Julianna Margulies is an acclaimed American actress best known for her compelling performances on both television and film. With a career spanning over three decades, she has garnered numerous accolades and established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her breakthrough role as Nurse Carol Hathaway on the long-running NBC medical drama series ER not only earned her critical acclaim but also a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Born Julianna Luisa Margulies on June 8, 1966, in Spring Valley, New York, she grew up in a family that valued the arts. Her father, Paul Margulies, was a school teacher and her mother, Francesca Gardner, was a homemaker. Julianna pursued her education at Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied drama. After graduating, she began her career with small roles in television, including appearances in Law & Order and The Natural History of the American Theatre. However, it was her role in ER, which began in 1994, that catapulted her to fame. Margulies portrayed the complex character of Carol Hathaway for six seasons, a performance that earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Following her departure from ER, Margulies continued to build her impressive résumé with a variety of roles that showcased her versatility. In 2009, she starred as Alicia Florrick in the critically acclaimed CBS legal drama The Good Wife, a role that further solidified her status as a leading actress. Her performance in this series garnered her two additional Primetime Emmy Awards, two more Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, underscoring her exceptional talent and appeal.
In addition to her television success, Margulies has appeared in several notable films, including Dinosaur, Ghost Ship, Snakes on a Plane, and The Upside. She also showcased her dramatic chops in the TNT miniseries The Mists of Avalon and played significant roles in acclaimed series such as The Sopranos and The Morning Show, where she portrayed Laura Peterson from 2021 to 2023.
Margulies has received a multitude of accolades throughout her career, including three Primetime Emmy Awards and eight Screen Actors Guild Awards, making her one of the most recognized actresses in the industry. In 2015, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, further cementing her legacy. Time magazine recognized her influence by naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Outside of her professional achievements, Julianna Margulies is married to lawyer Keith Lieberthal, with whom she has a son. As she continues to take on challenging roles and push the boundaries of her craft, Margulies remains an enduring presence in Hollywood, celebrated for her contributions to both television and film. Her journey through the world of acting is marked by her dedication, talent, and an unwavering commitment to her art.