Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Mary Steenburgen

Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter born in Newport, Arkansas, in 1953.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Mary Steenburgen is an American actress and singer who won an Academy Award for her role in *Melvin and Howard*. She has had a long career in film and television.

Early life

Mary Steenburgen was born in Newport, Arkansas, in 1953. Her birth name is Mary Nell Steenburgen.

Film career

She made her film debut in Jack Nicholson’s *Goin’ South* (1978) and won widespread recognition for her Oscar-winning performance in *Melvin and Howard* (1980). Her notable film roles include *Back to the Future Part III*, *Philadelphia*, and *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*.

Awards and recognition

Steenburgen has received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2009), and the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award (2025).

In short

  • Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Melvin and Howard*
  • Film debut in *Goin’ South* (1978)
  • Notable films include *Back to the Future Part III* and *Philadelphia*
  • Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009

Quick questions

Who is Mary Steenburgen?
Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, singer, and songwriter known for her film and television work and for winning an Academy Award for *Melvin and Howard*.
What award did Mary Steenburgen win for *Melvin and Howard*?
She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award.
Who is Mary Steenburgen married to?
She has been married to actor Ted Danson since 1995. She was previously married to actor Malcolm McDowell.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Steenburgen
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupations, Oscar for Melvin and Howard, and 2025 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005460/bio/
    Supports: Birth date and birthplace; overview describing her as an Academy Award-winning American actress.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Mary-Steenburgen
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse information, and award listings.
  4. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/mary-steenburgen/
    Supports: Birthplace, family background, early career, and Oscar recognition.
  5. TCM — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/183581%7C0/wp
    Supports: Early screen career and Oscar-winning role in Melvin and Howard.
  6. Encyclopedia of Arkansas — https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/mary-nell-steenburgen-29/
    Supports: Arkansas background and notable roles including Melvin and Howard, Back to the Future Part III, and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.