Born on February 8, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas, she is a celebrated American actress known for her versatile roles in film and television. Her career took off after a breakthrough role in "Goin' South" (1978). She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Melvin and Howard" (1980). With a career spanning over four decades, she has appeared in numerous acclaimed films such as "Back to the Future Part III," "Philadelphia," and "The Help." Additionally, she is recognized for her work on television in series like "Justified" and "The Last Man on Earth."