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Brenda Strong
Brenda Strong
Brenda Strong
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Brenda Lee Strong[1][2] (born March 25, 1960) is an American actress.[3] She began her career in television, including guest starring appearances in Twin Peaks, Party of Five, Seinfeld, Scandal, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Blossom and Sports Night. She also starred as Mary Alice Young on Desperate Housewives (2004–12).

Key Information

Strong had supporting roles in a number of films, including Starship Troopers (1997), Black Dog (1998), The Deep End of the Ocean (1999), Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004) and The Work and the Glory (2004). She is best known for her role as Mary Alice Young in the ABC television comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), for which she was nominated for two Emmy Awards.[4][5] Strong later starred as Ann Ewing in the TNT prime time soap opera Dallas (2012–14).

In 2016, she guest starred as Queen Nia in The 100, and undertook a recurring role as Lillian Luthor on Supergirl. Strong appeared as a recurring character in the second season of the Netflix Original 13 Reasons Why. In September 2018, Strong was promoted to series regular for its third season. She directed two episodes in season four.

Early life

[edit]

Strong was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Sandy High School in 1978.[6]

Strong was crowned Miss Arizona in 1980.[1] She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Arizona State University, where she graduated magna cum laude.[7]

Career

[edit]

Early work

[edit]

Her first break after college was a spot in Billy Crystal's 1984 music video "You Look Marvelous".[1] Her first television appearances came in 1985 with brief stints on St. Elsewhere, MacGyver, and Cheers. She also made guest appearances on Shadow Chasers, Hotel, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Matlock, Murphy Brown, Herman's Head, and Blossom. In 1990, she had a recurring role in the ABC series Twin Peaks. She made her film debut in 1986 comedy film Weekend Warriors before having a supporting part in Spaceballs (1987).

In 1992, Strong starred in the short-lived CBS sitcom Scorch. She spent the following decade playing recurring and guest starring roles in many dramatic and comedic shows. From 1996 to 1998, she appeared as Elaine's nemesis Sue Ellen Mischke, the "bra-less wonder" and "Oh Henry!" candy bar heiress, on several episodes of NBC sitcom Seinfeld.[8] She also had recurring roles on Party of Five, 7th Heaven and Everwood and guest starred on 3rd Rock from the Sun, ER, Picket Fences, Silk Stalkings, Dawson's Creek, Any Day Now, Ally McBeal, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Nip/Tuck.

From 1998 to 2000, she played Sally Sasser, the nemesis of Felicity Huffman's Dana Whitaker, in the ABC comedy-drama Sports Night.[1][9] In early 2004, she starred as wealthy Arlene Ridgeway in The WB short-lived sitcom, The Help.

Dana Delany, Teri Hatcher, Strong and Andrea Bowen at the 2009 GLAAD Media Awards

Strong had roles in a number of films, including My Life, Malice, and The Craft before being cast as Captain Deladier in the 1997 science fiction action film Starship Troopers. Her character died in the original film, but she returned in a different role as Sergeant Dede Rake in the second film, Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation. In 1998, she starred opposite Patrick Swayze in the action film Black Dog, playing his wife.[10] The following year, she played Michelle Pfeiffer's character's best friend in the drama film The Deep End of the Ocean. In 2000, she appeared in the horror anthology Terror Tract and, in 2002, had a short part in Red Dragon.

2004–2012: Desperate Housewives

[edit]

Strong starred, mostly off-screen, on Desperate Housewives, opposite Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria and Teri Hatcher during the show's run from 2004 to 2012. She played the deceased Mary Alice Young, who narrates the events of her friends' and neighbors' lives from beyond the grave. Her narrations yielded Emmy Award nomination, for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, in 2011 and 2012. Along with the cast, she received two Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2005 and 2006.[1] Strong's character narrated all but two episodes of the series. One of the two exceptions is the season 3 episode narrated by Steven Culp, after his character, Rex Van de Kamp, is killed by George Williams and he observes the lives of the men on the street. The other episode is during season 5 and is narrated by Nicollette Sheridan, in which her character, Edie Britt, dies of a car crash, followed by electrocution.

