From Calvin Klein to Broadway: The Journey of Martha Plimpton

 

Who is Martha Plimpton?

Martha Plimpton is an American actress, singer, and former model who was Stef in the film “The Goonies” (1985), then as Emily Spellgood in the film “The Mosquito Coast” (1986), and as Virginia Chance in the TV series “Raising Hope” (2010-2014), in addition to many other notable appearances she has had so far in her career.

Martha Plimpton Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education

Martha Plimpton was born on 16 November 1970, in New York City, USA, the daughter of actors Keith Carradine and Shelley Plimpton. Her maternal grandparents were actors, and her great-grandfather was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.

Plimpton attended the Professional Children’s School in New York City, a private school for young actors, musicians, dancers and other performers. She didn’t attend college as she began her acting career at a young age, and has since pursued it full-time. However, she has been involved in various educational programs and initiatives, including teaching acting workshops and serving on the board of the New York City-based arts education organization, The 52nd Street Project.

Career Beginnings and Immediate Success

Before she turned to acting, Martha was a model, including being involved in a campaign for Calvin Klein in the early ‘80s. However, she quickly figured out that acting was her true calling.

Martha’s acting career began at a young age, making her film debut at 11 years old in the movie “Rollover” (1981). However, she became more widely recognized for her breakout role as Stef in the popular adventure film “The Goonies” (1985), in which she starred alongside Sean Astin, Josh Brolin and Corey Feldman. Her performance in the film helped to establish her as a talented young actor with a bright future.

Plimpton appeared in several other notable films throughout the 1980s; in 1988, she starred in “Running on Empty”, alongside River Phoenix, for which she received critical acclaim and a nomination for the Young Artist Award. The film also starred Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti.

Plimpton continued to make a name for herself in Hollywood, starring in “Parenthood” (1989), in which she played Julie Buckman alongside a cast that included Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen and Keanu Reeves.

Continued Success

Throughout the 1990s, Martha continued to establish herself as a talented and versatile actress, appearing in a number of popular roles.

In the indie drama “The Beans of Egypt, Maine” (1994), she played the lead role of Earlene Pomerleau, a young woman from a troubled family who dreams of escaping her rural community, which earned her an Independent Spirit Award. In the biopic “I Shot Andy Warhol” (1996), Plimpton portrayed the supporting character of Stevie, a friend and collaborator of feminist artist Valerie Solanas. Plimpton also starred in “Eye of God” (1997), a critically acclaimed drama in which she played a woman who becomes involved with a troubled drifter in a small Texas town, which earned her yet another Independent Spirit Award nomination. In “Pecker” (1998), a quirky comedy directed by John Waters, Plimpton had a supporting role as a friend of the main character, a Baltimore teenager who becomes an unlikely art world sensation.

The 2000s

In 2003, Plimpton had a guest-starring role in the hit show “Law & Order: SVU”, playing the mother of a missing teenager in an emotional episode.

In 2007, Plimpton played the supporting role of Abby Cairn in the indie film “Joshua”, a psychological thriller that received critical acclaim for its intense atmosphere and strong performances.

In 2009, Plimpton had the recurring role of Patti Nyholm, a cutthroat lawyer who frequently goes up against the show’s main character, Alicia Florrick, in the TV series “The Good Wife”, which lasted until 2013. Plimpton earned an Emmy nomination for her work n the show.

From 2010 to 2014, Plimpton starred in the TV series “Raising Hope”, playing the role of Virginia Chance, the matriarch of a dysfunctional family. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for four seasons and earning Plimpton a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

In 2012, Plimpton starred in the indie film “Small Town Murder Songs”, a crime drama about a police officer investigating a murder in a small town; playing the role of Sam, a local woman with a complicated past.

In 2015, Plimpton had a guest-starring role on the hit TV series “The Blacklist”, playing the character of Dr. Selma Orchard in an episode entitled “Dr. James Covington”.

In 2016, Plimpton played the supporting role of Helen in the indie film “The Intervention”, a comedy-drama about a group of friends who try to save a couple’s failing marriage during a weekend getaway.

One of Martha Plimpton’s most notable on-screen appearances in the 2010s was on the TV series “The Real O’Neals”, which ran from 2016 to 2017. Plimpton played the main role of Eileen O’Neal, the matriarch of an Irish-American family in Chicago.

Plimpton’s most recent notable on-screen appearance is in the TV series “Generation”, which premiered in 2021. Plimpton plays the leading role of Megan, the mother of a teenage girl and a high school principal. The show follows a diverse group of high school students as they navigate issues of identity, sexuality, and family dynamics.

Theater Career

Martha Plimpton has had a successful career in theater, appearing in numerous productions both on and off Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in 2006, in the revival of “The Coast of Utopia”, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including, “Top Girls” (2007), “Pal Joey” (2008), and “A Delicate Balance” (2014). She has received a number of award-nominations for her work in these plays, including Drama Desk and Tony Awards in different categories. She took home the Drama Desk Award in the category for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for her work on “The Coast of Utopia”.

In addition, Plimpton has also appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including “Hedda Gabler”, “The Children”, and “Alice by Heart”, among others.

Net Worth

According to sources, Martha Plimpton’s net worth is estimated at $4.5 million as of mid-2023.

Personal Life, Dating, Married, Husband, Children

Martha was in a romantic relationship with River Phoenix from 1986 until 1989, ending the relationship due to his substance abuse. In 1994 she started dating actor Jon Patrick Walker; they became engaged the following year, but broke up in May 1996.

She hasn’t married and doesn’t have children. She has an English visa, and resides part-time in London.

She has been an abortion-rights campaigner, and has advocated for LGBT rights causes.

Appearance and Body Measurements

Martha Plimpton has blonde hair and hazel eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 5ins (1.65m), weighs approximately 120lbs (54kgs), with vital statistics of 34-24-32, bra size 34B.

Facts and Interests

Martha co-founded Everything is Horrible, a company that produces short films made especially for the Internet.

She’s a vegetarian, introduced to the lifestyle by her former boyfriend, River Phoenix, who passed away in 1993.

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