Becky Ann Baker

An accomplished character actress with a strong work ethic, Becky Ann Baker found plentiful opportunities on stage, screen and television, and regularly went back and forth between these mediums. Beginning with the Broadway production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1978-82), the Kentucky native graced a number of popular stage shows, including "Titanic" (1997-98) and "The Vagina Monologues" (1999-2003). It did not take long for Baker to develop a reputation as a dependable supporting player and she was cast in movies that ran the gamut from blockbusters like "Men in Black" (1997) and "Spider-Man 3" (2007) to such small scale indie projects as "Death of a President" (2006) and "Spinning Into Butter" (2009). Television work also figured prominently on Baker's résumé and the actress was a particular favorite of casting directors looking for suburban moms, a role she played with aplomb on the cult comedy series "Freaks and Geeks" (NBC, 1999-2000) as loveable Jean Weir. She later did effective variations on previous matriarchs for programs like "Smash" (NBC, 2012 - ) and the controversial "Girls" (HBO, 2012 - ). Never one to shy aware from a daring role or production, Baker possessed the sort of artistic fearlessness and diversity that helped make her stand out.