Amy Irving is an acclaimed American actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She was born on September 10, 1953, in Palo Alto, California, USA. Her career has spanned decades, marked by critical acclaim, a versatile acting range, and a background steeped in the performing arts.
Early Life
- Amy Davis Irving was born into a theatrical family. Her father, Jules Irving, was a prominent stage director and co-founder of the San Francisco Actors Workshop, and her mother, Priscilla Pointer, was an actress.
- Irving grew up in the world of theater, performing as a child in her father’s productions.
- She trained at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and later attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) to refine her craft.
Acting Career
- Film Career:
- Irving made her film debut in “Carrie” (1976), directed by Brian De Palma, where she played Sue Snell, one of the few survivors of the titular character’s wrath. The film was a significant box-office success.
- She starred in “The Fury” (1978), another suspense film directed by De Palma.
- In 1983, Irving earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Yentl”, playing Hadass opposite Barbra Streisand.
- Other notable films include:
- “Crossing Delancey” (1988), where she played a bookshop clerk navigating love in a modern world.
- “Traffic” (2000), directed by Steven Soderbergh, where she appeared in a small but memorable role.
- “Hide and Seek” (2005), opposite Robert De Niro.
- Television:
- Irving appeared in several TV projects, including the miniseries “Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna” (1986), for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination.
- Theater:
- Throughout her career, Irving maintained a strong presence in theater, performing in productions like “The Road to Mecca”, “Heartbreak House”, and “The Glass Menagerie”.
Personal Life
- Irving was married to director Steven Spielberg from 1985 to 1989. The couple first met in the 1970s but broke up before reuniting and marrying. They had one son, Max Spielberg, born in 1985. Their divorce was one of the most expensive in Hollywood history, with Irving reportedly receiving a $100 million settlement.
- In 1990, Irving married Brazilian filmmaker Bruno Barreto, known for directing “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands” (1976). They had one son, Gabriel, before divorcing in 2005.
- She later married documentary filmmaker Kenneth Bowser in 2007.
Awards and Recognitions
- Irving’s performance in “Crossing Delancey” earned her critical acclaim and established her as a leading actress in romantic dramas.
- She received multiple nominations throughout her career, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Razzie Award (ironically for the same film, “Yentl”).
Later Career and Legacy
- In recent years, Irving has continued acting in independent films and theater, emphasizing character-driven roles.
- She is celebrated for her ability to bring emotional depth and authenticity to her performances.
- Irving remains a respected figure in the acting world, with a legacy of excellence in both Hollywood and the stage.
Amy Irving’s career reflects her dedication to the craft of acting, balancing artistic integrity with mainstream success.
