Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander, an American-Canadian actress and author, has a long history of accolades that speak to her talents both on screen and on stage. Her portfolio includes several lauded performances that garnered her two Primetime Emmy Awards, one Tony Award, and multiple nominations for Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Her breakthrough was in the romantic drama "The Great White Hope" in 1970, which not only earned her an Academy Award nomination but also won her the 1969 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She continued to captivate audiences with her performances in films such as "All the President's Men," "Kramer vs. Kramer," and "Testament," all of which earned her Oscar nominations. Her performances on television are equally acclaimed, earning an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Warm Springs," and receiving a nomination in 2025 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for "Severance."

Aside from her acting career, Alexander held the position of chairwoman for the National Endowment for the Arts from 1993 to 1997, a role appointed to her by President Bill Clinton. Her leadership in this field was well-regarded, earning her election as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1999. Alexander later shared her experiences at the NEA in her book, "Command Performance: An Actress in the Theater of Politics." She also dedicated her time to education, joining the theater faculty at Florida State University in 2004.

Alexander's influence extends beyond arts and education. She serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, the National Audubon Society, Project Greenhope, the National Stroke Association, and Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament. Her contributions have been recognized with the Israel Cultural Award and the Helen Caldicott Leadership Award.