Childhood & Early Life
Mary Stuart Masterson was born on June 28, 1966, in Manhattan. Her father, Peter Masterson, was an actor, director, and producer. Her mother, Carlin Glynn, is an actress and singer. Masterson has two siblings, Alexandra and Peter Jr.
As a teenager, Masterson attended the ‘Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center,’ in New York. She trained with people such as Robert Downey Jr, who became highly acclaimed actors later in life. She appeared in several productions while studying at the ‘Dalton School,’ in New York. Masterson studied anthropology at the ‘New York University.’
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Career
In 1975, Mary made her film debut. She was cast as ‘Kim Eberhart’ in the science fiction horror movie ‘The Stepford Wives.’ In the movie, Masterson performed as the daughter of the protagonist, ‘Walter Eberhart,’ the role played her father, Peter Masterson.
In 1985, after finishing her studies, Mary returned to acting with the comedy movie ‘Heaven Help Us.’ She performed as ‘Danni,’ an energetic teenaged girl who ran a soda fountain shop to support her mentally ill father. In 1986, she performed as ‘Terry’ in the crime drama movie ‘At Close Range.’ ‘Terry’ was the girlfriend of ‘Bradford Jr.,’ played by Sean Penn.
In 1987, Mary performed in the lead role in the romantic drama movie ‘Some Kind of Wonderful.’ It told the story of a mechanic, ‘Keith,’ and his best friend, ‘Watts,’ who was a tomboyish girl. As the story unfolds, the couple discovers their love for each other, and the movie ends on a happy note.
In 1987, Masterson performed important roles in movies such as ‘Gardens of Stone’ and ‘My Little Girl.’ In 1989, she starred as ‘Miranda Jeffries’ in the romantic comedy movie ‘Chances Are.’ In the same year, Masterson bagged one of the most coveted roles of her career. She was cast as ‘Lucy Moore’ in the drama movie ‘Immediate Family.’ For her excellent portrayal of the character, Mary won the ‘National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress.’
In 1991, she performed as ‘Imogene “Idgie” Threadgoode’ a tomboyish character, in the comedy drama movie ‘Fried Green Tomatoes.’ The film won a lot of acclaim and was nominated for two ‘Academy Awards.’ Her performance in the film was applauded by film critics.
In 1992, Mary hosted an episode of the TV series ‘Saturday Night Live,’ which was aired on ‘NBC’ channel.
In 1993, she co-starred with Johnny Depp in the romantic comedy movie ‘Benny & Joon.’ In the 1990s, she starred in movies such as ‘Bad Girls,’ ‘Radioland Murders,’ and ‘Heaven’s Prisoners.’ In the movie ‘Bed of Roses,’ she portrayed a lonely business executive, ‘Lisa Walker,’ who chases her secret admirer.
In 2001, Mary starred in the lead role in the TV series ‘Kate Brasher,’ which was aired on the ‘CBS’ network. Masterson was the producer of the series. It was cancelled after six episodes. In 2004, she starred as ‘Dr. Helen Taussig’ in the TV movie ‘Something the Lord Made.’ She guest starred as ‘Dr. Rebecca Hendrix’ in five episodes of the crime drama series ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’
In 2003, Mary was nominated for the ‘Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical’ for her performance in the musical ‘Nine: The Musical.’ She was seen in several series, such as ‘Cupid,’ ‘Mercy,’ and ‘The Good Wife.’
In 2007, she made her directorial debut with the movie ‘The Cake Eaters.’ It was the story of conflicts between two families in the same neighborhood. The movie received mixed response from the audience.
In 2017, Masterson performed as Congresswoman Jenna Flemming in the series ‘NCIS,’ which was telecast on the ‘CBS’ network. From 2017 to 2019, she portrayed ‘FBI Director Eleanor Hirst,’ in the crime drama series ‘Blindspot.’ It was aired on the ‘NBC’ network.
Family & Personal Life
Mary Stuart Masterson has married thrice. From 1990 to 1992, she was married to George Carl Francisco. She did not have any child from this marriage.
In 2000, she married film director and screenwriter, Damon Santostefano. The couple divorced in 2004. She did not have any children from this marriage too.
In 2007, she married actor Jeremy Davidson. The couple has four children: three sons and one daughter.
Mary is a co-founder of ‘Storyhorse Documentary Theater,’ based in Hudson Valley, where she presently resides with her family. The theater produces documentaries based on the issues faced by residents of Hudson Valley. She has also formed a non-profit organization, ‘Stockade Works,’ which is aimed at connecting local talent and training underemployed Hudson Valley residents.