Strong has appeared several times in flashbacks and in a dream episode in which Lynette struggles to understand why she could not stop Mary Alice's suicide. She played another deceased wife on the television series Everwood, appearing mainly in flashback sequences as the late Julia Brown. Coincidentally, Housewives co-star Marcia Cross played Dr. Linda Abbott, a love interest for Brown's widower, during the second season of Everwood. Both Strong and Cross appear in season 9 of Seinfeld (episodes 9 and 8 respectively).

In addition to her role on Desperate Housewives, Strong starred as Mary Ann Steed in the movie trilogy The Work and the Glory, based on a bestselling series of the same name by Gerald N. Lund.[11][12][13] She starred in the 2006 Lifetime movie Family in Hiding. Also in 2006, she played Ted Danson's love interest in the short-lived ABC comedy series Help Me Help You. She also guest starred on Curb Your Enthusiasm as a love interest of Larry David, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Boston Legal, and Rizzoli & Isles.

2012–2014: Dallas

[edit]
Strong at the 2013 Monte-Carlo Television Festival

During her final year on Desperate Housewives, Strong signed on to play Ann Ewing, the third wife of Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) and new matriarch of Southfork Ranch, in the TNT series Dallas, the revival of long-running CBS prime time soap opera of the same name.[14] Strong previously made a guest appearance in the original series in 1987 as Cliff's one night stand.[15] The show premiered on June 13, 2012,[16] and was cancelled after three seasons in 2014.[17] During her Dallas years, she began hosting Investigation Discovery series Blood Relatives and played Joan Reston, the wife of Governor Samuel Reston, in two episodes of Shonda Rhimes' political series Scandal.[18]

2015–present

[edit]

After Dallas, Strong appeared in an episode of NBC comedy procedural The Mysteries of Laura. In 2015, she joined the cast of the third season of The CW post-apocalyptic drama series The 100, playing the role of Nia, Queen of the Ice Nation.[19][20] In 2016, Strong had a recurring role on season 2 of Fear the Walking Dead.[21] Later she joined the cast of The CW series Supergirl a recurring role as Lillian Luthor.

In 2018, Strong appeared in the second season of Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.[22] In 2018, Strong was promoted to series regular status for its third season.

Personal life

[edit]

A certified yoga instructor and fertility expert,[23] Strong has taught at UCLA's Mind/Body Institute and received an honorary Doctorate of Science for her work regarding yoga and fertility from Yo San University.[7]

Strong married Tom Henri in July 1989; they have a son, Zakery Henri. She filed for divorce on January 14, 2011.[24] In May 2015, she married director-actor John Farmanesh-Bocca.[25]

In 2019, the actress won the Best First Time Filmmaker Award at the GI Film Festival San Diego for her directorial debut #3 Normandy Lane.[26]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1986 Weekend Warriors Danielle
1987 Spaceballs Nurse Gretchen
1989 Skin Deep Real Estate Agent Uncredited
1993 My Life Laura
1993 Malice Claudia
1996 The Craft Doctor
1997 Starship Troopers Captain Deladier
1998 Get a Job Emily LaCrosse
1998 Black Dog Melanie
1998 Undercurrent Renee Rivera
1999 The Deep End of the Ocean Ellen
2000 Terror Tract Dr. Helen Corey
2002 Teddy Bears' Picnic Jackie Sloane Chevron
2002 Red Dragon Dinner Guest
2003 Missing Brendan Joyce Calden
2003 Exposed Susan Andrews
2004 Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation Sergeant Dede Rake
2004 The Work and the Glory Mary Ann Steed
2005 The Kid & I Bonnie Roman
2007 A Plumm Summer Viv
2008 Ocean of Pearls Mary Stewart
2009 You Paula
2010 Privileged Mrs. Carrington
2012 An Engagement Mom Short film
2014 Teacher of the Year Ellen Behr
2014 I Can See You Marnie Short film
2015 The Leisure Class Charlotte
2019 #3 Normandy Lane Director Short film

