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Michelle Forbes
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Michelle Forbes
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Michelle Renee Forbes Guajardo (born January 8, 1965)[1] is an American actress who has appeared on television and in independent films. She is a Saturn Award winner with three nominations.

Key Information

Forbes first garnered attention for her dual role in the daytime soap opera Guiding Light, for which she received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. She is known for her recurring appearances on genre and drama shows, including Ensign Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard, and her regular role as medical examiner Julianna Cox on Homicide: Life on the Street during the 1990s. She played recurring roles throughout the 2000s in Battlestar Galactica, 24, In Treatment, Durham County, Prison Break and her series regular role as Maryann Forrester on True Blood. She has appeared in significant roles in films such as Escape from L.A., Kalifornia, Swimming with Sharks and Columbus.

She starred in the 2011–2012 AMC television series The Killing, for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.[2] On June 18, 2019 it was announced that Forbes would join USA Network's action drama series Treadstone, a prequel/sequel to the Bourne franchise.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Forbes was born in Austin, Texas, of Mexican American heritage.[4]

Forbes hoped to become a ballet dancer. She began receiving formal acting training at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. While on vacation in New York City at the age of 16, she found herself auditioning for a film;[5] although she was not selected, she signed with the William Morris Agency and began her professional acting career.

Career

[edit]

In 1987, at age 22, Forbes landed the contract role of Sonni Carrera Lewis on the daytime soap opera Guiding Light. The role was expanded to a dual role, with a second character, Solita Carrera, added. Forbes was a cast member for three years and in 1990 earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her performance. She then continued in theater and began appearing in small guest roles on television to raise her profile. She went on to make guest appearances on a few other TV shows before landing the recurring role of Ensign Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

The producers of Star Trek: The Next Generation invited Forbes to reprise Ro in the spin-off series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine but Forbes declined the offer[6] and decided to focus on a career in films. She received praise, as well as a Saturn Award nomination from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, for her performance as photographer Carrie Laughlin in the 1993 thriller Kalifornia. This was followed with the lead female role in the 1994 black comedy Swimming with Sharks as well as supporting roles in films such as The Road Killers, Just Looking and John Carpenter's 1996 science fiction/action sequel Escape from L.A.

She continued performing on television during this period, with guest spots on Seinfeld, The Outer Limits and Star Trek: The Next Generation, to which she returned to tie up the Ro Laren storyline in the series' penultimate episode.

In 1995, she played one of the leads in J. S. Cardone's crime thriller Black Day Blue Night, alongside Mia Sara and Gil Bellows. The reviews for Black Day Blue Night were positive. Without breaking new grounds, they highlighted its strengths as a well-executed, low-budget noir with engaging performances.[7][8][9][10] Greg Evans of Variety liked the film and of Forbes performance he said that it was "compellingly hard-bitten" and "outdistance the material."[11]

In 1996, Forbes joined the cast of NBC's popular police drama Homicide: Life on the Street, playing chief medical examiner Julianna Cox. She remained with the show for two years then was let go as part of a major cast overhaul (the series was canceled after one more season). However, she reprised her role in the 2000 TV special Homicide: The Movie.

That same year, Forbes became a regular on the ABC series Wonderland but it was pulled from the air after only two episodes. Forbes was next seen in a recurring role on the police drama The District.

Forbes at the True Blood premiere party, June 2009

She was subsequently given roles in films such as 2001's Perfume and 2002's American Girl as well as the 2001 British television film Messiah (for which she studied British sign language for a week) and its sequel installments: Messiah 2: Vengeance is Mine in 2002 and Messiah III in 2003. During the 2002–2003 TV season, Forbes played the recurring character of presidential aide Lynne Kresge on the second season of the action series 24.

She followed her role on 24 with a guest spot on Alias then went on to play Admiral Helena Cain in three episodes of the re-imagining of the classic sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica as well as appearing in the television film Battlestar Galactica: Razor. She followed this up with a recurring role as Agent Samantha Brinker on the drama Prison Break and guest starred on Boston Legal and Lost.

