Rosanna Lisa Arquette, born on August 10, 1959, in New York City, is an acclaimed American actress and filmmaker who emerged as a defining presence in 1980s cinema. Known for her versatility and willingness to take on complex roles, she earned a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the 1985 comedy-drama Desperately Seeking Susan, where she starred alongside Madonna. Arquette also received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of a young wife in the 1982 television film The Executioner's Song, which was based on the life of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore. Her ability to move seamlessly between independent films and mainstream hits established her as one of the most respected character actresses of her generation.

Arquette was born into a prominent show business family, the daughter of actor Lewis Arquette and actress Brenda Denaut, and she grew up surrounded by creativity. Her siblings include actors Patricia Arquette, David Arquette, Alexis Arquette, and Richmond Arquette, all of whom pursued careers in the entertainment industry. She began acting in the late 1970s, appearing in television shows such as The Love Boat and ABC Afterschool Specials before landing her first major film role in the 1983 coming-of-age drama Baby It's You, directed by John Sayles. This early work showcased her natural talent and set the stage for a series of memorable performances throughout the decade.

The mid-1980s proved to be a breakthrough period for Arquette. In 1985, she appeared in two highly acclaimed films: Desperately Seeking Susan, which earned her a BAFTA Award and widespread recognition, and After Hours, a dark comedy directed by Martin Scorsese that has since become a cult classic. She continued to build an impressive filmography with roles in The Big Blue (1988), directed by Luc Besson, and Nowhere to Run (1993) alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme. In 1994, she delivered a standout performance as Jody, a waitress and drug dealer, in Quentin Tarantino's landmark film Pulp Fiction, which featured an ensemble cast including John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson. Her later film credits include Crash (1996), directed by David Cronenberg, The Whole Nine Yards (2000) starring Bruce Willis, and Joe Dirt (2001) with David Spade.

In addition to her acting career, Arquette stepped behind the camera to direct the 2002 documentary Searching for Debra Winger, which explored the challenges faced by women in the film industry, particularly regarding ageism and the pressures of balancing career and family. The documentary featured interviews with numerous actresses, including Debra Winger, Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Fonda, and Sharon Stone, and was well-received for its candid look at Hollywood's treatment of women. She has also remained active in television, with guest roles on series such as Ray Donovan and Girls, and she has continued to advocate for social and political causes, including women's rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Rosanna Arquette's enduring career, marked by critical acclaim and a bold choice of roles, has cemented her legacy as a pioneering figure in American film.