Ann Magnuson
Biography
Ann Magnuson is an American actress born on January 4, 1956, in Charleston, West Virginia. She is known for her work in film and television. Magnuson gained prominence in the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan, where she was described as an "endearing theatrical chameleon." She has appeared in various films, including The Hunger, Making Mr. Right, Clear and Present Danger, and Panic Room. Magnuson also starred in the ABC sitcom Anything but Love from 1989 to 1992. She is a founding member of the 1980s band Bongwater, which she co-founded in 1985 and disbanded seven years later. Magnuson has a career spanning over 72 known credits.
Career overview
Ann Magnuson is an American actress known for her performances in film and television. She first gained prominence in the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan. The New York Times described her as "An endearing theatrical chameleon who has as many characters at her fingertips as Lily Tomlin does". Magnuson has appeared in various films, including The Hunger, Making Mr. Right, Clear and Present Danger, and Panic Room.
Magnuson's acting credits also include starring in the ABC sitcom Anything but Love, which aired from 1989 to 1992. Her film appearances have spanned multiple decades, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Magnuson's performances have been recognized for their unique characterizations, earning her a reputation as a talented and adaptable actress.
Ann Magnuson has a substantial body of work, with over 70 acting credits to her name. Her acting career has been marked by a range of roles in film and television, demonstrating her ability to adapt to different genres and formats.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
75 titles- The Fuzztones vs the World (2025)
- The Life of Sean DeLear (2024) as Self
- Gossip Girl (2021) as Donna Calloway
- Star Trek: Picard (2020) as Admiral Kirsten Clancy
- The Flight Attendant (2020) as Janet Sokolov
- Titans (2018) as Jillian
- A Walking Tour of the East Village 1985 (2018) as Self
- Mansfield 66/67 (2017)
- One More Time (2016) as Lucille
- The Man in the High Castle (2015) as Caroline Abendsen
- Looking (2014) as Stina
- Jobriath A.D. (2012) as Herself
- Small Pond (2012) as Luann
- Blank City (2011) as Self
- Woman's Picture (2011) as Miriam
- Happiness Runs (2010) as Chad's Mom
- Modern Family (2009) as Shelley
- Our House (2006) as Geena
- American Dad! (2005) as Lisa Collins (voice)
- Unscripted (2005) as Casting Agent
- Quintuplets (2004) as Yolanda
- The Nomi Song (2004) as Self
- Open House (2004) as Sarah Jane Tibbett
- All Grown Up! (2003)
- All Grown Up! (2003) as Miss O'Keats (voice)
- Wanda at Large (2003)
- The United States of Leland (2003) as Karen Pollard
- Ghostlight (2003) as Barbara Rosen
- Whether You Like It or Not: The Story of Hedwig (2003) as Self
- CSI: Miami (2002) as Ms. Arena
- Panic Room (2002) as Lydia Lynch
- Night at the Golden Eagle (2002) as Sally
- The Groovenians (2002) as Lalasha / Mom / Zazzy (voice)
- The Groovenians (2002) as Lalasha/Mom/Zazzy
- Glitter (2001) as Kelly
- The Caveman's Valentine (2001) as Moira
- Love & Sex (2000) as Monique Steinbacher
- Housebound (2000) as Brandy
- Friends & Lovers (1999) as Katherine
- From the Earth to the Moon (1998) as Dee O'Hara
- Small Soldiers (1998) as Irene Abernathy
- I Woke Up Early the Day I Died (1998) as Loan Secretary
- Hugo Pool (1997) as Drowning Matron
- Still Breathing (1997) as Elaine
- Levitation (1997) as Sarah
- Before and After (1996) as Terry Taverner
- The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas (1996) as Lily Munster
- The Drew Carey Show (1995) as Kyra Sullivan
- Caroline in the City (1995) as Gina Pennetti Schmidt
- Tank Girl (1995) as The Madam
- The Barefoot Executive (1995)
- Clear and Present Danger (1994) as Moira Wolfson
- Cabin Boy (1994) as Calli
- Frasier (1993) as Harvest
- The John Larroquette Show (1993) as Amanda Cox
- The Hidden Room (1991) as Nina
- Love at Large (1990) as Doris
- Anything But Love (1989) as Catherine Hughes
- Heavy Petting (1989) as Self
- Tequila Sunrise (1988) as Shaleen McKussic
- A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988) as Joyce Fickett
- Checking Out (1988) as Connie Hagen
- Mondo New York (1988) as Poetry Reader
- Making Mr. Right (1987) as Frankie Stone
- Vandemonium Plus (1987)
- Sleepwalk (1986) as Isabelle
- Alive from Off Center (1985) as Host
- Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) as Cigarette Girl
- Perfect Strangers (1984) as Malda
- Made for TV (1984)
- Made for TV (1984) Writer
- Made for TV (1984) Director
- The Hunger (1983) as Young Woman from Disco
- Vortex (1982) as Pamela Fleming
- The Long Island Four (1980)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Ann Magnuson best known for?
Ann Magnuson is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Gossip Girl (2021), Star Trek: Picard (2020), The Flight Attendant (2020), Titans (2018).
When and where was Ann Magnuson born?
Ann Magnuson was born on January 4, 1956 in Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.
How many credits does Ann Magnuson have?
Ann Magnuson has accumulated over 75 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1980 to 2025.
What is Ann Magnuson's background in cinema and television?
Ann Magnuson is an American actress born on January 4, 1956, in Charleston, West Virginia. She is known for her work in film and television. Magnuson gained prominence in the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan, where she was described as an "endearing theatrical chameleon." She has appeared in various films, including...
Ann Magnuson by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- From the Earth to the Moon (1998) as Dee O'Hara — aged about 42
- Titans (2018) as Jillian — aged about 62
- Modern Family (2009) as Shelley — aged about 53
- CSI: Miami (2002) as Ms. Arena — aged about 46
- Frasier (1993) as Harvest — aged about 37
- All Grown Up! (2003) — aged about 47
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