Lily Rabe

Lily Rabe

Rabe at PaleyFest 2013 for American Horror Story: Asylum
Born June 29, 1982
New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation Actress
Years active 2001–present

Lily Rabe (born June 29, 1982) is an American actress. She is well known for playing Portia in the Shakespeare in the Park production of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, for which she received a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play nomination. Rabe is also known for her roles in the FX anthology series American Horror Story.

She will star as Claire Bennigan on the upcoming ABC series The Whispers, which will premiere during the 2014–15 United States network television schedule as a mid-season replacement.

Early life

Rabe was born in 1982 in New York City, New York in the Upper West Side.[1] She is the daughter of playwright David Rabe and actress Jill Clayburgh. She has a younger brother, Michael Rabe, an actor and playwright, and an older half-brother, Jason Rabe, a musician, from her father's first marriage.[2] Her father is Catholic,[3] her maternal grandfather is Jewish and her maternal grandmother is Protestant.[4] Rabe was raised in Bedford and moved to Lakeville, Connecticut when she was in the seventh grade.[1] There she attended the Hotchkiss School.[5]

Career

Early years

Rabe studied dance for ten years. Rabe was teaching ballet at a summer arts program in Connecticut, when she was approached by the program's acting instructor, who asked her to perform a monologue in the final production.[6] Rabe performed a monologue from the play Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley.[6] Rabe stated: “It was that moment, performing that monologue, that made me think, ‘Maybe this is what I wanna do,’ ”[6] Rabe then went on to study acting at Northwestern University. In 2001, Rabe made her screen debut opposite her mother Jill Clayburgh in the film Never Again. In 2002 Rabe made her professional stage debut, again opposite her mother, at the Gloucester Stage Company in Massachusetts in two one-act plays: Speaking Well of the Dead by Israel Horovitz and The Crazy Girl by Frank Pugliese.[7] As a result of appearing in the plays, Rabe was able to get an Equity Card.[8] In July 2003 Rabe returned to the Gloucester Stage Company to appear in a production of Proof by David Auburn. The same year she appeared in the film Mona Lisa Smile. Rabe graduated from Northwestern in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre.[9]

After graduating, Rabe moved back to New York. On September 29 through to October 2, 2004 she appeared in White Jesus by Deirdre O’Connor,[10] one of a series of one-act plays presented as The Democracy Project and organized by the Naked Angels theater company.[11] On 21 January 2005 she took part in a workshop production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at the Roundabout Theatre Company which was directed by Joe Mantello.[12] She made her Broadway debut as Annelle in the 2005 revival of Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, directed by Jason Moore.[13] For her performance Rabe was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.[14] Rabe had been cast in the play Sisters of the Garden but had to drop out after being cast in Steel Magnolias.[15] In September through to October she appeared in the American premiere of Colder Than Here by the English playwright Laura Wade at the MCC Theater.[16] Jeremy McCarter in New York Magazine listed Rabe's performance as one of the best breakthroughs of 2005.[17] In September to December 2006 Rabe played Ellie Dunn in the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Heartbreak House by George Bernard Shaw.[18]

Rabe at the Metropolitan Opera opening in 2008

In 2007 she appeared in the film No Reservations. In August 2007 she appeared in Crimes of the Heart at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in a production which marked the directorial debut of actress Kathleen Turner.[19] In 2008 the production transferred Off-Broadway, presented by the Roundabout Theatre Company and staged at the Laura Pels Theatre, running from February 14 to April 13.[20] During a rehearsal, a piece of the set fell on Rabe, leaving her with a fractured rib.[21] Due to the injury, Rabe missed a week of preview performances and the opening night was moved a week back from February 7 to February 14.[20] In August Rabe was cast in the HBO pilot Last of the Ninth, a drama set in the 1970s.[22] Rabe played a plainclothes cop in the pilot, which was written by David Milch and directed by Carl Franklin. In December it was reported that HBO had decided not to pick the pilot to series.[23] The same year she appeared in the films What Just Happened and The Toe Tactic, as well as two episodes of Medium. From January to March 2009 Rabe appeared in the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's 1990 play The American Plan at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.[24]

2010–12

In 2010 Rabe made her debut appearance at Shakespeare in the Park in a production of The Merchant of Venice, directed by Daniel J. Sullivan, that ran from June 30 to August 1.[25] Rabe was cast as Portia, which she described as "one of the great female roles."[26] She starred opposite Al Pacino as Shylock in a performance described as a "smashing break-out".[27] The production transferred to Broadway at the Broadhurst Theater where it ran from October 19 to February 20, 2011.[28] For her performance, Rabe was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in Play.[29] In March Rabe was cast in the FOX drama pilot Exit Strategy in a role that would be recurring if the pilot was picked up.[30] In July it was confirmed that FOX had passed on the pilot.[31] Rabe appeared again at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in a production of A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen where she played the role of Nora.[32] In August 2011 Rabe was given her first regular role on a television series when she was cast as Nora Montgomery on the FX horror series American Horror Story. She was later cast in Season 2 as the role of nun, Sister Mary Eunice (this role was reprised in Season 4). She also was cast in Season 3 as a resurgent witch named Misty Day; the role was written for her by co-creator Ryan Murphy.[33] Rabe is one of only five actors to appear in all four seasons of the show.[34] Rabe also appeared in the 2010 film All Good Things.

