Michelle Forbes

A striking presence on television and in the occasional feature since the late 1980s, actress Michelle Forbes gave memorable turns as steely but often flawed women of power on such series as "True Blood" (HBO, 2008-14), "Homicide: Life on the Street" (NBC, 1993-99) and "24" (Fox, 2001-2010). Tall, raven-haired and blessed with a distinctively husky voice, Forbes made lasting impressions on viewers, beginning with her turn as cult favorite Ensign Ro Laren on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (syndicated, 1987-1994). Critically acclaimed assignments like "Homicide" led to major roles on high-profile shows like "Battlestar Galactica" (Sci Fi Channel, 2003-09), where she played the ruthless Admiral Helena Cain, and on "True Blood" as the supernatural hedonist Maryanne. When Forbes landed the plum role of a mother of a murdered young girl on AMC's "The Killing" (AMC 2011-13; Netflix, 2014), she suddenly found herself a critical darling. Decades of hard work paid off for Forbes, who was among the most respected character actresses of her generation.