Julianne Nicholson
Julianne Nicholson (born July 1, 1971) is an American actress. She is known for her roles in the film August: Osage County (2013) and the television series Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2006–2009), Masters of Sex (2013–2014), Eyewitness (2016), Mare of Easttown (2021), Paradise and Hacks (both in 2025), the latter three of which earned her nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards, winning two for Mare of Easttown and Hacks. Nicholson's other notable credits include Tully (2000), Ally McBeal (2001–2002), Kinsey (2004), Conviction (2006), Boardwalk Empire (2011–2013), Black Mass (2015), I, Tonya (2017), Togo (2019), The Outsider (2020) and Blonde (2022).
Julianne Nicholson

GabboT · August 39 · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Name
- Julianne Nicholson
- Born
- 1 July 1971
- Education
- Hunter College
- Occupation
- Actress
- Nationality
- United States
- Languages
- English
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Julianne Nicholson (born July 1, 1971) is an American actress. She is known for her roles in the film August: Osage County (2013) and the television series Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2006–2009), Masters of Sex (2013–2014), Eyewitness (2016), Mare of Easttown (2021), Paradise and Hacks (both in 2025), the latter three of which earned her nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards, winning two for Mare of Easttown and Hacks. Nicholson's other notable credits include Tully (2000), Ally McBeal (2001–2002), Kinsey (2004), Conviction (2006), Boardwalk Empire (2011–2013), Black Mass (2015), I, Tonya (2017), Togo (2019), The Outsider (2020) and Blonde (2022).
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wikidata · Q259663 · wikipedia · Julianne Nicholson
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Julianne Nicholson • Born — 1 July 1971 • Education — Hunter College • Occupation — Actress • Years Active — 1997–present • Children — 2
Early life
Early life
After Nicholson's parents separated when she was young, she lived with her mother and stepfather in Wendell, located in western Massachusetts. She later described her upbringing as a "different way of living.. We had kerosene lanterns and camp candles and had a pump for water". She began living with her father at 11 years old. At age 18, she moved to New York, where she majored in French and anthropology at Hunter College. While in New York, Nicholson supported herself by waitressing and eventually left school to study acting and begin her professional career.
Television
Television
Among Nicholson's television credits are a supporting role in the television miniseries Storm of the Century and guest-starring roles in ER and Law & Order. She was tapped by Steven Spielberg for the lead role in the paranormal drama The Others. In late 2001, Nicholson became one of the main cast members of the hit show Ally McBeal, portraying Jenny Shaw for 13 episodes. She worked on the medical drama Presidio Med and the HBO pilot Marriage. Julianne worked on the short-lived NBC television drama, Conviction and in what is her best known role, as Megan Wheeler, in the sixth, seventh, and eighth seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Nicholson has said her favorite Criminal Intent episode was "Weeping Willow". As of the Criminal Intent episode "Major Case", Nicholson departed the series when she went on maternity leave for the birth of her second child (which was written into the show as the birth of her first child). In 2011, she guest-starred on Royal Pains as "Jess", one of Dr. Lawson's patients, who has panic attacks. She also appeared on Boardwalk Empire as the recurring character of U.S. Assistant Attorney General Esther Randolph (a character based on the real life Mabel Walker Willebrandt) that same year. In 2012, she guest-starred on The Good Wife as Callie Simko, an attorney who has an interest in Will Gardner. On October 16, 2016, Nicholson played the lead role of Sheriff Helen Torrance in USA Network's 10-episode police drama, Eyewitness. In 2021, Nicholson starred in the HBO series Mare of Easttown as Lori Ross, best friend of the titular Mare Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet. The series proved to be a ratings hit for HBO, breaking viewership records. Her role in the series brought her critical acclaim, with critics especially highlighting her harrowing performance in the series finale. The role won Nicholson her first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series. She also earned a nomination at the Critics Choice Awards for the same role. In 2025, Nicholson earned Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category for her role as Mary "Dance Mom" Alice in Hacks, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category for her role as Samantha "Sinatra" Redmond in Paradise, winning the former.
Theater
Theater
Nicholson has been in a number of plays in New York. Her work in theater includes plays written by Craig Lucas, Adam Rapp, and Sam Shepard.
Personal life
Personal life
In 2004, she married British actor Jonathan Cake in Italy; they met while playing a couple on an unaired HBO pilot called Marriage. They have two children.
