Melissa Leo is an American actress, who is most notable for the portrayal of Det. Sgt. Kay Howard in the TV series of Homicide: Life on the Street. She was born on September 14, 1960, in Manhattan, New York City, to Peggy and Arnold Leo, a teacher and a spokesperson for the East Hampton Baymen’s Association. She was baptized with the real name of Melissa Chessington Leo and was raised n the Lwer East Side of the Manhattan. She made her professional acting career when she was included in the casts of the TV soap opera entitled, All My Children, which garnered her a nomination for the Daytime Emmy at the Daytime Emmy Awards/12th Daytime Emmy Award for the category for the Outstanding Ingenue/Woman.
On the other hand, Le subsequently appeared in various films such as the 1988 dram film called, A Time of Destiny, where she portrayed the role of Josie Larraneta, alongside William Hurt and Timothy Hutton. She was then included in the ensemble of the 1995 film entitled, Last Summer in the Hamptons, as well as in the film of Venice/Venice, which also includes the stars of Suzanne Bertish and Daphna Kastner and more. Moreover, Leo has also appeared in several TV shows like in the TV series called, Homicide: Life on the Street, where she portrayed the role of Det. Dgt. Kay Howard from the year 1993 until 1997. She then had her break when she appeared as Marianne Jordan in the film of 21 Grams, which also includes the stars of Sean Penn, Noimi Watts and Benicio Del Toro.
In year 2005, Leo portrayed a supporting role in the 2005 horror film of Hide and Seek, which also starred Robert de Niro and Famke Janssen as well as Dakota Fanning. On the same year, she also appeared in the independent film of American Gun as well as in the comedy film of Mr. Woodcock. On the following year, she earned a Bronze Wrangler at the Western Heritage Awards for the category of Outstanding Theatrical Motion Picture for her portrayal in the drama film entitled, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. In year 2008, Leo also received the Maverick Actor Award as well as the Best Actress Award at the Method Fest for Lullaby. On the following year, she appeared in the independent drama film called, According to Greta, where she portrayed the role of Karen. On the same year, she appeared in the drama film of Stephanie’s Image, and in the comedy film of True Adolescents, where she portrayed the role of Sharon. In year 2010, she starred together with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale as well as Amy Adams in the film entitled, The Fighter. She then portrayed the role of Sarah in the 2011 film of Red State.
Melissa Leo Photo Gallery
