Born: April 30, 1944 – Died: November 5, 2010
Jill Clayburgh, born in 1944 in New York City, was an exceptional actress who effortlessly captivated audiences with her performances. Coming from a privileged background, Jill was raised by Julia Louise, an actress and secretary, and Albert Henry Clayburgh, a manufacturing executive. Jill's deep American roots trace back to her mother's English ancestry and her father's Jewish family that has been in the United States for centuries. Educated at esteemed institutions like the Brearley School and Sarah Lawrence College, Jill nurtured her passion for acting and joined the renowned Charles Street Repertory theater. Throughout her career, she showcased her talent in a wide range of roles, earning her a spot among Hollywood's 25 Greatest actresses. Although she passed away in 2010, Jill Clayburgh's contributions to the entertainment industry will forever be cherished.
Early Life and Career
Jill Clayburgh had a privileged upbringing, raised by her mother, Julia Louise, an actress and secretary, and her father, Albert Henry Clayburgh, a manufacturing executive. Jill's educational journey took her to prestigious institutions such as the Brearley School and Sarah Lawrence College. It was during her time at Sarah Lawrence that she discovered her passion for acting and joined the renowned Charles Street Repertory Theater in Boston.
In 1970, Jill made her debut in films and quickly gained recognition in the industry. Her first major role came in 1972, and in 1978, she rose to prominence with her performance in "An Unmarried Woman," for which she received an Oscar nomination. She continued to impress audiences with her talent and was nominated for another Academy Award in 1979 for her role in "Starting Over."
Despite her early success, Jill faced a decline in her career due to poor script choices. However, she received critical acclaim for her riveting portrayal of a Valium addict in the film "I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can."
Jill's personal life included a marriage to playwright David Rabe in 1979. The couple had two children, including actress Lily Rabe.
Throughout her career, Jill Clayburgh received numerous accolades and nominations, including two Oscar nominations. Her impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable, and she is considered one of the greatest actresses of her time. Tragically, Jill passed away in 2010 at the age of 66 from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Her contributions to the acting world will always be cherished, and she remains an icon in the industry.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Bridesmaids | Annie's Mom |
| 2010 | Love & Other Drugs | Nancy Randall |
| 2007–2009 | Dirty Sexy Money (TV Series) | Letitia 'Tish' Darling |
| 2006 | Running with Scissors | Agnes Finch |
| 2004 | Nip/Tuck (TV Series) | Bobbi Broderick |
| 2004 | The Practice (TV Series) | Victoria Stewart |
| 2003 | The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) | Norma Malley |
| 2002 | Untitled Eric Gilliland Project (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 2002 | Leap of Faith (TV Series) | Cricket Wardwell |
| 2001 | Falling | Ruth |
| 1999–2001 | Ally McBeal (TV Series) | Jeannie McBeal |
| 2001 | Never Again | Grace |
| 2000 | The Only Living Boy in New York (TV Movie) | Kate |
| 1998–1999 | Trinity (TV Series) | Eileen McCallister |
| 1999 | My Little Assassin (TV Movie) | Alice Lorenz |
| 1999 | Everything's Relative (TV Series) | Mickey Gorelick |
| 1998 | Frasier (TV Series) | Marie (voice) |
| 1998 | Law & Order (TV Series) | Sheila Atkins |
| 1997 | Crowned and Dangerous (TV Movie) | Cathy Stevens |
| 1997 | Sins of the Mind (TV Movie) | Eve |
| 1997 | When Innocence Is Lost (TV Movie) | Susan French |
| 1997 | Fools Rush In | Nan |
| 1997 | Going All the Way | Alma Burns |
| 1995 | The Face on the Milk Carton (TV Movie) | Miranda Jessmon |
| 1994 | For the Love of Nancy (TV Movie) | Sally Walsh |
| 1994 | Honor Thy Father and Mother: The True Story of the Menendez Murders (TV Movie) | Kitty Menendez |
| 1993 | Eligible Dentist (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1993 | Naked in New York | Shirley, Jake's Mother |
| 1993 | Firestorm: 72 Hours in Oakland (TV Movie) | Anneliese Osborn |
| 1992 | Lincoln (TV Movie) | Emilie Todd Helm (voice) |
| 1992 | Le grand pardon II | Sally White |
| 1992 | Rich in Love | Helen Odom |
| 1992 | Whispers in the Dark | Sarah Green |
| 1992 | Trial: The Price of Passion (TV Movie) | Judge Louise Parker |
| 1991 | Pretty Hattie's Baby | Denise |
| 1991 | Reason for Living: The Jill Ireland Story (TV Movie) | Jill Ireland |
| 1990 | Beyond the Ocean | Ellen |
| 1990 | Unspeakable Acts (TV Movie) | Laurie Braga |
| 1989 | Fear Stalk (TV Movie) | Alexandra Maynard |
| 1988 | Who Gets the Friends? (TV Movie) | Vikki Baron |
| 1987 | Shy People | Diana |
| 1986 | Miles to Go... (TV Movie) | Moira Browning |
| 1986 | Where Are the Children? | Nancy Holder Eldridge |
| 1983 | Hanna K. | Hanna Kaufman |
| 1982 | I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can | Barbara Gordon |
| 1981 | First Monday in October | Ruth Loomis |
| 1980 | It's My Turn | Kate Gunzinger |
| 1979 | Starting Over | Marilyn Holmberg |
| 1979 | Luna | Caterina Silveri |
| 1978 | An Unmarried Woman | Erica |
| 1977 | Semi-Tough | Barbara Jane Bookman |
| 1976 | Silver Streak | Hildegard 'Hilly' Burns |
| 1976 | Griffin and Phoenix (TV Movie) | Sarah Phoenix |
| 1976 | Gable and Lombard | Carole Lombard |
| 1975 | The Art of Crime (TV Movie) | Dany |
| 1975 | Hustling (TV Movie) | Wanda |
| 1974 | The Rockford Files (TV Series) | Marilyn Polonski |
| 1974 | Maude (TV Series) | Adele |
| 1974 | The Terminal Man | Angela Black |
| 1973 | CBS Daytime 90 (TV Series) | Laurie Robbins |
| 1974 | Medical Center (TV Series) | Beverly Welton |
| 1973 | Shock-a-bye, Baby (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1973 | Going Places (TV Movie) | Gloria |
| 1973 | The Thief Who Came to Dinner | Jackie |
| 1972 | The Snoop Sisters (TV Series) | Mary Nero |
| 1972 | Portnoy's Complaint | Naomi, Girl in Israel |
| 1971 | The Telephone Book | Eyemask |
| 1969–1970 | Search for Tomorrow (TV Series) | Grace Bolton |
| 1969 | The Wedding Party | Josephine - The Bride |
| 1969 | The Choice (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1968 | N.Y.P.D. (TV Series) | the Girl |
