Annette O'Toole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Annette O'Toole
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O'Toole in a 2020 episode of the series Kidding
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Annette Toole
April 1, 1952 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Annette O'Toole (born April 1, 1952) is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. She is famous for playing many memorable characters in movies and on television.
Many people know her as Martha Kent, the caring mother of Clark Kent, in the popular TV series Smallville. She also played Lana Lang in the movie Superman III. Another one of her famous roles was the adult Beverly Marsh in the 1990 TV mini-series based on Stephen King's horror novel It.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps in Acting
Annette O'Toole was born in Houston, Texas. Her mother was a dance teacher, and Annette began learning to dance when she was only three years old.
When she was 13, her family moved to Los Angeles, California. It was there that she started taking acting lessons, which set her on the path to becoming a professional actress.
A Career on Screen
First Television and Movie Roles
Annette's first TV appearance was on The Danny Kaye Show in 1967. After that, she appeared as a guest star in many popular shows of the time, including My Three Sons, Gunsmoke, and The Partridge Family.
Her first big movie role was in the 1975 film Smile, where she played a beauty pageant contestant. She later starred in the 1977 basketball movie One on One. In 1982, she appeared in the action-comedy 48 Hrs. and the horror film Cat People.
A major role came in 1983 when she played Lana Lang in Superman III. Lana was a childhood friend and love interest of Superman.
Success in the 1990s
In 1990, Annette starred in two important TV mini-series. She played the adult version of Beverly Marsh in It, a scary story about a group of friends who fight an evil creature. She also played Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, which earned her a nomination for an Emmy Award.
Throughout the 1990s, she had a recurring role as Lisa Bridges in the police show Nash Bridges. She also starred in several TV movies, including Dead By Sunset in 1995.
Playing Martha Kent in Smallville
In 2001, Annette returned to the world of Superman, but in a new role. She was cast as Martha Kent, the adoptive mother of a young Clark Kent, in the hit TV series Smallville.
She was a main character for the first six seasons of the show. She played Martha as a kind and wise mother who helped Clark understand his powers and become a hero. She returned as a guest star in later seasons.
Recent Work
Annette O'Toole continues to act in many interesting projects. She has appeared in TV shows like Halt and Catch Fire, 11.22.63, and The Punisher.
Since 2019, she has played the role of Hope McCrea in the popular Netflix series Virgin River.
Music and Songwriting
Besides acting, Annette is also a talented musician. She and her husband, actor Michael McKean, often write songs together.
They wrote several songs for the 2003 comedy film A Mighty Wind. One of their songs, "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow," was nominated for an Academy Award. This is one of the highest honors a song can receive.
She has also performed with her husband and his comedy music group, Spinal Tap.
Personal Life
Annette O'Toole married actor Bill Geisslinger in 1983, and they had two daughters together. They later divorced.
In 1999, she married actor and musician Michael McKean. They met while working on a TV movie together and have been married ever since. They enjoy making music together.
Selected Film and Television Roles
Here are some of Annette O'Toole's most well-known roles:
- Smile (1975) - Doria
- Superman III (1983) - Lana Lang
- It (1990) - Beverly Marsh
- The Kennedys of Massachusetts (1990) - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
- Nash Bridges (1996–1998) - Lisa Bridges
- The Huntress (2000–2001) - Dottie Thorson
- Smallville (2001–2011) - Martha Kent
- Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2015) - Susan Emerson
- Virgin River (2019–present) - Hope McCrea
Awards and Nominations
Annette O'Toole has been recognized for her acting and music.
- In 1990, she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in The Kennedys of Massachusetts.
- In 1991, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for the same role.
- In 2004, she and her husband were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" from the movie A Mighty Wind.
See also
In Spanish: Annette O'Toole para niños
