Quick Stats
DOB: 04.28.1952
Birthplace: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
Where she grew up: Ithaca, New York, USA
Where she lives now: Los Angeles, California, USA
Nickname: [unknown]
Height: 5' 6" (1.68 m)
Pets: [unknown]

Previous Roles:

• Donnie Darko [2001]
  
• Independence Day [1996
• "ER" [1994]
• Dances with Wolves(1990) ....Stands With A Fist
• 
  

Bio:

Renowned for her stage work on the East Coast, working with the Long Wharf Theatre Co., amongst others. It wasn't until 20 years after working on the theater stage that she had her break through role inKevin Costner'sDances with Wolves(1990). She has since received two AcademyAwardnominations.

Trivia:

• She played the First Lady in Independence Day [1996].
  
• Has taught acting classes with her husband, even after being nominated for an Academy Award...Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1990" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 42.Two children:Olivia Melland Michael Mell.Attended Fredonia State University.Was a cast member of the medical situation comedy"E/R"(1984) and also has a recurring role on the hit 90s medical drama of nearly the same name,"ER"(1994).Moved to Los Angeles as an adult with her husband and daughterThough born in Pennsylvania, she was raised in Ithaca, New York.Plays the First Lady during a devastating attack by aliens inIndependence Day(1996), and the President during a devastating attack by robots in"Battlestar Galactica"(2004).She has appeared in four films withAlfre Woodard:Grand Canyon(1991),Passion Fish(1992),Blue Chips(1994), andMumford(1999).Has been a huge fan ofVanessa Redgravesince the seventies.