Mary Kay Place

Mary Kay Place was born on September 23, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is an acclaimed American actress, singer, director, and screenwriter, with a career spanning since 1973. Place is renowned for her portrayal of Loretta Haggers in the television series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, a role that earned her the 1977 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress - Comedy Series. Beyond her television success, Place's impressive filmography includes Private Benjamin (1980), The Big Chill (1983), Captain Ron (1992), and Francis Ford Coppola's 1997 drama The Rainmaker. Surprisingly, Place also has music credits, having recorded three studio albums for Columbia Records and scored a Top Ten country music hit with Baby Boy. Her remarkable performance in Diane (2018), saw her win the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress and the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress.

Mary Kay Place attended the University of Tulsa before kick-starting her Hollywood career. During the '70s, she worked as a production assistant for The Tim Conway Comedy Hour and later received her first writing credit on All in the Family. Place achieved her breakout acting role in the satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976–1977) and went on to write scripts for several popular TV sitcoms including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Phyllis and MAS*H. During her long and varied career, Place has worked with countless A-list country and pop performers, appeared in TV dramas, sitcoms, animated shows, and films and has even ventured into directing. Her dynamic career showcases her versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.