Joan Allen is a critically acclaimed American actress with a dynamic career spanning over four decades. Her remarkable journey began with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1977, leading to her Broadway debut in 1988 with the Tony Award-winning play, Burn This. Allen's subsequent performances in a diverse range of roles, from stage to screen, have earned her multiple accolades including a Tony Award and nominations for three Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Her celebrated film roles include Nixon (1995), The Crucible (1996), The Contender (2000), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), and Room (2015).

She has demonstrated her versatility and remarkable acting prowess through a diverse filmography which includes films like Pleasantville, The Upside of Anger, and the Bourne series. Over the years, Allen has continued to captivate audiences with her performances in Broadway plays such as The Heidi Chronicles (1988), Impressionism (2009), and The Waverly Gallery (2018). She made a strong comeback on Broadway after a twenty-year break. Not only is she excellent on-stage and on-screen, but she has also voiced characters in video games such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Allen's longevity and her continued commitment to her craft is a testament to her talent, hard work, and passion for acting. Away from the spotlight, Allen handled her personal life rather privately, she was married to actor Peter Friedman and has one daughter.