Forbes starred as the lead in the adaptation of the comic-book Global Frequency, the single produced episode of which leaked online the following year, eight months after the series failed to be picked up by Warner Bros. networks.[12]

Forbes returned to British television screens with guest roles in both Holby City and as a Mossad agent in Waking the Dead. In 2008, Forbes starred in two HBO drama series; In Treatment, portraying the wife of the central character, and in True Blood as a Maenad named Maryann Forrester.[13]

She reprised her semi-regular roles in both series in their respective second seasons in 2009 as well as joining the cast of the Canadian psychological drama series Durham County for its second season as Dr. Penelope Verity.[14]

Forbes played the role of Mitch Larsen in the US television series The Killing, a 2011 remake of the Danish crime series Forbrydelsen. Forbes appeared as Retro Girl in the TV series Powers.[15] She also landed a prominent supporting role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.

Forbes subsequently played Valerie Edwards in the TV series Berlin Station that aired on Epix from 2016 to 2019. Her character was a no-nonsense administrator who serves as a Berlin Station Internal branch chief.

In January 2021, it was announced that she would join the cast of the ABC drama Big Sky as matriarch Margaret Kleinsasser.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

Forbes had been a vegetarian since her teenage years and became a vegan in 2011.[17]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1993 Love Bites Nerissa
1993 Kalifornia Carrie Laughlin Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Actress
1994 Swimming with Sharks Dawn Lockhard
1994 Roadflower Helen
1995 Just Looking Mary
1995 The Chosen One The Mother
1995 Black Day Blue Night Rinda Woolley
1996 Escape from L.A. Lieutenant Brazen
1998 Dry Martini Valeria
2000 Bullfighter Mary
2001 Perfume Francene
2002 American Girl Madge Grubb
2004 Dandelion Ms. Voss
2004 Al Roach: Private Investigator Dede Dragonfly Voice role
2009 Diplomacy US Secretary of State
2013 Highland Park Sylvia
2013 The Hunters Jordyn Flynn
2015 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Lieutenant Jackson
2017 Columbus Maria
2017 Gemini Jamie
2017 Say You Will Janis Nimitz
2017 The Honor Farm Uncredited[18]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1987–1989 Guiding Light Dr. 'Sonni' Carrera-Lewis Unknown episodes
Nominated—Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1991 Father Dowling Mysteries Gym Instructor Episode: "The Fugitive Priest Mystery"
1991 Shannon's Deal Maren Episode: "The Inside Man"
1991 Star Trek: The Next Generation Dara Episode: "Half a Life"
1991–1994 Star Trek: The Next Generation Ensign Ro Laren Recurring role (Seasons 5–7)
1994 Seinfeld Julie Episode: "The Big Salad"
1996 The Outer Limits Jamie Pratt Episode: "A Stitch in Time"
1996 The Prosecutors District Attorney Rachel Simone TV movie
1996–1998 Homicide: Life on the Street Dr. Julianna Cox Main cast (Seasons 5–6)
Nominated—Viewers for Quality Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series
1998 Brimstone Assistant District Attorney Julia Trent Episode: "Executioner"
2000 The District Helen York Recurring role (Season 1)
2000 Homicide: Life Everlasting Dr. Julianna Cox TV movie
2000 Wonderland Dr. Lyla Garrity Main cast
2001–2004 Messiah Susan Metcalfe Main cast (Series 1–3)
2002 Strong Medicine Assistant District Attorney Jill Sorenson 2 episodes
2002 Jackson County War Rory Hammett TV movie
2002 Fastlane Lena Episode: "Get Your Mack On"; uncredited
2002–03 24 Lynne Kresge Recurring role (Season 2)
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
2004 Love is the Drug Reena 3 episodes
2004 Global Frequency Miranda Zero Unsold pilot
2005 Alias Dr. Maggie Sinclair Episode: "Another Mister Sloane"
2005 The Inside Zoya Petikof Episode: "Thief of Hearts"
2005–06 Battlestar Galactica Admiral Helena Cain Recurring role (Season 2)
2005–06 Prison Break Samantha Brinker Recurring role (Season 1)
2006 Boston Legal Juliette Monroe Episode: "The Nutcrackers"
2007 Unthinkable Jamie McDowell TV movie
2007 Battlestar Galactica: Razor Admiral Helena Cain TV movie
2007–08 Waking the Dead Sarah 3 episodes
2008 Lost Karen Decker Episode: "There's No Place Like Home: Part 1"
2008–09 In Treatment Kate Weston Main cast (Season 1)
2008–2009 True Blood Maryann Forrester Recurring role (Seasons 1–2)
Satellite Award for Best Cast – Television Series
Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role on Television
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
2009 Durham County Dr. Pen Verrity Main cast (Season 2)
2011–2012 The Killing 'Mitch' Larsen Main cast (Seasons 1–2)
Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television
Nominated—Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Nominated—Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film
2013 Chicago Fire Gail McLeod Recurring role (Season 2)
2014 Orphan Black Dr. Marian Bowles Recurring role (Season 2)
2014 Rake Lucy Marks Episode: "Jury Tamperer"
2015 Powers Janis Sandusky / Retro Girl Main cast (Season 1)
2015 The Returned Helen Goddard Recurring role
2016–2019 Berlin Station Valerie Edwards Main cast
2019 Grey's Anatomy Vicki Ann Rudin Episode: "Silent All These Years"
2019 Treadstone Ellen Becker Main cast
2021 Big Sky Margaret Kleinsasser Recurring role (Season 1)
2021–22 New Amsterdam Dr. Veronica Fuentes Recurring role (Season 4)
2023 Star Trek: Picard Commander Ro Laren Episode: "Imposters"

