Catherine Keener is an American actress who made her debut in a bit role in the movie “About Last Night” in 1986. A year later, she worked on the movie “Survival Quest,” which was eventually released in 1989. She co-starred with actor Dermot Mulroney in the said film.

Since her acting debut, Catherine Keener has been a regular face placed in various guest and supporting roles both on film and television. She has made a guest appearance as an artist in the TV series “Seinfeld,” in the episode entitled “The Letter.” She played the character of Jerry’s artist-girlfriend who made a rather infamous portrait of Kramer.

Soon after, Catherine Keener had her breakout role in the movie “Johnny Suede.” She starred alongside actor Brad Pitt, who was at the time still struggling in his own career. Because of her outstanding performance in the said role, she gained an Independent Spirit award nomination for Best Female Lead. Catherine Keener soon worked with director Tom Dicillo in the film “Living in Oblivion” in 1995. In 1997, she was once again nominated for another Independent Spirit Award, this time for her role in the independent cult film “Walking and Talking.” She is often praised for her naturalness on screen.

In 2000, Catherine Keener was nominated for an Oscar award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film “Being John Malkovich.” The following year, she worked with director Nicole Holofcener in the film “Lovely and Amazing,” this time earning her a third nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards. In 2002, Catherine Keener appeared alongside Edward Norton in the off-Broadway revival of the play “Burn This.” She followed this with the films “S1mOne” and “Full Frontal.” Both films garnered cult following soon after.

In 2005, Catherine Keener made a big screen comeback in the political suspense thriller “The Interpreter.” She also starred in the film “The Ballad of Jack and Rose” opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. She was also cast as the love interest of Steve Carell in the comedy “The 40-Year Old Virgin.” She also portrayed the character of Harper Lee in “Capote,” which again earned her numerous awards and nominations including another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. In 2006, Catherine Keener starred in the film “Friends with Money.”

In 2007, Catherine Keener starred in Sean Penn’s critically acclaimed movie “Into the Wild,” a film adaptation of John Krakauer’s novel of the same name. The following year she starred in “An American Crime,” which was gave her an Emmy Award nomination. She was also cast in the movie “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.”