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1985 St. Elsewhere Nadine Aurora Episode: "The Naked and the Dead"
1985 Misfits of Science Miss Speedway Episode: "Twin Engines"
1985 Shadow Chasers Angela Taylor Episode: "The Many Lies of Johnathan"
1986 MacGyver Lila Episode: "The Assassin"
1986 Cheers Vicki Episode: "The Cape Cad"
1986 Sledge Hammer! Miss Hotchkins Episode: "Miss of the Spiderwoman"
1987 Dallas Cliff's One Night Stand Episode: "Cat and Mouse"
1987 Hotel Hilary Sinclair Episode: "Revelations"
1987 Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III: The Legend Continues Desiree Television film
1988 Star Trek: The Next Generation Rashella Episode: "When the Bough Breaks"
1989 Midnight Caller Kristen Episode: "No Exit"
1989 Hooperman Nun Episode: "The Nun and I"
1989 Matlock Jan Sinclair Episode: "The Model"
1990 Father Dowling Mysteries Miss Cantrell/O'Grady Episode: "The Perfect Cover Mystery"
1990 People Like Us Brenda Primrose Television film
1991 Anything but Love Unknown Episode: "My New Best Friend"
1991 Twin Peaks Jones 4 episodes
1991–1992 Blossom Diane 2 episodes
1991 Murphy Brown Janine Episode: "Eldin Inmates Life"
1992 Rachel Gunn, R.N. Sheila Episode: "I Dream of Squidhead"
1992 Scorch Allison King Series regular, 6 episodes
1992 Sibs Naomi Episode: "Warren and the Married Woman"
1992 Down the Shore Eileen Episode: "Turn of the Screw"
1992 Grapevine Allison Episode: "The Allison and Ken Story"
1992 Dark Justice Jessica Sadler Episode: "Happy Mothers Day"
1992–1993 Herman's Head Dr. Holland 2 episodes
1992 Stepfather III Lauren Sutliffe Television film
1993 The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Beatrice Kaufman Episode: "Young Indian Jones and the Scandal of 1920"
1993 The Second Half Heather Episode: "Guess Who's Channeling Dinner?"
1993 Picket Fences Sarah Evans Episode: "Unlawful Entries"
1993 Silk Stalkings Candy Grayson Episode: "Ladies Night Out"
1994 Island City Dr. Sammy Helding Television pilot (not greenlit)
1994 ER Sally Niemeyer Episode: "Into that Good Night"
1996 Murphy Brown Tara Baker Episode: "Casa Nova"
1996 The John Larroquette Show Christine Taylor Episode: "The Master Class"
1996 Party of Five Kathleen Isley 6 episodes
1996–1997 3rd Rock from the Sun Miss Frost 2 episodes
1996–1997 Seinfeld Sue Ellen Mischke 4 episodes
1997 Roar Megan Episode: "Traps"
1997 Chicago Sons Nina Episode: "Infrequent Flyers"
1998–2000 Sports Night Sally Sasser 7 episodes
1998 The Closer Susan Bend Episode: "The Rebound"
1999 Odd Man Out Kasey Morton Episode: "Good Will Hunting"
1999 Any Day Now Jana Durham Episode: "It's Not You, It's Me"
1999 Safe Harbor Marilyn Conray Episode: "Older Women, Younger Men"
2000 Get Real Olivia Clark Episode: "Guilt"
2000 The Michael Richards Show Beth Episode: "Discrimination"
2000–2002 7th Heaven Mrs. Carmen Mackoul 8 episodes
2001 Ally McBeal Jerry Hill Episode: "Mr. Bo"
2001 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Dr. Leigh Sapien Episode: "Overload"
2001 Thieves Loretta Episode: "Liver Let Die"
2001 Gilmore Girls Eva Episode: "Like Mother, Like Daughter"
2001 Dawson's Creek Kay Liddell Episode: "High Anxiety"
2002 Bram & Alice Theresa Episode: "Scribbling Rivalry"
2002 The Court Marsha Palmer 4 episodes
2002 Malcolm in the Middle Amelia Episode: "Family Reunion"
2002–2005 Everwood Julia Brown 5 episodes
2003 A.U.S.A. Judge Kimberly Flynn Episode: "The Joint Report...A Love Story"
2003 Nip/Tuck Iris 2 episodes
2003 The Lyon's Den Rebecca McCandless Episode: "Things She Said"
2004 The Help Arlene Ridgeway Series regular, 7 episodes
2004 Going to the Mat Patty Newfield Television film
2004–2012 Desperate Housewives Mary Alice Young Series regular, 179 episodes
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2005–2006)
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2007–2009)
Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance (2011–2012)
2005 The Work and the Glory II: American Zion Mary Ann Steed Television film
2006 Family in Hiding Carol Peterson Television film
2006 Just Legal Liza Lynch Episode: "The Bar"
2006 The Work and the Glory III: A House Divided Mary Ann Steed Television film
2006–2007 Help Me Help You Linda 4 episodes
2007 Curb Your Enthusiasm Dr. Flomm Episode: "The N Word"
2007 Shark Olivia Hartnell Episode: "In Absentia"
2008 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Kathy Jarrow Episode: "Betrayed"
2008 Boston Legal Judge Judy Beacon Episode: "True Love"
2010 Scoundrels Penny Priest Episode: "Birds of a Feather Flock Together"
2010 Rizzoli & Isles Mel Gaynor-Randle Episode: "I Kissed a Girl"
2012–2014 Dallas Ann Ewing Series regular, 40 episodes
2012; 2014 Scandal Joan Reston Episodes: "All Roads Lead to Fitz", "The Fluffer"
2012–2015 Blood Relatives Narrator 32 episodes
2014 The Mysteries of Laura Margot Preston Episode: "The Mystery of the Mobile Murder"
2015 Bones Senator Hayley Winters Episode: "The Senator in the Street Sweeper"
2015 Ice Sculpture Christmas Chef Gloria Television film
2016 Chicago P.D. Attorney Green Episode: "Now I'm God"
2016; 2019 The 100 Queen Nia 4 episodes
2016 Love by Chance Helen Television film (Hallmark)
2016 Notorious Maggie Sherman Episode: "Missing"
2016–2017 Fear the Walking Dead Ilene Stowe 4 episodes
2016–2021 Supergirl Lillian Luthor 23 episodes
2018–2020 13 Reasons Why Nora Walker 21 episodes; Also director (season 4)
2020 All Rise Jean Ruberstone-Frost Episode: "My Fair Lockdown"
2023 Unprisoned Nadine Gregory 10 episodes
2023 Sweeter Than Chocolate Helen Sweet TV Movie (Hallmark)

