Betty Gilpin
Betty Gilpin
Elizabeth Folan Gilpin, born on July 21, 1986, is a distinguished American actress renowned for her versatile roles. She garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Debbie "Liberty Belle" Eagan in the Netflix comedy series GLOW (2017–2019), earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Prior to her GLOW stint, Gilpin showcased her talent as Dr. Carrie Roman in the Showtime comedy-drama series Nurse Jackie (2013–2015), further solidifying her presence in the television realm.
In 2023, Gilpin took on a groundbreaking role as the lead in a Peacock science fiction series titled Mrs. Davis, where she portrayed a nun confronting artificial intelligence.
Beyond television, Gilpin has left an indelible mark in the realm of cinema. She has graced the silver screen with her presence in various genres, including mystery thriller True Story (2015), science fiction romantic comedy Future '38 (2017), fantasy romantic comedy Isn't It Romantic (2019), drama A Dog's Journey (2019), and action comedy Stuber (2019).
In 2020, Gilpin continued to captivate audiences with her compelling performances. She starred in the horror film The Grudge, the intense horror thriller The Hunt, and the rollicking action comedy Coffee & Kareem. Notably, her portrayal in The Hunt earned her a Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Actress in an Action Movie, showcasing her versatility and range as an actress.
Elizabeth Folan Gilpin, born on July 21, 1986, in New York City, hails from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her parents, actors Jack Gilpin and Ann McDonough, instilled in her a passion for the craft from a young age. Interestingly, her father, besides his acting career, also serves as an Episcopal priest, adding another layer of richness to their family heritage. Notably, Jack Gilpin is a first cousin of Drew Gilpin Faust, who held the esteemed position of president at Harvard University from 2007 to 2018.
Growing up in the vibrant atmosphere of the South Street Seaport neighborhood of Manhattan, Gilpin recalls her family home as a distinct presence amidst the urban landscape, describing it as "one of the only occupied buildings on the block."
Gilpin pursued her education at the prestigious Loomis Chaffee School, graduating in 2004. Subsequently, she continued her academic journey at Fordham University, earning her degree in 2008. During her time at Fordham, she had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of acclaimed actress Dianne Wiest, further honing her craft and preparing herself for the dynamic world of performing arts.
Gilpin embarked on her acting journey with guest appearances in various television series, showcasing her talent in shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Fringe, Medium, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Elementary. These early roles laid the foundation for her burgeoning career.
Her breakout moment arrived when she assumed the role of Dr. Carrie Roman in the Showtime comedy-drama series Nurse Jackie, a character she portrayed from 2013 until the series' conclusion in 2015. This marked a significant milestone in Gilpin's career, earning her recognition for her compelling portrayal within the television landscape.
In addition to her television work, Gilpin has also made a mark in the world of theater, gracing off-Broadway productions with her presence. Notable performances include her roles in productions like Heartless, I'm Gonna Pray for You So Hard, and We Live Here, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
Gilpin's talent transcends the small screen, as she has also left a lasting impression in the realm of cinema. She has appeared in supporting roles in films such as Ghost Town (2008), Take Care (2014), True Story (2015), and Future '38 (2017), further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
However, it was her starring role as Debbie "Liberty Belle" Eagan in the Netflix comedy-drama series GLOW (2017–2019) that truly catapulted Gilpin into the spotlight. Inspired by the real-life 1980s female professional wrestling league, GLOW showcased Gilpin's exceptional talent, earning her widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. She received accolades such as three Critics' Choice Television Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and three Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, underscoring her remarkable contribution to the show's success.
Between 2019 and 2020, Gilpin showcased her versatility across multiple genres in various films. She graced the screen in the fantasy romantic comedy Isn't It Romantic, the heartwarming comedy-drama A Dog's Journey, the rollicking action comedy Stuber, and the gripping action horror film The Hunt, further solidifying her status as a dynamic actress.
In 2021, she continued her cinematic journey with a captivating role in the science fiction action movie The Tomorrow War, captivating audiences with her compelling performance. Simultaneously, Gilpin was slated to take on a significant role in the HBO series Blood Sugar, demonstrating her commitment to both film and television projects.
By 2022, Gilpin continued to impress audiences with her exceptional talent, portraying Mo Dean in the Starz political thriller limited series Gaslit. Her portrayal garnered widespread acclaim, earning her a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries. Additionally, she made a memorable appearance in an episode of the Apple TV+ anthology series Roar, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
September 2022 marked a significant milestone in Gilpin's career as she ventured into the realm of literature, publishing her debut book titled All the Women in My Brain: And Other Concerns, a collection of 20 poignant essays that offer insights into her life and experiences.
In 2023, Gilpin embarked on a groundbreaking role in the Peacock science fiction series Mrs. Davis, portraying Sister Simone / Elizabeth Abbott, a nun engaged in a battle against artificial intelligence. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for the TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Drama. Additionally, she lent her voice to the main role of Irene in the Netflix animated adventure series Skull Island, showcasing her versatility across different mediums.
References
- Andreeva, Nellie (August 30, 2016). "'G.L.O.W.': Betty Gilpin To Co-Star In Netflix's 1980s Wrestling Comedy Series". Deadline. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
- ^ Peterpaul, Robert. "Doctors' Orders: Nurse Jackie's Betty Gilpin Prescribes Her Best Acting Anecdotes". NY Castings. Archived from the original on June 25, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
- ^ "Betty Gilpin as Dr. Carrie Roman in Nurse Jackie". Showtime. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
- ^ "Betty Gilpin is wrestling her way to stardom". Toledo Blade. June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Schulman, Michael (February 4, 2015). "The Burden of a Famous Artist Parent". The New Yorker.
- ^ Bradley, Richard (May 18, 2009). "Drew Gilpin Faust and the Incredible Shrinking Harvard". Boston Magazine. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
- ^ Kelly and Ryan (June 25, 2018). ""Glow" Star Betty Gilpin Grew up in the South Street Seaport". YouTube. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
- ^ "News Post". Loomis Chaffee. May 13, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Loizzo-Desai, Alexandria (May 23, 2018). "Wrestling Her Way to the Top: Betty Gilpin, Star of the Netflix Series GLOW". Fordham News. Fordham University. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Kelly and Ryan (June 25, 2018). "Betty Gilpin's Weird Acting Lesson with Dianne Wiest". YouTube. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
- ^ Abrams, Natalie (December 31, 2015). "Elementary: Betty Gilpin cast as Sherlock's love interest". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
- ^ Blank, Matthew (January 22, 2015). "PHOTO CALL: I'm Gonna Pray For You So Hard, With Reed Birney and Betty Gilpin, Opens Off-Broadway". Playbill. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
- ^ "Betty Gilpin Theatre Credits". Broadway World. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
- ^ Nellie, Andreeva (October 18, 2021). "Betty Gilpin To Headline & EP 'Blood Sugar' Series In Works At HBO". Deadline. Retrieved October 18, 2021.