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Entertainment • Actor

Mary Steenburgen

Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter born in Newport, Arkansas, in 1953.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter born in Newport, Arkansas, in 1953. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lynda Dummar in *Melvin and Howard* and has had a long career in film and television.

Early life

Mary Steenburgen was born in Newport, Arkansas, in 1953. Sources identify her birth name as Mary Nell Steenburgen.

Film career

She first gained notice with *Goin’ South* in 1978 and became widely recognized after winning an Oscar for *Melvin and Howard* in 1980. Her later screen work includes major film and television roles across several decades.

Awards and recognition

Steenburgen has received major industry honors, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

Personal life

She was married to actor Malcolm McDowell from 1980 to 1990 and has been married to actor Ted Danson since 1995.

Key facts

  • Mary Steenburgen won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Melvin and Howard* (1980).
  • She also won a Golden Globe for the same performance.
  • Her film roles include *Back to the Future Part III*, *Philadelphia*, and *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*.
  • She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.
  • She was awarded the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mary Steenburgen?
Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter known for her film and television work and for winning an Academy Award for *Melvin and Howard*.
What is Mary Steenburgen’s full name?
Her birth name is Mary Nell Steenburgen.
What award did Mary Steenburgen win for *Melvin and Howard*?
She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award for her role in *Melvin and Howard*.
When and where was Mary Steenburgen born?
She was born on February 8, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas, United States.
Who is Mary Steenburgen married to?
She has been married to actor Ted Danson since 1995. She was previously married to actor Malcolm McDowell from 1980 to 1990.
What are some notable films by Mary Steenburgen?
Notable films include *Goin’ South*, *Melvin and Howard*, *Back to the Future Part III*, *Philadelphia*, and *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Steenburgen
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupations, Oscar for Melvin and Howard, and 2025 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005460/bio/
    Supports: Birth date and birthplace; overview describing her as an Academy Award-winning American actress.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Mary-Steenburgen
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse information, and award listings.
  4. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/mary-steenburgen/
    Supports: Birthplace, family background, early career, and Oscar recognition.
  5. TCM — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/183581%7C0/wp
    Supports: Early screen career and Oscar-winning role in Melvin and Howard.
  6. Encyclopedia of Arkansas — https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/mary-nell-steenburgen-29/
    Supports: Arkansas background and notable roles including Melvin and Howard, Back to the Future Part III, and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.