Video game

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Desperate Housewives: The Game Mary Alice Young

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brenda Strong

View on Grokipedia
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Brenda Strong (born March 25, 1960) is an American actress, voice artist, and certified yoga instructor best known for her portrayal of the narrator and deceased character on the ABC series from 2004 to 2012. Born in Brightwood, , and raised in Portland, she graduated magna cum laude from with a degree in musical theater and won the title in 1980, which led to her appearance in Billy Crystal's 1984 music video "You Look Marvelous." Her early career included guest roles on shows like , , , and , as well as early film roles, including Mel Brooks' (1987) and the role of Captain Deladier in (1997). Strong's breakthrough came with , where her voice-over narration as earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 2011 and 2012, along with for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2005 and 2006. She later reprised her voice work in the series finale and took on prominent roles such as Sue Ellen Mischke in , Ann Ewing in the TNT revival of (2012–2014), and Nora Walker in Netflix's . Strong has continued acting in television series such as (2023) and the film Walk in the Light (2024). Beyond acting, Strong is a certified yoga instructor specializing in and , having taught at UCLA's Mind/Body Institute and produced instructional videos; she serves as CEO of Strong Inspiration Inc. In her personal life, Strong was married to actor Tom Henri from 1989 to 2013, with whom she has a son, Zakery Henri, an aspiring actor born in 1994. She married director and actor John Farmanesh-Bocca in 2015 after meeting on a play; the couple resides in . Strong is also involved in philanthropy, supporting the and serving on the board of the Montana Shakespeare Company.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Brenda Strong was born on March 25, 1960, in Brightwood, , a approximately 30 miles east of Portland. She spent her early childhood in this forested, mountainous region before her family relocated closer to the urban center of Portland, where she was primarily raised. Strong is the daughter of Jack Strong and Jean Strong. Her father worked on the family-owned Strong Holly Farm in nearby , assisting his own father in its operations for decades; the farm specialized in production, a staple of the region's agricultural heritage. Little is publicly documented about her mother's profession or additional family dynamics during this period. As a teenager in the Portland area, Strong attended Parkrose High School before transferring to and graduating from Sandy Union High School in 1978. She showed an early interest in through school activities, including involvement in , musicals, and . Following high school, Strong relocated to to attend college.

