
Mary Nell Steenburgen (born February 8, 1953) is an American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter. After studying at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse in the 1970s, she made her professional acting debut in the Western comedy film Goin' South (1978). Steenburgen went on to earn critical acclaim for her role in Time After Time (1979) and Jonathan Demme's comedy-drama film Melvin and Howard (1980), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The Proposal
2009 · as Grace Paxton

The Help
2011 · as Elaine Stein

Back to the Future Part III
1990 · as Clara Clayton

The Brave One
2007 · as Carol

Elf
2003 · as Emily

Step Brothers
2008 · as Nancy Huff

Nightmare Alley
2021 · as Mrs. Kimball

What's Eating Gilbert Grape
1993 · as Betty Carver

I Am Sam
2001 · as Dr. Blake

Powder
1995 · as Jessie Caldwell

Philadelphia
1993 · as Belinda Conine

Inland Empire
2006 · as Visitor #2

Four Christmases
2008 · as Marilyn

Happiest Season
2020 · as Tipper

Last Vegas
2013 · as Diana Boyle

The Dink
2026 · as Candace

My Family
1995 · as Gloria

The One I Love
2014 · as Mom (voice)