Carrie Preston

Carrie Preston is an American actress, director, and producer known for her versatile work across television, film, and theatre. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, she has garnered critical acclaim, particularly for her roles in popular CBS series such as The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, and the HBO series True Blood. Preston has also directed several episodes of television and founded the production company Daisy 3 Pictures.

Early life and education

Carrie Preston was born in Macon, Georgia, and developed an interest in performing at a young age. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Evansville in Indiana, where she earned a degree in theatre. She subsequently honed her craft at the Juilliard School in New York City as a member of the Drama Division's Group 22, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her classical training provided a strong foundation for a career encompassing both Shakespearean theatre and contemporary American cinema.

Career

Preston's professional career began on the New York stage, with early appearances at institutions like the New York Shakespeare Festival. Her breakthrough screen role came in the 1998 independent film Straight-Jacket. She gained wider recognition for her portrayal of Arlene Fowler on the HBO vampire drama True Blood, a role she played for the series' entire run. Concurrently, she delivered an Emmy-winning performance as eccentric lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni on the acclaimed CBS legal drama The Good Wife, a character so popular it led to a starring role in the sequel series The Good Fight on Paramount+. Her other notable television credits include a recurring role on the CBS sitcom Person of Interest, opposite her husband Michael Emerson, and appearances on Lost, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Crowded. In film, she has appeared in projects like Transamerica, Duplicity, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and To the Bone. Expanding her creative reach, Preston has directed episodes of series such as The Good Fight, Claws, and Inside Amy Schumer, and produced the film That's What She Said through her company, Daisy 3 Pictures.

Personal life

Carrie Preston married actor Michael Emerson in 1998 after meeting during a production of The Tempest at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The couple frequently collaborates professionally, having appeared together in projects like Lost, Person of Interest, and the film Ready? OK!. They divide their time between New York City and Los Angeles. Preston is also an active supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and various charitable organizations focused on the arts and social justice.

Filmography

A selection of Carrie Preston's film and television work includes: * Straight-Jacket (1998) as Sally * Transamerica (2005) as Sydney * The Good Wife (2010–2016) as Elsbeth Tascioni * True Blood (2008–2014) as Arlene Fowler * Duplicity (2009) as Barbara Bofferd * Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) as Sally * The Good Fight (2017–2022) as Elsbeth Tascioni * Person of Interest (2011–2016) as Grace Hendricks * To the Bone (2017) as Susan * Claws (2017–2022) as Polly

Awards and nominations

Carrie Preston has received significant recognition for her work, most notably for her performance on The Good Wife. She won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2013 for her role as Elsbeth Tascioni. She received further Emmy Award nominations in the same category in 2014 and 2015. Her work on True Blood earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television. Additionally, her theatrical contributions have been honored, including accolades from the Theatre World Award committee for her off-Broadway work.

Category:American film actresses Category:American television actresses Category:American television directors Category:Juilliard School alumni