Television
Television
• Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1997 — Nothing Sacred — Cara — Episode: "Parents and Children" • 1998 — Dellaventura — Carol Dakin — Episode: "David & Goliath" • New York Undercover — Daisy — Episode: "Sign o' the Times" • 1999 — Storm of the Century — Katrina Withers — TV miniseries • 2000 — The — Marian Kitt — Main role (13 episodes) • 2001 — Law & Order — Jessie Lucas — Episode: "All My Children" • 2001–2002 — Ally McBeal — Jenny Shaw — Main role (13 episodes) • 2002 — Presidio Med — Dr. Jules Keating — Main role (4 episodes) • 2004 — ER — Jordan — Episodes: "Just a Touch", "Abby Normal" • 2006 — The — Barbara — TV film • Conviction — Christina Finn — Main role (13 episodes) • 2006–2009 — Law & Order: Criminal Intent — Detective Megan Wheeler — Main role (Seasons 6–8) • 2011 — Royal Pains — Jess Walsh — Episode: "Fight or Flight" • 2011–2013 — Boardwalk Empire — Esther Randolph — Recurring role (11 episodes) • 2012 — The — Callie Simko — Episodes: "Pants on Fire", "The Penalty Box" • Covert Affairs — Anna Lise Pound — Episode: "The Last Thing You Should Do" • 2013–2014 — Masters of Sex — Dr. Lillian DePaul — Recurring role (12 episodes) • 2014–2015 — The Red Road — Jean Jensen — 12 episodes • 2016 — Eyewitness — Sheriff Helen Torrance — Main role (10 episodes) • 2017 — Law & Order True Crime — Jill Lansing — Main role (5 episodes) • 2020 — The Outsider — Glory Maitland — TV miniseries • Robot Chicken — Winifred Sanderson (voice) — Episode: "Ghandi Mulholland in: Plastic Doesn't Get Cancer" • 2021 — Mare of Easttown — Lori Ross — TV miniseries • 2022 — Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty — Cranny McKinney — 7 episodes • 2025–present — Paradise — Samantha 'Sinatra' Redmond — Main cast (16 episodes) • 2025 — Dope Girls — Kate Galloway — 6 episodes • Hacks — Dance Mom — 3 episodes
Theater
Theater
• Year — Title — Role — Playwright — Director — Notes • 2000 — Stranger — Stewardess / Linda's Mom / Girl — Craig Lucas — Mark Brokaw — The Vineyard Theater • 2009 — This — Jane — Melissa James Gibson — Daniel Aukin — Playwrights Horizons • 2010 — Parents' Evening — Judy — Bathsheba Doran — Jim Simpson — The Flea • 2011 — The Hallway Trilogy: Rose — Mary — Adam Rapp — Adam Rapp — Rattlestick Playwrights Theater • The Hallway Trilogy: Paraffin — Margo — Adam Rapp — Daniel Aukin — Rattlestick Playwrights Theater • 2012 — Heartless — Sally — Sam Shepard — Daniel Aukin — Signature Theatre
Identity
Identity
Julianne Nicholson is recorded as actress and film director.

Julianne Nicholson at the premiere of
GabboT · August 40
Film
Film
In her first feature film role, Nicholson starred opposite Michael Caine and James Spader in the Peter Yates film Curtain Call. Later she won what proved to be both her breakthrough and favorite role as a headstrong young feminist in Peter Chan's The Love Letter. She has worked with other international directors in films such Alain Berliner's Passion of Mind, and Nick Hurran's Little Black Book. Nicholson's domestic drama credits include William Vincent, Staten Island, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, Tully, Kinsey, and August: Osage County, for which the ensemble cast was nominated for several awards. Her domestic comedy credits include Seeing Other People, Puccini For Beginners, and Disney's Togo opposite Willem Dafoe. She also stars in the American espionage thriller, The Amateur.