Academic career and early recognition

Brenda Strong attended Sandy Union High School in , graduating in 1978. With support from her family during her Portland-area upbringing, she developed an early interest in performance that led her to pursue formal training. After high school, Strong relocated to and enrolled at , where she majored in musical theater. She earned a degree, graduating magna cum laude in 1982. Strong's university studies emphasized vocal performance and , involving active participation in musical theater productions, experiences that refined her skills and ignited her enthusiasm for . As a student, Strong entered the pageant in 1980 and won the title, subsequently representing her state at the 1981 competition. This accomplishment provided her with early public exposure on a national stage, enhancing her poise and visibility in performance circles.

Acting career

Early roles in television and film (1980s–2003)

Brenda Strong began her acting career in the mid-1980s following her graduation from with a degree in , which provided a foundation in performance that she balanced with her emerging opportunities in television and film. Her television debut came in 1985 with guest roles on series such as , where she played Nadine Aurora, as a supporting character, Shadow Chasers as Angela Taylor, as Lila, and as Vicki. These early appearances established her in the industry, often in brief but memorable supporting parts that highlighted her versatility amid the challenges of breaking in as a newcomer. In the late 1980s and 1990s, Strong continued building her resume through guest spots on prominent sitcoms and dramas, frequently playing strong, eccentric women that sometimes led to typecasting concerns in supporting roles. She portrayed Miss Frost, a choir teacher, in two episodes of 3rd Rock from the Sun during the 1996–1997 season, interacting with the alien family in comedic scenarios. Her most notable recurring guest role came on Seinfeld (1996–1997), where she appeared as Sue Ellen Mischke, the wealthy, braless heiress and Elaine Benes' rival, across four episodes including "The Caddy" and "The Betrayal." From 1998 to 2000, Strong recurred as Sally Sasser, the competitive producer of a rival news show, in seven episodes of Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night, often clashing with the main cast in sharp-witted exchanges. Strong's early film work complemented her television efforts, featuring small but impactful supporting parts in genre films that showcased her poise and screen presence. In 1987, she debuted on the big screen as Nurse Gretchen in ' sci-fi parody , a minor role in the ensemble comedy. She followed with a brief appearance as a doctor in the supernatural thriller The Craft (1996), supporting the story of teen witches. In Paul Verhoeven's satirical action film (1997), Strong played Captain Deladier, a military officer in the futuristic war against bugs. Her roles expanded slightly in Black Dog (1998), where she portrayed Melanie, the wife of trucker Jack Crews (), adding emotional depth to the action drama. By 1999, in the family drama , Strong appeared as Ellen, a high school friend of the protagonist (), contributing to the film's exploration of loss and reunion. Throughout this period, Strong navigated the demands of a working , including in authoritative or quirky secondary characters, while drawing on her training for vocal and performative skills that informed her on-screen delivery. These experiences honed her craft amid inconsistent opportunities, setting the stage for more prominent work in the early .

Desperate Housewives and mainstream success (2004–2012)

Brenda Strong was cast as Mary Alice Young, the deceased narrator of Desperate Housewives, after the original pilot was reshot with a different actress in the role. She auditioned by performing a storytelling piece from memory with her eyes closed for series creator Marc Cherry, who focused exclusively on her vocal delivery rather than her appearance. To suit the character's empathetic perspective on the suburban secrets of Wisteria Lane, Strong adopted a lower, more heartfelt tone distinct from her natural speaking voice, as suggested by executive producer Michael Edelstein during recording sessions. Mary Alice, who dies by suicide in the pilot episode, primarily appears through voiceover narration that provides ironic commentary on the lives of her former neighbors, with Strong also featuring on-screen in flashbacks and select episodes throughout the series' run. Desperate Housewives premiered on ABC on October 3, 2004, and concluded after eight seasons on May 13, 2012, spanning 180 episodes and becoming one of the network's highest-rated primetime dramas. Strong's narration was a cornerstone of the show's structure, blending wry humor and suspense to frame the ensemble's storylines, and her performance earned critical praise for its soothing yet foreboding quality that lulls viewers before delivering narrative twists. For her voiceover work, she received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 2011 for the episode "Come On Over for Dinner" and in 2012 for the episodes "Give Me the Blame" and "Finishing the Hat." Her prior experience in soap operas, such as Santa Barbara, contributed to her versatility in delivering the dramatic, introspective monologues that defined the series. During the height of , Strong balanced her commitments with other projects, including a recurring role as Julia Brown, the deceased mother of Ephram Brown, on The WB's from 2002 to 2006, where she appeared in flashbacks across four episodes. She also starred as Mary Ann Steed, the resilient matriarch of a Mormon pioneer family, in the faith-based film trilogy (2004), its sequel American Zion (2005), and the concluding The Work and the Glory III: A House Divided (2006). These roles reinforced her on-screen presence as a strong maternal figure amid her off-screen narration duties. The success of marked a in Strong's career, elevating her from supporting parts to national prominence and making her synonymous with authoritative, insightful female voices in television. The show's cultural phenomenon status, with its exploration of suburban dysfunction, amplified her visibility, though it also led to in maternal and authoritative roles that echoed Mary Alice's watchful, guiding persona.

