Janine Turner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Janine Turner
Turner at her ranch in 2014
Born	Janine Loraine Gauntt (1962-12-06) December 6, 1962 (age 62) Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1980–present
Children	1

Janine Turner (born Janine Loraine Gauntt on December 6, 1962) is an American actress. She is famous for her roles as Maggie O'Connell in the TV show Northern Exposure. She also played Jessie Deighan in the movie Cliffhanger. Another well-known role was Katie McCoy in Friday Night Lights. Besides acting, Janine Turner is an author and a public speaker. She also started an organization called Constituting America in 2010.

Early life and beginnings

Janine Loraine Gauntt was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her parents, Janice Loraine Agee and Turner Maurice Gauntt Jr., were from Texas. They moved back to Texas shortly after she was born. Janine grew up in Euless and Fort Worth, Texas.

When she was 15, in 1978, Janine left home to become a model. She worked with the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency in New York City. In 1980, she started her acting career in Hollywood. One of her first roles was in the TV series Dallas. She also appeared in commercials. Throughout the 1980s, she made guest appearances on many TV shows. Later, she got the role of Laura Templeton on General Hospital.

Acting career highlights

By 1986, Janine felt she wasn't getting the kinds of roles she wanted. She wanted to do more serious acting. She decided to move to New York to improve her skills. She studied acting in Manhattan.

Northern Exposure and film roles

Janine Turner at the Governor's Ball after the 1992 Emmy Awards

In 1990, Janine was cast as Maggie O'Connell in Northern Exposure. This role was a big success for her. She was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1993. She also received three Golden Globe nominations from 1992 to 1994. Janine loved playing Maggie. She felt Maggie was a strong and smart character. Maggie's move from a big city to a small Alaskan town was similar to Janine's own move to New York.

Turner at the 1993 Emmy Awards, Governor's Ball

After Northern Exposure, Janine starred in the action movie Cliffhanger. She acted alongside Sylvester Stallone. She also played June Cleaver in the Leave It to Beaver movie. Other films include Stolen Women: Captured Hearts and Dr. T & the Women.

Later projects and TV appearances

In 2004, Janine wrote, produced, and directed a short film called Trip in a Summer Dress. This film won an award. In 2006, she appeared in the movie The Night of the White Pants. She also co-wrote and co-produced Christoga, a Christian Yoga DVD, in 2007. Janine also helped create an album called Mockingbird Hill. Both she and her daughter Juliette sang on it.

From 2008 to 2009, Janine had a role in the NBC TV series Friday Night Lights. She played Katie McCoy, the mother of a talented high school football player. In 2015, she acted in the movie Solace with Anthony Hopkins.

Cynthia Geary, Rob Morrow and Janine Turner at the 45th Primetime Emmy Awards, September 1993

Author and public speaker

In 2010, Janine Turner started an organization called Constituting America. She is the co-president of this group. Its goal is to teach adults and students about the U.S. Constitution. She wants people to understand how important it is today.

From 2011 to 2013, Janine hosted her own radio talk show. It was called The Janine Turner Show. The show was awarded "Best Radio Show in Dallas."

Janine is also a successful author. She has written four books. One book, Holding Her Head High, shares inspiring stories of single mothers throughout history. Another book is called A Little Bit Vulnerable. She has also written many articles for newspapers and websites.

Advocacy and personal life

In 2006, Janine was chosen to be a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. This council helps encourage people to volunteer and be active in their communities.

Since 2010, Janine has been a popular public speaker. She talks about many different topics. These include health, faith, and the U.S. Constitution. She speaks at various events, schools, and churches.

Janine has described her political views as "socially liberal and fiscally conservative." She also says she is almost a libertarian. She has written many essays and articles about the Federalist Papers and other political topics.

Janine Turner has one daughter, Juliette Turner-Jones, born in 1997. As of 2014, Janine lived on a longhorn cattle ranch outside Dallas with her daughter.

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations

Emmy Award

• 1993: Nominated, "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" – Northern Exposure

Golden Globe Award

• 1992: Nominated, "Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series – Drama" – Northern Exposure
• 1993: Nominated, "Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series – Drama" – Northern Exposure
• 1994: Nominated, "Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series – Drama" – Northern Exposure
• 1995: Turner Hosted 52nd Annual Golden Globe Awards

Screen Actors Guild Awards

• 1995: Nominated, "Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series" – Northern Exposure

Young Artist Award

• 1983: Won, "Best Young Actress in the Daytime Series" – General Hospital

See also

In Spanish: Janine Turner para niños