Since the late 1980s, Laurie Metcalf has been one of the most celebrated actresses on screen and stage due to her versatility across comedy and drama, her iconic roles and performances in both film and TV, and her mastery of talent that has inspired younger generations of performers.
Here is our list of some of Metcalf's best works in film and television that you can watch.
Roseanne
The iconic sitcom Roseanne explores the everyday life of an American working-class family, the Conners. It originally ran from 1988 to 1997, before it was revived in 2018 for one season.
Metcalf notably played the role of Jackie Harris, Roseanne's neurotic sister. This is the series that turned her into a recognizable actress, as her character was a standout throughout its run. She won three Emmy Awards for her performance, and reprised the role in the spinoff series The Conners.
Where You Can Stream: Peacock
JFK
Oliver Stone's masterpiece JFK focuses on New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, who discovers that there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.
Metcalf played the supporting role of Susie Cox. While the film has a huge ensemble, she still managed to stand out on her own due to her character's key role in Jim Garrison's arc.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Toy Story Movies
Metcalf voiced Mrs. Davis, Andy's mother, in the Toy Story franchise. Younger generations might be familiar with her thanks to her voice role in the Disney/Pixar film series.
While the character was not necessarily three-dimensional or memorable in any way, the actress still brought a lot of heart and tenderness to her portrayal of Mrs. Davis, especially in key scenes involving Andy.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Scream 2
In Scream 2, a year after the Woodsboro murders, the survivors try to move on at Windsor College in Ohio. However, when a new Ghostface killer starts a campus killing spree, they must face terror all over again.
Without spoiling the twists, Metcalf was a major standout in the film, thanks to her portrayal of Debbie Salt, a character full of secrets and complications who became an essential part of the story. Her pivotal moment in the climax is arguably one of the franchise's best scenes.
Where You Can Stream: Paramount+, MGM+
Getting On
Based on a British series, Getting On explores the cranky nurses, anxious doctors, and administrators who wrestle with the darkly comic, honest, and compassionate realities of caring for the elderly in a rundown hospital.
This is one of the most underrated shows on HBO. While it wasn't a viewership success, it was heavily supported by critics, which led to its three-season run. Metcalf received an Emmy nomination for her performance as Dr. Jenna James in the final season.
Where You Can Stream: HBO Max
Lady Bird
Lady Bird follows a fiercely independent teenager who tries to make her own way in the world while wanting to get out of her hometown of Sacramento, California, and to get away from her complicated mother and recently unemployed father.
Metcalf received her first Oscar nomination for her performance as Marion McPherson, the titular character's overbearing mother. Together with Saoirse Ronan, they perfectly captured the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, and helped turn this film into a coming-of-age classic.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
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