Dallas and recurring television roles (2012–2017)

Following the conclusion of Desperate Housewives, Brenda Strong took on the lead role of Ann Ewing in the TNT revival of Dallas, which aired from 2012 to 2014. In the series, Strong portrayed Bobby Ewing's third wife, an outsider to the Ewing family dynasty who navigates intense family conflicts, including protecting her stepson Christopher while confronting secrets from her past, such as a prior marriage to a Ewing rival. Her character arc emphasized resilience and loyalty amid the oil baron intrigues, with Ann evolving from a supportive spouse to a more assertive figure in the family's power struggles over three seasons. The series premiered strongly as TNT's top new summer drama, averaging 3.97 million viewers in its first season and maintaining solid cable ratings, though viewership dipped to 1.92 million by the third season before its cancellation. Strong's post-Desperate Housewives career shifted toward more antagonistic and multifaceted characters, often in ensemble cable and network series. In 2012–2013, she appeared in a recurring guest capacity on ABC's as Joan Reston, a figure entangled in the political thriller's web of secrets and betrayals. She later recurred as Ilene Stowe on AMC's in 2016, playing a grieving mother caught in the early chaos of the during a doomed at a , appearing in four episodes across seasons 2 and 3. From 2016 onward, Strong portrayed Lillian Luthor on The CW's , initially as a recurring leading the anti-alien organization and plotting against her adopted daughter Lena, before being promoted to series regular in season 3 (2017–2018). During this period, Strong also took on select film roles, including the comedy (2015), an production where she supported the story of familial deceptions surrounding an impending wedding. In 2016, she starred as Helen Michaels in the Hallmark romantic comedy , depicting a meddlesome mother scheming to find a match for her career-focused daughter. These projects highlighted her versatility in lighter ensemble fare alongside her television work.

Recent projects and voice work (2018–present)

In the later seasons of the series 13 Reasons Why, Strong portrayed , the mother of Bryce Walker, evolving from a recurring guest in season 2 to a series regular in seasons 3 and 4 (2019–2020). Her character grappled with grief and family trauma following her son's death, providing emotional depth to the show's exploration of accountability and loss. Strong also directed two episodes in season 4, marking her Netflix directorial debut and showcasing her transition behind the camera. Strong continued her television work with a recurring role as Nadine Gregory in the comedy-drama (2023–2024), appearing in 10 episodes across the two seasons as the on-again, off-again girlfriend of the protagonist's father; the series was canceled after its second season. The series, inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, addressed themes of family reconciliation post-incarceration, with Strong's character adding layers of frustration and support to the dysfunctional dynamics. In 2023, she starred as Helen Sweet, a facing business challenges, in the romantic film Sweeter Than Chocolate, which emphasized themes of love and . On stage, Strong took on the titular role in John Farmanesh-Bocca's adaptation Unbound at the Theatre in from June to August 2018, reimagining ' comedy with modern feminist undertones in a production that earned acclaim for its bold staging. She had previously lent her voice as Ariel in Farmanesh-Bocca's innovative Tempest Redux at the same venue in 2016, contributing to its award-winning blend of Shakespearean text with immersive physical theater. In 2021, Strong was cast as Nan Bird, the mother of the lead character, in the Starz limited series The Venery of Samantha Bird, a about a woman's return to her hometown amid personal crises; production paused in 2023 due to the writers' strike and the project was canceled without being completed or released. She provided narration for the 2024 animated short Walk in the Light, a poignant depiction of the through survivor stories, highlighting themes of courage and healing. Strong's recent career reflects a deliberate pivot toward projects that integrate personal advocacy, particularly around and , drawing from her experiences with aging in Hollywood where she has embraced roles challenging traditional . In interviews, she has discussed favoring authentic narratives over youth-focused tropes, aligning her selections with her yoga instruction background to promote resilience and .