Film
Film
• Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1998 — Harvest — Lou Yates • Long Time Since — Vivian James / Phoebe • One True Thing — College Student • Curtain Call / It All Came True — Sandra Hewson • 1999 — The — Jennifer McNeely • 2000 — Hero — Young German Woman — Short film • Passion of Mind — Kim • Godass — Nancy • Tully — Ella Smalley • 2001 — Dead Dog — Charity • 2002 — Speakeasy — Rebecca • Strike a Light — Girl • I'm with Lucy — Jo • 2004 — Seeing Other People — Alice • Little Black Book — Joyce Moore • Kinsey — Alice Martin • 2005 — Seagull — Julianne • Her Name Is Carla — Carla • 2006 — Flannel Pajamas — Nicole Reilly • Puccini for Beginners — Samantha • Two Weeks — Emily Bergman • 2009 — Brief Interviews with Hideous Men — Sara Quinn • Staten Island — Mary Halverson • 2010 — Shadows and Lies — Ann — Also known as In Praise of Shadows and William Vincent • 2012 — Keep the Lights On — Claire • 2013 — August: Osage County — Ivy Weston • 2015 — Black Mass — Marianne Connolly • Ten Thousand Saints — Harriet Horn • 2016 — Sophie and the Rising Sun — Sophie Willis • From Nowhere — Jackie • 2017 — Novitiate — Nora Harris • I, Tonya — Diane Rawlinson • Who We Are Now — Beth — Also producer • 2018 — Weightless — Janeece • 2019 — Monos — 'Doctora' Sara Watson • Togo — Constance Seppala • Iniciales S.G. — Jane • 2021 — With/In: Volume 2 — Mom — Segment: "Touching"; also director • 2022 — Blonde — Gladys Pearl Baker • Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — Mary Yankovic • 2023 — Janet Planet — Janet • Dream Scenario — Janet Matthews • 2025 — The Amateur — Director Samantha O'Brien • The Tiger — Twin — Short film • TBA — The Riders — Jennifer Scully — Filming
Awards and nominations
• Year — Association — Category — Work — Result — Ref. References • 2003 — Independent Spirit Awards — Best Supporting Female — Tully • 2004 — US Comedy Arts Festival — Best Actress — Seeing Other People • 2013 — Hollywood Film Awards — Hollywood Ensemble Award — August: Osage County • Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association — Best Ensemble • Detroit Film Critics Society — Best Ensemble • Phoenix Film Critics Society — Best Acting Ensemble • Nevada Film Critics Society — Best Ensemble Cast • 2014 — Capri Hollywood International Film Festival — Best Ensemble Cast • Critics' Choice Movie Awards — Best Acting Ensemble • Screen Actors Guild Awards — Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture • 2015 — Critics' Choice Television Awards — Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series — Masters of Sex • 2017 — Hollywood Film Awards — Hollywood Ensemble Award — I, Tonya • 2021 — Astra TV Awards — Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie — Mare of Easttown • Dorian TV Awards — Best Supporting TV Performance • Primetime Emmy Awards — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie • Online Film & Television Association — Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Limited or Anthology Series • 2022 — Critics' Choice Television Awards — Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television • Satellite Awards — Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film • Women Film Critics Circle — Mommie Dearest Worst Screen Mom of the Year — Blonde • 2025 — Astra TV Awards — Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series — Paradise • Critics' Choice Super Awards — Best Villain in a Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie • Primetime Emmy Awards — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series • Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series — Hacks • Online Film & Television Association — Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series • 2026 — Primetime Emmy Awards — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series — Paradise
Literature
Scholarly footprint
A count of publications is evidence of attention, not of standing, and is given here only as a measure.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Julianne Nicholson - Actress. TV Insider.
- 2.Complex, Valerie. Julianne Nicholson Wins Her First Emmy, Tells Kate Winslet "I Owe This To You". Deadline Hollywood. September 19, 2021.
- 3.Walsh, Savannah. Mare of Easttown's Julianne Nicholson Upsets Kathryn Hahn at Emmys 2021. Vanity Fair. September 19, 2021.
- 4.Lee, Luaine. Julianne Nicholson takes 'The Red Road'. The Washington Post. February 22, 2014.
- 5.Salkin, Allen. A Night Out With: Julianne Nicholson Takes a Break From Parenting. The New York Times. September 25, 2009.
- 6.Thereelvincentdonofrio.com. The Reel Vincent D'Onofrio Entry Page.
- 7."Exclusive interview: Julianne Nicholson, of Law & Order: Criminal Intent." BuddyTV, February 27, 2007. Retrieved on September 8, 2008.
- 8.Mitovich, Matt Webb. Critics Choice: Ted Lasso, Succession Lead TV's Big Winners; Squid Game And Yellowjackets Among First-Timers. TVLine. 2022-03-14.
- 9.Tangcay, Jazz. 'Hacks' Julianne Nicholson Wins Emmy for Guest Actress in a Comedy. Variety. September 6, 2025.
