Elizabeth McGovern is an American actress and musician known for her distinguished career in film, television, and stage. Born on July 18, 1961, in Evanston, Illinois, McGovern has earned acclaim for her performances in a variety of genres, from period dramas to contemporary films. McGovern gained early recognition in Hollywood with her breakout role in Ordinary People (1980), directed by Robert Redford, where she portrayed Jeannine Pratt. Her performance in this Academy Award-winning film helped launch her career. She received further critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime (1981), a historical drama about the early 20th century. One of her most well-known roles came later in her career when she portrayed Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, in the internationally acclaimed British television series Downton Abbey (2010–2015). The series became a global phenomenon, and McGovern's performance as the American-born wife of a British aristocrat earned her widespread recognition and multiple award nominations. She reprised the role in the subsequent Downton Abbey films in 2019 and 2022. In addition to her acting, McGovern is also a talented musician. She formed the band Sadie and the Hotheads, where she serves as the lead vocalist and songwriter, showcasing her versatility as an artist. The band has released several albums and toured in both the UK and the US. Throughout her career, McGovern has demonstrated a remarkable range, moving effortlessly between film, television, and stage. Some of her other notable film credits include Once Upon a Time in America (1984), The Handmaid's Tale (1990), and The Chaperone (2018), where she also served as a producer.