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Voice role
2004 Half-Life 2 Dr. Judith Mossman
2006 Half-Life 2: Episode One Dr. Judith Mossman
2007 Half-Life 2: Episode Two Dr. Judith Mossman
2009 The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena Captain Gail Revas
2011 DC Universe Online Circe
2017 Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus Zofia Blazkowicz

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Production Result
1990 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Guiding Light Nominated
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Daytime Villainess Guiding Light Nominated
1993 Saturn Award Best Actress Kalifornia Nominated
2003 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series 24 (shared with the cast) Nominated
2010 Saturn Award Best Guest Starring Role in Television True Blood Nominated
2010 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series True Blood (shared with the cast) Nominated
2011 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series[19] The Killing Nominated
2011 Critics' Choice Television Award Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series[20] The Killing Nominated
2011 Saturn Award Best Supporting Actress in Television[21] The Killing Won
2023 Hollywood HCA Award Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series[22] Star Trek: Picard Nominated

References

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

Michelle Forbes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michelle Renee Forbes Guajardo (born January 8, 1965) is an American actress recognized for portraying complex, authoritative female characters in television series and independent films. Born in Austin, Texas, Forbes began her acting career in the late 1980s with a prominent dual role as the twins Sonni and Solita Salamanca on the daytime soap opera Guiding Light from 1987 to 1989, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1990. Her breakthrough came in 1991 with the recurring role of Ensign Ro Laren, a Bajoran officer, on Star Trek: The Next Generation, appearing in eight episodes and reprising the character in the 2023 series Star Trek: Picard. Forbes gained further acclaim in the 1990s for her portrayal of Dr. Julianna Cox, a , on Homicide: Life on the Street from 1996 to 1998, a role that showcased her ability to depict steely yet flawed professionals. In film, she starred in supporting roles such as Carrie Laughlin in the thriller (1993) and Dawn Lockard in the satirical drama (1994), contributing to her reputation in independent cinema. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Forbes continued to excel in genre and prestige television, notably as the commanding Admiral Helena Cain in Battlestar Galactica (2004–2005), and as the maenad Maryann Forrester in True Blood (2009). Her performance as the grieving mother Mitch Larsen in The Killing (2011–2012) earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2011, and the 2012 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television. More recent work includes roles in 24 (2006–2007), Berlin Station (2016–2019), and the film Columbus (2017), where she played Maria, a character navigating emotional turmoil. Over her career, Forbes has received one Saturn Award win and three nominations and established herself as a versatile character actress in both science fiction and crime dramas.