Rabe appeared at the Golden Theatre in the new Broadway play Seminar by Theresa Rebeck. It was directed by Sam Gold, and the cast included Alan Rickman, Jerry O'Connell, Hamish Linklater and Hettienne Park. It opened on November 20, 2011, and closed May 6, 2012. In May it was announced at the Cannes Film Festival that Rabe would play actress Mary Pickford in The First, a film based on the book Pickford: The Woman Who Made Hollywood by Eileen Whitfield.[35] She finished work in the Public Theater's production of As You Like It, part of the 50th Season of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theatre. She played the role of Rosalind in the production that opened on June 11, 2012 and closed on June 30, 2012. In October 2012, it was announced that Rabe would appear in We're Just Married, a film written by her father and directed by Rodrigo Garcia. Rabe will also be a producer of the film.[36]

2013–present

In May 2013, Rabe made her Los Angeles stage debut in a production of Miss Julie by August Strindberg that was adapted and directed by Neil LaBute.[37] In September 2013, Rabe was announced to have been cast as Commander Lyme in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, the final two installments of The Hunger Games film series based on the novels by Suzanne Collins.[38] She was later replaced in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 due to a scheduling conflict. In October 2013, it was announced that Rabe had been cast in Pawn Sacrifice, a film biopic about chess player Bobby Fischer. Rabe plays his sister Joan Targ.[39] On February 14 it was announced that Rabe would appear in Much Ado About Nothing as part of the 2014 Shakespeare in the Park season. The production will begin on June 3 running to July 6.[40] On February 24, it was announced that Rabe will appear with Thomas Jane and Jessica Alba in horror film The Veil.[41] The same day, it was also announced that Rabe was to star in The Visitors, a drama pilot for ABC.[42] The pilot was later changed to The Whispers and was officially picked up by ABC in May 2014.[43]

Personal life

Rabe is in a relationship with actor Hamish Linklater.[44]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2001 Never Again Tess
2003 Mona Lisa Smile Art History student
2006 A Crime Sophie
2007 No Reservations Bernadette
2008 What Just Happened Dawn
2008 The Toe Tactic Mona Peek
2010 Weakness Katharine Browne
2010 All Good Things Deborah Lehrman
2011 Letters from the Big Man Sarah
2012 Redemption Trail Anna Cole
2013 Aftermath Samantha
2014 Pawn Sacrifice Joan Fischer
2015 The Veil Sarah Hope Post-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2005 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Siena Boatman Episode: "Scared Crazy"
2006 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Nikki Episode: "Recall"
2008 Nip/Tuck Lanie Ainge Episode: "Kyle Ainge"
2008 Medium Joanna Wheeler 2 episodes
2009 Last of the Ninth Mary Byrne Unsold TV pilot
2010 Saving Grace Sarah Cullen Episode: "You Can't Save Them All, Grace"
2010 Law & Order Andrea Wheaton Episode: "Crashers"
2011–15 The Good Wife Petra Moritz 3 episodes
2011 Exit Strategy Natalie Clayton Unsold TV pilot
2011 American Horror Story: Murder House Nora Montgomery 7 episodes
2012–13 American Horror Story: Asylum Sister Mary Eunice McKee 10 episodes
Nominated—Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries
2013–14 American Horror Story: Coven Misty Day 10 episodes
2014 American Horror Story: Freak Show Sister Mary Eunice McKee Episode: "Orphans"
2015 The Whispers Claire Bennigan Upcoming series
2015 American Horror Story: Hotel Annabelle Evergreen Upcoming series

Theatre

Year Title Role Notes
2005 Colder Than Here Jenna
2005 Steel Magnolias Annelle Nominated—Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
2006 Heartbreak House Ellie Dunn
2008 Crimes of the Heart Babe Botrelle
2009 The American Plan Lili Adler
2010–11 The Merchant of Venice Portia Nominated—Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play
Nominated—Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play
2011–12 Seminar Kate
2011 A Doll's House Nora
2012 As You Like It Rosalind
2013 Miss Julie Julie
2014 Much Ado About Nothing Beatrice

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated work Result
2005 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Steel Magnolias Nominated
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Play The Merchant of Venice Nominated
Tony Awards Best Actress in a Play Nominated
2013 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries American Horror Story: Asylum Nominated

