Laura Innes: The Pioneering Actress and Television Director

A Household Name in Medical Drama

Laura Innes is undoubtedly best known for her iconic role as Dr. Kerry Weaver in the critically acclaimed medical drama ER, a character she embodied for 13 seasons from 1995 to 2009. This groundbreaking performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, solidifying her status as a leading lady in the television industry.

Early Life and Introduction to Theater

Born on August 16, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan, Innes was introduced to the world of professional theater by her father, who frequently took the family to the renowned Stratford Festival of Canada in Stratford, Ontario. This early exposure ignited a passion within her, and she went on to attend Northwestern University, graduating in 1980 with a degree in theater. During her time at Northwestern, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

A Career Spanning Stage and Screen

Innes' professional career took off in Chicago, where she appeared in several stage productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire at the Goodman Theatre and Wisdom Bridge Theatre. Her early years also saw her share the stage with notable actors like John Malkovich and Eric Stoltz in productions like Two Shakespearean Actors at Lincoln Center and Our Town at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Transition to Television

In the late 1980s, Innes began to make her mark in television, with early roles in sitcoms like The Stiller and Meara Show (1986) and Hey Dude (1989). Her breakthrough role came in 1991 when she played Bunny, the promiscuous ex-wife of Lowell Mather (Thomas Haden Church), in the NBC sitcom Wings. This was followed by guest appearances in popular television series like Party of Five, My So-Called Life, and Brooklyn Bridge.

Directorial Ventures

In addition to her impressive acting career, Innes has also made a name for herself as a talented television director. Her direction of the episode "Shibboleth" in the political drama The West Wing earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2001. She has also directed episodes of The Event and How to Get Away with Murder.

Awards and Nominations

• Two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in ER
• Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for her direction of "Shibboleth" in The West Wing

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Innes has been married to actor David Brisbin since 1988, and the couple has two children together. She is an advocate for several charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center.

Lasting Legacy

Laura Innes' remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the television industry. Her pioneering portrayal of Dr. Kerry Weaver in ER paved the way for future generations of women in leading roles, and her directorial ventures have inspired a new wave of female directors. As a true icon in the world of entertainment, Innes continues to inspire audiences with her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.