Early life and education

Early life

Michelle Renee Forbes Guajardo was born on January 8, 1965, in , to parents Adam Eliseo Guajardo and Gloria Patricia Smith, reflecting Mexican-American heritage on her father's side through the Guajardo surname. She grew up in , where she spent much of her formative years; public details about extended family remain limited due to privacy considerations, though she has an older sister, Adriana Carole Guajardo. Raised in , Forbes showed an early fascination with the , initially dreaming of a career as a professional , which laid the groundwork for her later pursuits in acting. As a teenager, Forbes became a vegetarian, a choice she has maintained since high school, reflecting her growing awareness of personal values that would influence her lifestyle. Her exposure to the entertainment industry deepened when, at age 16 while visiting her sister in , she was spotted by a , leading to initial opportunities in that ignited her professional ambitions in the arts. She signed with the after catching the eye of agent Leo Bookman, prompting her relocation to New York to pursue a career in the industry. This experience marked the beginning of her transition toward formal training.

Education

Forbes attended Houston's High School for the , a renowned where she received formal training in the . Initially aspiring to become a , she shifted her focus to during her studies there, honing essential acting skills. The school's curriculum emphasized practical exposure to professional theater environments, including rehearsals and productions. Driven by emerging opportunities in New York's acting scenes, as well as a strong desire for hands-on professional experience, Forbes pursued her career immediately after high school. This decision marked a pivotal transition from structured training to the demands of professional auditions and on-set work.

Professional career

Breakthrough and early roles

In the early 1980s, at age 16, Michelle Forbes traveled to on vacation and auditioned for a film role, which she did not secure; however, the effort caught the attention of the , leading to her signing a and relocating to the city to launch her acting career. This move marked her transition from high school training in to professional opportunities in . Forbes made her television debut in 1987 on the Guiding Light, portraying the dual roles of Dr. Sonni Carrera Lewis, a grappling with personal emotional turmoil, and her identical twin sister Solita Carrera. She continued in the role until 1989, delivering performances that showcased her dramatic range through the characters' intertwined storylines involving psychological depth and family secrets. The complexity of embodying twins earned her critical notice for her ability to differentiate the siblings' personalities while maintaining emotional intensity. Her work on Guiding Light culminated in a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1990 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, highlighting her breakthrough as a young actress in daytime television. This recognition affirmed her potential beyond soap operas and paved the way for expanded opportunities. As Forbes transitioned to prime-time television in the late 1980s, she secured early guest spots that demonstrated her versatility in more diverse narratives. These appearances signaled her shift from the structured world of soaps to the broader scope of episodic prime-time drama.

Television work

Forbes gained prominence in television through her recurring role as the rebellious officer Ensign on Star Trek: The Next Generation, appearing in eight episodes from 1991 to 1994. She declined an offer to become a series regular on the spin-off , citing her desire to avoid long-term commitments and potential in science fiction roles. Forbes later reprised the character, now promoted to Commander , for a single episode in in 2023, reflecting on the role's enduring impact in interviews. Transitioning to drama, Forbes portrayed Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Julianna Cox on Homicide: Life on the Street from 1996 to 1998, appearing in 37 episodes across seasons 4 to 6. Her character was written out after refusing to falsify an autopsy report involving a city official, leading to her dismissal, though Forbes briefly returned for the 2000 telemovie Homicide: The Movie. In the early 2000s, she played presidential aide Lynne Kresge on 24 during season 2 (2002–2003), a role that ended with her character's death by gunshot. Forbes then took on the authoritative Admiral Helena Cain in the Battlestar Galactica miniseries (2003) and recurring in season 2 (2005–2006), as well as the 2007 webisode Razor, where the character met her demise in a mercy killing. Throughout the mid-2000s and 2010s, Forbes continued to select short-term engagements in genre and crime series, embodying complex, morally ambiguous women. She appeared as Company operative Samantha Brinker on Prison Break in three episodes of season 1 (2005). On True Blood, she guest-starred as the maenad Maryann Forrester in season 2 (2009), earning a Satellite Award nomination for her portrayal of the seductive antagonist. Forbes had a recurring role as grieving mother Mitch Larsen on The Killing in seasons 1 and 2 (2011–2012), which brought her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Later credits include Ellen Becker on Treadstone (2019, recurring), Margaret Kleinsasser on Big Sky (2020–2021, six episodes), and Dr. Veronica Fuentes on New Amsterdam (2021, recurring). Forbes' television career, encompassing over 50 credits since the late 1980s, consistently features flawed authority figures in science fiction, thriller, and procedural genres, with a deliberate focus on limited-series or recurring arcs rather than multi-year contracts to maintain versatility.

