Categories Famous Actresses, Celebrities born in 1959, Celebrities born in December, Celebrities born in USA, Celebrities born on December 29, Capricorn Zodiac Celebrities
Patricia Davies Clarkson has built a respected career through performances that bring emotional depth, intelligence, and quiet intensity to the screen. Born on 29 December 1959 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, she is 66 years old as of 14 November 2026. The American actress, whose zodiac sign is Capricorn, has worked across film, television, and theatre since making her professional debut in the 1980s.
New Orleans Roots and a Strong Academic Foundation
Clarkson was born and raised in New Orleans in a family connected to public service and education. Her mother, Jackie Clarkson, née Brechtel, became a New Orleans politician and councilwoman, while her father, Arthur “Buzz” Clarkson, was a school administrator at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. She grew up in the Algiers section of New Orleans, where her family provided the backdrop to her early years.
Clarkson initially studied speech pathology at Louisiana State University from 1977 to 1979. In 1980, she transferred to Fordham University in New York and graduated summa cum laude in 1982. Her academic success preceded a move toward advanced artistic training and a professional future in performance. She continued her education in New York before entering a drama programme.
She continued her training at the Yale School of Drama, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1985. The programme prepared her for a career across film, television, and theatre, all of which would become important parts of her professional life. Her ability to move among different performance settings became a defining feature of her work. Her university study and drama training prepared her for varied roles.
Clarkson made her Broadway debut in 1986 in The House of Blue Leaves, soon after graduating from Yale. The production brought her formal training into a major theatrical setting and gave her an early professional milestone. She entered film and television with experience in both academic study and live performance. The production established theatre as an important part of her background.
From Film Debut to Memorable Movie Roles
Clarkson made her feature film debut in The Untouchables in 1987. Her subsequent credits included Jumanji (1995) and The Green Mile (1999), two prominent productions from the decade. The roles began a screen career that would take her through a wide variety of genres and stories. Her credits included large productions and character-focused films.
The early 2000s brought several recognised performances, beginning with Far from Heaven (2002). In 2003, she appeared in Pieces of April and The Station Agent, two character-focused films that earned her major recognition. Pieces of April brought an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while The Station Agent earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role. The nominations recognised two films released in the same year.
Her filmography continued with Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), Lars and the Real Girl (2007), and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008). In 2010, she appeared in Shutter Island and Easy A, taking on roles in different film productions. Her later credits include She Said (2022). The titles show her range across ensemble drama, literary material, suspense, and comedy.
Clarkson also reached a new generation of moviegoers as Ava Paige in the Maze Runner films, appearing across the series from 2014 to 2018. The role placed her in a large-scale science-fiction story and added a recurring character to a film career spanning independent dramas, literary adaptations, and studio productions. The role recurred throughout the series, giving her another significant screen character.
Television Success and Recognition
Television became an important part of Clarkson’s career. She held a recurring role on Six Feet Under from 2002 to 2005, appearing in the acclaimed family drama during a significant period in its run. Her work earned two Primetime Emmy Awards and remains among her most notable television achievements. The part placed her within the series’ ensemble story.
Clarkson later had a recurring role in House of Cards. In 2018, she starred in Sharp Objects. The performance earned her a Golden Globe Award, along with Primetime Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. The demanding role placed her at the centre of a tense television story, and Sharp Objects became a defining television role in her career.
In 2022, Clarkson starred in State of the Union and won her third Primetime Emmy Award. The honour followed the two awards she had received for Six Feet Under. Her television work spans ensemble drama and tightly focused narratives, making the medium a major part of her professional reputation. State of the Union added to her award-winning television work.
Her honours also include a Tony Award nomination and the 2010 Volta Award at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. Alongside her Golden Globe and three Primetime Emmy wins, her Academy Award and Screen Actors Guild nominations reflect recognition across film, television, and theatre. The honours reflect her work across several decades.
Personal Life and a Lasting Presence
Clarkson lives in New York City and has never married or had children. She has four sisters and is close to her nieces and nephews. These family connections offer a glimpse of her life away from the screen, while her public profile remains centred on her work as an actress. New York City remains her home.
Since beginning her professional career in 1985, Clarkson has moved between film, television, and theatre. From The House of Blue Leaves to major screen productions and acclaimed television dramas, she has taken on roles across a broad range of genres. Her awards and nominations recognise achievements across several areas of performance. That range reflects sustained work across formats and dramatic material.
Patricia Clarkson’s story is rooted in New Orleans, strengthened by rigorous training, and carried forward through decades of varied performances. At 66, she remains an established American actress whose work connects independent cinema, major films, acclaimed television, and theatre. Her career stands as a testament to thoughtful preparation and a lasting commitment to acting.
