time on the show, she also starred in notable films such as Christopher Nolan's "Insomnia" and "Scotland, Pa.," where she received praise for her performance.
Additionally, Tierney collaborated with her husband at the time, Billy Morrissette, on the film "Scotland, Pa.," where she portrayed a Lady Macbeth-like character specifically written for her. Her versatility and talent were further showcased in various projects, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress in both film and television.

Maura Tierney's career continued to flourish with diverse roles across television, film, and stage.
In 2004, Tierney showcased her poker skills by winning the second-season tournament of Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown. She also returned to the stage in 2006 with an appearance in the Off-Broadway premiere of "Some Girl(s)" opposite Eric McCormack.
Tierney maintained a busy film career, appearing in several movies in 2008, including "Semi-Pro," "Baby Mama," "The Go-Getter," and "Finding Amanda." Additionally, she portrayed the character Laurel in the Off-Broadway play "Three Changes" alongside Dylan McDermott.

Returning to television, Tierney played recurring character Kelly McPhee on the FX series "Rescue Me" in 2009 and 2011. She also took on the female lead role in the ABC series "The Whole Truth" in 2010, marking her return to television after overcoming breast surgery and cancer treatments. However, the show was canceled after four episodes due to low ratings.
Tierney expanded her theatrical repertoire by joining the New York City-based experimental theater company The Wooster Group in 2010. She performed in productions such as "North Atlantic" alongside Frances McDormand and conceived the idea for "The Town Hall Affair," where she portrayed feminist Germaine Greer.

In 2011, Tierney made her debut at the Gate Theatre in Dublin in the premiere of Yasmina Reza's "God of Carnage" alongside Ardal O'Hanlon. She also made a guest appearance on "The Office" as Robert California's wife.
Tierney's television roles continued to grow, including a recurring role on the CBS legal drama "The Good Wife" in 2012 and joining the cast of Showtime's "The Affair" in 2013, where she portrayed Helen Solloway, earning her a Golden Globe Award in 2016.
In film, Tierney co-starred in the 2018 drama "Beautiful Boy" alongside Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet, based on the memoir by David Sheff. She also appeared in "The Report" in 2019.

Tierney showcased her stage talents in 2019 by originating the lead role of Elizabeth in the West Coast premiere of Jen Silverman's play "Witch" at the Geffen Playhouse.
Continuing her television work, Tierney joined the cast of Showtime's "American Rust" in March 2020 and "Your Honor" in October 2020.
In 2023, Tierney joined the cast of Lee Isaac Chung's "Twisters," a sequel to the 1996 film "Twister," further solidifying her versatility and ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry.