Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander
Name	Jane Alexander
Caption	Alexander in 1974
Birth name	Jane Quigley
Birth date	28 October 1939
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, author, former government official
Spouse	Robert Alexander (1962–1974), Edwin Sherin (1975–2017; his death)
Alma mater	University of Edinburgh, Sarah Lawrence College

Jane Alexander is an acclaimed American actress, author, and former public servant. She is best known for a distinguished career in theatre, film, and television, earning a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and multiple Academy Award nominations. Her public service culminated in her appointment by President Bill Clinton as the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts from 1993 to 1997.

Early life and education

Born Jane Quigley in Boston, she was raised in a suburb of the city. Her father, a prominent orthopedic surgeon, and her mother, a nurse, encouraged her early interest in the arts. She attended the Beaver Country Day School before pursuing higher education at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. During her undergraduate studies, she spent a transformative year abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, which solidified her commitment to acting. After graduating, she began her professional training in New York City, studying under renowned teachers like Uta Hagen and at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

Acting career

Alexander made her professional stage debut in 1962. Her breakthrough came with her performance in the original Broadway production of The Great White Hope, for which she won the 1969 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. This success led to her film debut in the 1970 adaptation, earning her first Academy Award nomination. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she delivered powerful performances in films such as *All the President's Men*, Kramer vs. Kramer, and *Testament*, receiving further Oscar nominations. Her extensive television work includes acclaimed roles in *Playing for Time*, *Warm Springs*, and the series Law & Order, garnering several Primetime Emmy Award nominations and one win. She has remained a constant presence on stage, with notable performances at the Kennedy Center and in productions like *The Visit*.

Political appointment and public service

In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Alexander to chair the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Her confirmation by the United States Senate came during a period of significant political controversy surrounding the agency, following the so-called "Culture Wars" of the late 1980s and early 1990s. As chair, she was a steadfast advocate for federal arts funding, working to restore the NEA's budget and public standing after attacks from figures like Senator Jesse Helms. She navigated complex hearings before the Congress and emphasized the importance of arts education and outreach to all states. She served in this capacity until 1997, after which she returned to her acting and writing career.

Writing and other work

Beyond performing, Alexander is an accomplished author. She published a memoir, *Command Performance: An Actress in the Theater of Politics*, in 2000, detailing her experiences at the helm of the NEA. She has also been a dedicated conservationist and wildlife advocate, serving on the board of the Wildlife Conservation Society and publicly supporting environmental causes. Her other written works include contributions to various publications on the arts and conservation. She has served as a trustee or advisor for several cultural institutions, including the National Audubon Society and the Sundance Institute.

Personal life

Alexander was first married to director Robert Alexander; the marriage ended in divorce. In 1975, she married stage and television director Edwin Sherin, with whom she frequently collaborated professionally until his death in 2017. She has one son, Jace Alexander, who is a television director. An avid naturalist, she divides her time between New York City and a home in the countryside of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Alexander has received widespread critical recognition. Her honors include a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Obie Awards for off-Broadway work. She has been nominated for four Academy Awards and nine Emmy Awards. In 1994, she was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. She has also received honorary doctorates from institutions such as Brown University and the Juilliard School for her contributions to the arts and public life.

Category:1939 births Category:Living people Category:American film actresses Category:American stage actresses Category:American television actresses Category:Tony Award winners Category:Emmy Award winners