Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander, an acclaimed American actress, gained prominence for her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt and notable roles in films like "The Great Gatsby" and "Kramer vs. Kramer".

Stage Actress

October 28, 1939

Scorpio

85

Boston, MA

Jane Alexander, born on October 28, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, is an iconic actress and a former director of the National Endowment for the Arts. Throughout her illustrious career, she has captivated audiences with her remarkable performances on stage, screen, and television. Alexander developed a passion for acting at a young age and honed her skills at Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied drama and graduated in 1962.

Alexander’s stage career took off in the early 1960s, and she quickly gained recognition for her powerful performances in plays like “The Great White Hope” (1968), “6 Rms Riv Vu” (1972), and “The Sisters Rosensweig” (1992). Her versatility shone through as she effortlessly transitioned between Broadway productions and regional theaters, leaving a lasting impact on the world of theater.

Jane Alexander’s talent has been widely recognized and celebrated. She is a two-time Tony Award winner for Best Actress in a Play, honored for her exceptional performances in “The Great White Hope” and “The Sisters Rosensweig.” Additionally, she has received Emmy Awards for her television work and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979).

Alexander’s influence extends beyond her acting career. She served as the director of the National Endowment for the Arts from 1993 to 1997, where she passionately advocated for the importance of arts funding and accessibility. Alexander is also an accomplished writer, having published a memoir titled “Command Performance: An Actress in the Theatre of Politics” (2000).

Jane Alexander is married to renowned director Edwin Sherin, and together they have raised two children. She is actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting organizations like the Actors’ Fund of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. Alexander’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In addition to her stage work, Jane Alexander is best known for her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1976 television miniseries “Eleanor and Franklin” and for her roles in films such as “The Great Gatsby” (1974), “All the President’s Men” (1976), and “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979). Her enduring legacy lies in her ability to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent, inspire aspiring actors, and advocate for the transformative power of the arts. She remains an icon of stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.