“I remember when I was growing up and watching southern people depicted on television, I thought, 'Well, based on what I'm seeing, I guess I'm supposed to be stupid and racist.' It's still, sadly, the easy route for a writer to go.”

American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter

Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter. She began her professional screen career in the 1970s after studying at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse, and came to wider attention with films such as Goin' South and Time After Time. She was praised for her performance in Melvin and Howard, Jonathan Demme's comedy-drama from 1980, which brought her both the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her work spans acting and music, and her name is often associated with a warm, character-driven screen presence.