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Amanda Donohoe
Born (1962-06-29) 29 June 1962 (age 63)
London, England
Alma mater Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Occupation Actress
Years active 1980–present

Amanda Donohoe (born 29 June 1962) is an English actress known for her work in movies, television, and on stage. She first became known to the public when she was a teenager. She was friends with pop singer Adam Ant and appeared in music videos for his band, Adam and the Ants.

After starting her movie career in Foreign Body (1986), she starred in several other films. These included Castaway and two movies by director Ken Russell, The Lair of the White Worm (1988) and The Rainbow (1989).

Donohoe later moved to the United States. She won a Golden Globe Award for her role as C.J. Lamb in the TV show L.A. Law. She also appeared in the popular comedy series Frasier. In the United Kingdom, she played Natasha Wylde in the soap opera Emmerdale.

Early Life and Education

Amanda Donohoe was born in London on 29 June 1962. Her parents were Ted and Joanna Donohoe, and she has an older sister named Cordelia. Her family background includes Irish, Russian, and Swiss heritage.

Her father worked for the British government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Because of his job, the family moved around a lot, living in different countries but always keeping a home in London.

Donohoe went to the Francis Holland School. As a teenager, she became friends with musician Adam Ant. She appeared in the music videos for the Adam and the Ants songs "Antmusic" and "Stand and Deliver". These videos were very popular.

Soon after, Donohoe decided to focus on acting. She earned a place at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, a famous acting school in London, and began her training.

Acting Career

After finishing her studies, Amanda Donohoe began her professional acting career. She gained international attention in 1986 in the movie Castaway, where she starred with actor Oliver Reed. She then acted in two films directed by Ken Russell, which helped build her reputation as a talented actress.

Success in the United States

In 1990, Donohoe moved to Los Angeles to work in American television. She joined the cast of the popular legal drama L.A. Law as a lawyer named C.J. Lamb. Her performance was a big success, and she won a Golden Globe Award for the role. Her character was part of a storyline that was considered very important for television at the time.

During her time in the U.S., she also had a guest role in the comedy series Ally McBeal. She played a major part in the hit comedy movie Liar Liar (1997), starring alongside Jim Carrey.

Stage and British Television

Donohoe has also had a successful career in theatre. In 1995, she performed on Broadway in a production of the play Uncle Vanya. After returning to the United Kingdom, she played the famous role of Mrs. Robinson in a 2001 stage version of The Graduate.

She continued to work in British television. From 2004 to 2006, she starred as a detective in the crime drama Murder City. In 2009, she joined the popular soap opera Emmerdale as the character Natasha Wylde, playing the part for over a year. She has also provided her voice for a character in a PC video game.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1986 Foreign Body Susan Partridge
Castaway Lucy Irvine
1988 Lair of the White Worm, TheThe Lair of the White Worm Lady Sylvia Marsh
1989 Rainbow, TheThe Rainbow Winifred Inger
Diamond Skulls Ginny Bruckton
Tank Malling Helen Searle
1990 Paper Mask Christine Taylor
1994 Madness of King George, TheThe Madness of King George Lady Pembroke
1997 Liar Liar Miranda
One Night Stand Margaux
1998 Real Howard Spitz, TheThe Real Howard Spitz Laura Kershaw
I'm Losing You Mona Deware
Stardust Christine Wasacz
2000 Circus Gloria
Wild About Harry Ruth McKee
2001 Phoenix Blue Persha Lovich
2008 Starship Troopers 3: Marauder Admiral Enolo Phid
2009 Calling, TheThe Calling Trish
2011 Last Belle, TheThe Last Belle Siobhan (voice) Short film
2013 Trafficker Alison Reid
2018 Blue Iguana Dawn Bradshaw
2021 Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star, TheThe Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star Bianca Pembroke

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1988 Affair in Mind, AnAn Affair in Mind Drusilla Janus TV film
1988 Les Girls Camilla Episode: "Tarts"
1988 Game, Set and Match Gloria Kent Regular role
1990–1992 L.A. Law Cara Jean 'C.J.' Lamb Main role
1991 Screen Two Jane Clemant Episode: "The Laughter of God"
1992 Shame Diana Cadell TV film
1993 It's Nothing Personal Katherine Whitloff TV film
1993 Briefest Encounter Siobhan TV film
1993 The Hidden Room Martha Episode: "Dangerous Dreams"
1993 Substitute, TheThe Substitute Gayle Richards / Laura Ellington TV film
1993 Frasier Catherine Episode: "Call Me Irresponsible"
1994 Murder Most Horrid Carmela Vezza Episode: "Overkill"
1995 Shame II: The Secret Diana Cadell TV film
1996 Thorn Birds: The Missing Years, TheThe Thorn Birds: The Missing Years Meggie Cleary O'Neill TV film
1996 Deep Secrets Lara TV film
1998 Knight in Camelot, AA Knight in Camelot Queen Guinevere TV film
1999 Batman Beyond Donna Walker / Queen Voice, episode: "Dead Man's Hand"
2000 Ally McBeal Marianne Holt Episode: "I Will Survive"
2000 In the Beginning Zuleika TV miniseries
2001 Atlantis Conspiracy, TheThe Atlantis Conspiracy Lauren Marcus TV film
2001 Legend of Tarzan, TheThe Legend of Tarzan Lady Waltham Voice, episode: "Tarzan and the Gauntlet of Vengeance"
2002 Lucky Day Nora Barkin TV film
2004–2006 Murder City DI Susan Alembic Main role
2006 Bad Girls Lou Stoke Main role
2009–2010 Emmerdale Natasha Wylde Regular role
2013 Toast of London Ellen Episode: "Vanity Project"
2013 Air Force One Is Down Gillian Berry TV miniseries
2014 Pramface Sally 2 episodes
2014 Toast of London Ellen Episode: "Buried Alive"

Stage

Year Title Role Notes
1984 Cymbeline Helen
1984 Great Expectations Estella Royal Exchange, Manchester
1984 Admirable Crichton, TheThe Admirable Crichton Lady Catherine Royal Exchange, Manchester
1996 Uncle Vanya Yelena
1996 Miss Julie Miss Julie Royal Exchange, Manchester
1997–1998 HRH Wallis Simpson UK tour
2001 Graduate, TheThe Graduate Mrs. Robinson
2001 Hedda Gabler Hedda Royal Exchange, Manchester
2002 Teeth 'n' Smiles Maggie Sheffield Theatres
2011 Star Quality Lorraine UK tour

Awards and Nominations

In 1992, Donohoe won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film for her role in L.A. Law.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Amanda Donohoe para niños

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