2 min readMary-Louise Parker is back on TV screens with a starring role in the Prime Video drama The Gray House. The eight-episode miniseries, which is based on a true story, takes a look at four women who served as spies during the Civil War. The 61-year-old actress has decades of roles under her belt, along with a Tony, an Emmy, and two Golden Globes. The South Carolina native got her start on Broadway and has returned to the stage throughout her career. Here, we take a look back at some of her most iconic roles and what she has planned for the future.
Prelude to a Kiss Opening Night, 1990
After starring on soap opera Ryan’s Hope, Mary-Louise made her Broadway debut in Prelude to a Kiss. Her role as Rita earned her a Tony nomination.
Fried Green Tomatoes Premiere, 1991
Her breakout movie role came in 1991 when she starred as Ruth Jamison in Fried Green Tomatoes.
Boys on the Side Premiere, 1995
Mary-Louise teamed up with Drew Barrymore and Whoopi Goldberg in the 1995 celebration of female friendship.
Angels in America Screening, 2003
The actress starred in the critically acclaimed movie Angels in America. Her role earned her a Golden Globe and an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.
Golden Globe Win, 2004
She took home the award for Best Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or TV Movie at the 61st annual Golden Globes for her role in Angels in America. She won a second Golden Globe for Weeds.
The West Wing, 2006
The actress starred as Amy Gardner in 23 episodes of the long-running NBC series. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Red Premiere, 2010
She starred alongside Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren in the action-comedy movie Red in 2010. She reprised her role for the sequel, Red 2, in 2013.
Weeds, 2012
Co-stars Mary-Louise and Kevin Nealon were all smiles as they gathered to celebrate the 100th episode of the Showtime hit Weeds, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
The Sound Inside, 2019
She returned to Broadway to star in The Sound Inside. The role won her a Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play.
The Institute Screening, 2025
Mary-Louise starred as the sinister Ms. Sigsby in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s The Institute.
The Gray House, 2026
Mary-Louise stepped back in time to portray Eliza Van Lew in The Gray House. She’ll take on another historic role in Young Washington, which premieres on July 4.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