Personal life

Marriages and children

Brenda Strong was first married to Tom Henri, a instructor, from 1989 until their in 2013. The couple welcomed their , son Zakery Henri (born November 5, 1994), during their , and they raised him together through the and amid Strong's rising commitments. Strong filed for in January 2011, citing after more than two decades together. In May 2015, Strong married director and John Farmanesh-Bocca in an intimate ceremony followed by a in . The pair first met while collaborating on a theater production several years prior, though their romantic relationship began later. Strong has no additional children, and her son Zakery, now an himself, forms the core of their blended dynamic. This first marriage also sparked Strong's enduring interest in , which has informed her later personal advocacy efforts.

Yoga instruction and health advocacy

Brenda Strong became a certified yoga instructor in 1994 during her pregnancy with her son Zakery, drawing on personal health practices developed amid marital life experiences. This certification marked the start of her dedicated teaching career, initially focused on mind-body wellness to support women's reproductive health. Strong encountered prolonged challenges conceiving Zakery, including primary infertility that caused emotional and physical strain. She integrated yoga with traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate stress, enhance hormonal balance, and foster body awareness, ultimately aiding her successful conception. These practices not only empowered her personally but also inspired her to adapt yoga for others facing similar reproductive hurdles. Building on this foundation, Strong founded Strong Yoga®4Women in the early 2010s, a program specializing in fertility-focused classes, workshops, and teacher training to address , loss, and . Since the 2000s, she has taught targeted sessions at venues like UCLA's Mind/Body Institute, emphasizing poses that stimulate the endocrine system and reduce -related anxiety. Her methods, including the Yoga4Fertility series and The Four Fields of Fertility workshop, have supported couples globally in conceiving by promoting relaxation and self-trust. As a prominent , Strong served as national spokesperson for the American Fertility Association starting in 2005 and for Path2Parenthood through 2018, delivering speaking engagements on 's role in women's wellness. She has produced educational DVDs like Yoga4 and online courses such as Soulful Conceptions, alongside book projects exploring for reproductive health. Recent partnerships include collaborations with HRC Fertility in 2020 and Living Lēla, where she continues to lead virtual sessions and mentor on as of 2025 amid ongoing for holistic . In recognition of her contributions, she received an honorary Doctorate of Science from Yo San University.

Filmography

Film

Brenda Strong has appeared in a variety of feature films, primarily in supporting roles, spanning comedy, drama, thriller, and science fiction genres.
YearTitleRole
1986Weekend WarriorsDanielle (supporting role in comedy about Air Force reservists)
1987SpaceballsNurse Gretchen (minor supporting role in Mel Brooks' sci-fi parody)
1993My LifeLaura (supporting role in drama about a terminally ill father)
1993MaliceClaudia (supporting role as legal secretary in neo-noir thriller)
1996The CraftDoctor (brief supporting role in teen supernatural horror)
1997Starship TroopersCaptain Deladier (supporting role in sci-fi action film)
1998Black DogMelanie (supporting role as wife in action thriller about truckers)
1999The Deep End of the OceanEllen (supporting role in family drama about child abduction)
2000Terror TractDr. Helen Corey (lead in "Make Me an Offer" segment of horror anthology)
2002Red DragonDinner Guest (minor uncredited cameo in psychological thriller)
2002Teddy Bears' PicnicJackie Sloane Chevron (supporting role in satirical comedy)
2004The Work and the GloryMary Ann Steed (lead role in historical drama based on novel)
2004Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the FederationSgt. Dede Rake (supporting role in direct-to-video sci-fi sequel)
2005The Work and the Glory II: American ZionMary Ann Steed (lead role in historical drama sequel)
2005The Kid & IBonnie (supporting role in comedy about a film production)
2006The Work and the Glory III: A House DividedMary Ann Steed (lead role in historical drama trilogy finale)
2007A Plumm SummerViv (supporting role in family adventure drama)
2024Walk in the LightNarrator (voice role in animated short film)