- 10.Blackwelder, Carson. Paradise's Julianne Nicholson Has This 1 Regret from Her First Emmy Win: How She Plans to Fix It This Year (Exclusive). People. September 12, 2025.
- 11.Julianne Nicholson Expecting Second Child Celebrity Baby Blog. December 18, 2008.
- 12.Broadway.com Staff. Broadway Buzz: Jonathan Cake and Wife Julianne Nicholson Welcome Daughter. Broadway.com. May 4, 2009.
- 13.Shafer, Ellise. Demi Moore Brings Hollywood Glamour to Milan Fashion Week With Star-Studded Premiere of Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn’s Gucci Short Film ‘The Tiger’. Variety. 2025-09-24.
- 14.Maas, Jennifer. 'Paradise' Trailer: Sterling K. Brown Denies Killing President James Marsden in 'This Is Us' Creator's Hulu Drama. Variety. November 14, 2024.
- 15.Cordero, Rosy. 'Dope Girls': Julianne Nicholson & Eliza Scanlen To Lead BBC Drama About Female Crime Boss In Soho; Filming Underway. Deadline Hollywood. November 15, 2023.
- 16.Julianne Nicholson. TVGuide.com.
- 17.Julianne Nicholson. Hawaii News Now. 2010-08-18.
- 18.Feinberg, Scott. 'August: Osage County' Ensemble to Be Honored at Hollywood Film Awards (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. October 7, 2013.
- 19.Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association. 2013 WAFCA Award Winners. December 9, 2013.
- 20.Meyers, Jeff. DETROIT FILM CRITICS SOCIETY ANNOUNCES BEST OF 2013. Metro Times. December 13, 2013.
- 21.Robbins, Caryn. 12 YEARS A SLAVE Named Best Picture by 2013 Phoenix Film Critics Society; Full List Announced. BroadwayWorld. December 17, 2013.
- 22.The Nevada Film Critics Society's 2013 Awards for Achievement in Film. Nevada Film Critics Society. December 19, 2013.
- 23.Lyman, Eric J. 'August: Osage County' Dominates Italy's Capri, Hollywood Fest With Four Awards. The Hollywood Reporter. January 1, 2014.
- 24.Critics' Choice Awards: The Winners. The Hollywood Reporter. January 16, 2014.
- 25.2014 SAG Awards: Winners and Nominees. Variety. January 18, 2014.
- 26.Critics' Choice Awards Winners: Full List. Variety. May 31, 2015.
- 27.Swertlow, Meg. 2017 Hollywood Film Awards: The Complete List of Winners. E! Online. November 19, 2017.
- 28.Menzel, Scott. Ted Lasso, The Handmaid's Tale, and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist lead Inaugural HCA TV Awards Nominations. Hollywood Critics Association. July 8, 2021.
- 29.Schneider, Michael. 'Ted Lasso,' 'The Crown,' 'The Mandalorian,' 'Cruel Summer,' 'New Amsterdam' Among HCA TV Awards Winners. Variety. August 29, 2021.
- 30.Avila, Pamela. 'Pose,' 'I May Destroy You,' 'Hacks' sweep LGBTQ critics' Dorian TV Awards. USA Today. August 30, 2021.
- 31.Snierson, Dan. Emmy Awards 2021: See the full list of winners. Entertainment Weekly. September 20, 2021.
- 32.Julianne Nicholson. Television Academy.
- 33.25th Annual TV Awards (2020-21). Online Film & Television Association. September 26, 2021.
- 34.Jackson, Angelique. Critics Choice Awards 2022: 'The Power of the Dog,' 'Ted Lasso,' 'Succession' Win Big (Full Winners List). Variety. March 13, 2022.
- 35.International Press Academy. 2021 Winners.
- 36.Neglia, Matt. The 2022 Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Winners. NextBestPicture. December 19, 2022.
- 37.Neglia, Matt. The 2025 Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) Astra TV Award Winners. NextBestPicture. June 10, 2025.
- 38.Hipes, Patrick. 'Deadpool & Wolverine', 'Thunderbolts*', 'The Last Of Us' Lead Nominees For Critics Choice Super Awards. Deadline. June 11, 2025.
- 39.29th Annual TV Awards (2024-25). Online Film & Television Association. August 10, 2025.
- 40.Primetime Emmy Awards 2026: See the full list of nominees CNN. CNN. 8 July 2026.
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