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lawrence, Vanessa (15 July 2010). "Lily Rabe Talks "Merchant of Venice"". wwd.com. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  2. ↑ Miller, Griffin (22 May 2013). "Celebrity Profile: Lily Rabe". nyluxury.com. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  3. ↑ https://journals.ku.edu/index.php/jdtc/article/viewFile/1716/1680
  4. ↑ http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/59910/the-plame-game-jill-clayburgh-a-jew-gyllenhaal-and-lambert/
  5. ↑ Smith, Krista (24 January 2013). "Opening Acts". vanityfair.com. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "When Lily Met Babe". tdf.org. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  7. ↑ Wallenberg, Christopher (17 July 2011). "Her parents' legacy, her own spotlight". boston.com. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  8. ↑ Hernandez, Ernio (12 February 2008). "PLAYBILL.COM'S CUE & A: Lily Rabe". playbill.com. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  9. ↑ "Lily Rabe". americantheatrewing.org. October 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  10. ↑ "Democracy: An Issues Project". nakedangels.com. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  11. ↑ Kilian, Michael (23 September 2004). "New York playwrights getting political". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  12. ↑ "Playreading: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The". roundabouttheatre.org. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  13. ↑ Ennis, Connor (12 May 2005). "Broadway newcomer is impressive in debut play". sentinelsource.com. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  14. ↑ Murray, Matthew (22 May 2005). "2005 Drama Desk Awards Presented". theatermania.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  15. ↑ Rizzo, Frank (3 March 2005). "Fabrique To Play Ella Fitzgerald At Theaterworks". courant.com. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  16. ↑ Hernandez, Ernio (14 July 2005). "Judith Light and Lily Rabe To Star in MCC Theatre's Colder Than Here Off-Broadway". playbill.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  17. ↑ McCarter, Jeremy. "Theater". nymag.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  18. ↑ Hernandez, Ernio (17 December 2006). "Heartbreak House, Starring Philip Bosco and Swoosie Kurtz, Ends Run on Broadway". playbill.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  19. ↑ Hetrick, Adam (20 July 2007). "Full Cast Announced for Williamstown's Crimes of the Heart; Kathleen Turner Directs". playbill.com. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Hernandez, Ernio (29 January 2008). "Roundabout Shifts Crimes of the Heart Opening to Valentine's Day". playbill.com. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  21. ↑ O'Driscoll, Sean. "Actresses Find Their Way Into `Heart'". foxnews.com. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  22. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (8 August 2008). "Threesome step in for HBO 'Ninth'". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  23. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (17 December 2008). "HBO picks up 'Hung'". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  24. ↑ "The American Plan". playbillvault.com. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  25. ↑ Hetrick, Adam (30 June 2010). "The Merchant of Venice, With Al Pacino, Lily Rabe, Byron Jennings, Opens in Central Park June 30". playbill.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  26. ↑ Steinberg, Julie (16 June 2010). "Shakespeare in the Park’s Lily Rabe Wants You to Throw Peonies at Her". wsj.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  27. ↑ Brantley, Ben (June 30, 2010). "Railing at a Money-Mad World". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  28. ↑ Hetrick, Adam (20 February 2011). "The Merchant of Venice, With Al Pacino, Ends Broadway Run Feb. 20". playbill.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  29. ↑ "Lily Rabe – Tony Awards 2013 Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play Nominee". Key Brand Entertainment. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  30. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (10 March 2011). "TV CASTINGS: Slew Of Actors Join Pilots". deadline.com. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  31. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (5 July 2011). "Midseason Status Report: ‘Breaking In’ Stays Alive With Cast Options Pickup, ‘Common’ & ‘Album’ Keep Some Actors,’Smothered’ Dead". deadline.com. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  32. ↑ "A Doll's House". Williamstown Theatre Festival. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  33. ↑ Dos Santos, Kristin (22 August 2011). "Which Famous Actress' Daughter Is Getting an "Ungodly" Role in American Horror Story?". eonline.com. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  34. ↑ Neumyer, Scott (22 January 2014). "How the Ethereal Lily Rabe Found Success on 'American Horror Story'". rollingstone.com. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  35. ↑ Tartaglione, Nancy (17 May 2012). "Lily Rabe To Play Mary Pickford". deadline.com. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  36. ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (24 October 2012). "Rodrigo Garcia To Helm Lily Rabe In ‘We’re Just Married’". deadline.com. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  37. ↑ Ng, David (8 March 2013). "Lily Rabe: Driving 'Miss Julie'". latimes.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  38. ↑ "Lily Rabe Joins ‘Hunger Games: Mockingjay’". deadline.com. 16 September 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  39. ↑ "Lily Rabe Boards Bobby Fischer Pic ‘Pawn Sacrifice’". deadline.com. 13 October 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  40. ↑ "Breaking News: 'MUCH ADO' with Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater & KING LEAR with John Lithgow Set for The Public's 2014 Shakespeare in the Park Season". broadwayworld.com. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  41. ↑ Kit, Borys (24 February 2014). "'American Horror Story's' Lily Rabe to Star in Jason Blum's 'The Veil' (Exclusive)". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  42. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (24 February 2014). "Pilot Scoop: American Horror Story Vet Lily Rabe Joins ABC's Alien Drama The Visitors". tvline.com. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  43. ↑ Nellie Andreeva (May 8, 2014). "ABC New Series Pickups". Deadline. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  44. ↑ Amoroso, Christina (16 June 2014). "Lily Rabe is really something in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’". nypost.com. Retrieved 6 July 2014.

External links

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