Television

Brenda Strong began her television career in the 1980s with guest roles on network dramas and soaps, gradually transitioning to recurring parts in the 1990s and leading roles in the 2000s and beyond, appearing on a variety of network, cable, and streaming series.
Year(s)SeriesRoleEpisodesPlatform
1983–1984Santa BarbaraJulia WainwrightRecurring (approx. 100)NBC (network)
1985St. ElsewhereGuest role2NBC (network)
1985CheersGuest role1NBC (network)
1985MacGyverGuest role1ABC (network)
1987DallasCliff's One Night Stand1CBS (network)
1987HotelHilary Sinclair1ABC (network)
1988Star Trek: The Next GenerationRashella ("When the Bough Breaks")1Syndication (network)
1989Star Trek: The Next GenerationRishon Uxbridge ("The Survivors")1Syndication (network)
1989MatlockGuest role1NBC/ABC (network)
1990Twin PeaksMiss Jones5 (recurring)ABC (network)
1991–1993Dark JusticeRecurring roleMultipleCBS (network)
1991–1994Herman's HeadRecurring roleMultipleFox (network)
1991Silk StalksGuest role1CBS/USA (network/cable)
1993–1997Dr. Quinn, Medicine WomanRecurring roleMultipleCBS (network)
1995–1997SeinfeldSue Ellen Mischke3 (recurring guest)NBC (network)
1996Party of FiveKathleen Isley1Fox (network)
1996–20047th HeavenMrs. Mackoul8 (recurring)WB (network)
1998Dawson's CreekGuest role1WB (network)
1998–2000Sports NightSally Sasser6 (recurring)ABC (network)
2000Gilmore GirlsGuest role1WB (network)
2000Curb Your EnthusiasmDr. Flomm1HBO (cable)
2000CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationDr. Leigh Sapien1CBS (network)
2000The Michael Richards ShowBeth1NBC (network)
2000Get RealGuest role1Fox (network)
2002EverwoodGuest role1WB (network)
2004The HelpRecurring roleMultipleWB (network)
2004Boston LegalJudge Judy Beacon1ABC (network)
2004–2012Desperate HousewivesMary Alice Young180 (main, narrator)ABC (network)
2005–2009Jesse Stone (TV movies)Sister Mary John (in "Thin Ice")1 (TV movie)CBS (network)
2007Nip/TuckGuest role1FX (cable)
2008Law & Order: Criminal IntentKathy Jarrow1NBC (network)
2010Rizzoli & IslesMel Gaynor-Randle1TNT (cable)
2012ScandalGuest role1ABC (network)
2012–2014DallasAnn Ewing40 (main)TNT (cable)
2016Love by ChanceHelen Michaels1 (TV movie)Hallmark Channel (cable)
2016–2017Fear the Walking DeadIlene Stowe3 (recurring)AMC (cable)
2016–2021SupergirlLillian Luthor22 (recurring)The CW (network)
2017–201913 Reasons WhyNora Walker13 (recurring)Netflix (streaming)
2020The Venery of Samantha BirdNan Bird1Cinemax (cable/streaming)
202261st StreetFrances OsborneRecurringAMC+ (streaming)
2023Sweeter Than ChocolateHelen Sweet1 (TV movie)Hallmark Channel (cable)
2023–2024UnPrisonedNadine Gregory20 (main, seasons 1–2)Hulu (streaming)
This catalog highlights Strong's versatility across genres, from soap operas and sci-fi to drama and comedy, with notable breakthroughs in long-running series on both traditional networks and modern streaming services.

Video games

Brenda Strong's contributions to video games are primarily limited to , with notable roles in the 2006 interactive simulation : The Game, developed by and published by Buena Vista Games. In this title, she voiced , the deceased narrator who provides omniscient commentary to advance the player's progression through episodes mirroring the early seasons of the television series. The game's script, written by series contributor Scott Sanford Tobis, integrated Strong's performance to maintain narrative continuity, and the title sold over 400,000 copies worldwide shortly after release. Strong also provided voice work in Scarface: The World Is Yours (2006), voicing Mariella Burani, the manager of the Sun Ray Hotel. Strong's involvement in these games complemented her established narration expertise from voicing Mary Alice in the Desperate Housewives television series, where she recorded voiceovers separately from principal filming to convey introspective monologues. This process, involving isolated studio sessions focused on tone and pacing, translated seamlessly to the games' requirements for guiding interactive scenarios, enhancing immersion without on-screen presence. No additional video game voice roles for Strong have been documented through 2025.

References

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  50. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/brenda-strong-and-tom-henri
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  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySz7TPX-Lyg
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HbIpyRTzQ4
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