Martha Plimpton

Martha Plimpton

Martha Campbell Plimpton (born November 16, 1970) is an American actress, singer and former model. Plimpton is a screen, stage and television actress. She first appeared as Jonsy in the feature film The River Rat (1984) before rising to prominence in the Richard Donner film The Goonies (1985) portraying the character Stef. She then appeared in The Mosquito Coast (1986) portraying Emily Spellgood. Plimpton's role garnered her further success within the feature film industry. Throughout her career Plimpton has appeared in many feature films including critically successful films Running on Empty (1988), Parenthood (1989), Eye of God (1997), The Sleepy Time Gal (2001), Hair High (2004) and Small Town Murder Songs (2011).

Plimpton has also developed and established a very successful career in stage productions. She has appeared on Broadway and in theatre throughout her career. She is recognised on Broadway for her roles in The Coast of Utopia (2006–2007), Top Girls (2007–2008), Pal Joey (2008–2009) and Shining City (2006–2007). She has performed in theatre productions of The Playboy of the Western World, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Glass Menagerie, Hedda Gabler, The Sisters Rosensweig, The Heidi Chronicles and Uncle Vanya. Off-Broadway, she has appeared in Boston Marriage (2002), Pericles, Prince of Tyre (2002) and Runaways (2002).

Plimpton has appeared in many television roles throughout her career. She has appeared in guest roles on Family Ties (1985), ER (1999), Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (2002), 7th Heaven (2004), Law and Order: Criminal Intent (2006), Surface (2006), The Good Wife (2009, 2010 & 2012), Medium (2009), Greys Anatomy (2009), Fringe (2010) and How To Make It In America (2010).

Plimpton currently plays Virginia Chance on the FOX television series Raising Hope. For her role she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011.

Plimpton's roles in film and television are very often favourable among viewers and critics. Plimpton has garnered three consecutive Tony Award nominations: A Best Featured Actress in a Play in 2007 for her role in Top Girls. Best Featured Actress in a Play again in 2008 for Coast of Utopia. Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2009 for Pal Joey. Plimpton's roles in television have earned her three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, two of which came for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. In 2002, she was nominated for portraying Claire Rinato on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and won in 2012 for portraying Patti Nyholm on The Good Wife. In 2011, she was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her critically praised portrayal of Virginia Chance on Raising Hope.