Film and other media

Forbes began her film career in the early 1990s with supporting roles that showcased her ability to portray complex, resilient women in tense narratives. In the crime thriller Kalifornia (1993), she played Carrie Laughlin, a photographer accompanying a couple on a cross-country road trip that turns deadly alongside serial killers. Her performance earned praise for adding emotional depth to the film's exploration of morality and attraction to danger. The following year, Forbes appeared as Dawn Lockard in Swimming with Sharks (1994), a satirical drama about Hollywood power dynamics, where she depicted an ambitious executive navigating a toxic boss-employee relationship. This role highlighted her skill in conveying subtle ambition and vulnerability amid corporate intrigue. By 1996, she took on the part of Brazen, a tough ally to the protagonist in John Carpenter's action sequel Escape from L.A., contributing to the film's dystopian adventure with a portrayal of fierce independence. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Forbes continued with selective film appearances, often in independent projects that allowed for nuanced dramatic work. She portrayed Constance Slocum, a principled campaign aide, in the political satire (1998), directed by , where her character grapples with ethical dilemmas in a corrupt electoral landscape. Subsequent roles included the supernatural thriller Seance (2001) as a spiritual medium entangled in mystery, and the romantic drama (2001), emphasizing her preference for character-driven stories over mainstream spectacles. Later indie films like Dandelion (2004), a coming-of-age tale set in rural America, and Dear Sidewalk (2013), a low-budget ensemble comedy, further demonstrated her commitment to smaller productions exploring human connections. Forbes' filmography expanded into higher-profile territory in the with roles in ensemble blockbusters and acclaimed indies. In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), she played Jackson, a disciplined soldier supporting the rebellion's final assault, adding gravitas to the dystopian finale. She then starred in three 2017 releases: as Maria, a reflective mother in the architectural drama Columbus, which earned critical acclaim for its introspective pacing; as Jamie in the thriller Gemini, portraying a manager protecting her celebrity client amid escalating threats; and as Janis Nimitz in the dramedy Say You Will, navigating family reconciliation after loss. These performances underscored her versatility in both action-oriented and contemplative genres. Beyond live-action film, Forbes has contributed to video games through , lending her distinctive timbre to strong female characters in sci-fi titles. She voiced Dr. Judith Mossman, a brilliant but conflicted aiding the resistance against alien overlords, in Half-Life 2 (2004) and its expansions Episode One (2006) and Episode Two (2007), roles that integrated seamlessly with the series' narrative depth. In The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (2009), she provided the voice for Captain Revas, a in a high-stakes prison escape scenario. Her most recent game work was as Zofia Blazkowicz, a resistance fighter and maternal figure, in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017), enhancing the alternate-history shooter's emotional stakes. Throughout her career, Forbes has maintained a selective approach to and other media, appearing in fewer than 20 feature films since 1993, predominantly in supporting capacities that emphasize intense, dramatic personas such as survivors, leaders, or moral anchors. This pattern reflects her inclination toward independent cinema and voice roles in narrative-driven games, prioritizing quality and character complexity over prolific output in commercial blockbusters.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Michelle Forbes was married to actor from 1990 until their divorce in 1999; the couple had no children. Forbes was reportedly in a romantic relationship with her Homicide: Life on the Street co-star in the mid-1990s. Details about ' family background are limited in . She is the of Adam Eliseo Guajardo and Gloria Patricia Smith, and has a sister named Adriana Carole Guajardo. Forbes has maintained a high level of regarding her current personal relationships, with no of marriages or partners following her divorce from . Her early marriage to Kettle coincided with the start of her rising fame in the , including breakthrough roles in and her transition to primetime series.

Lifestyle and beliefs

Michelle Forbes has maintained a for much of her life, having adopted in her teenage years and transitioning to in 2011. In a 2011 interview, she stated, "I've been a vegetarian for 31 years now and have crossed over into being a full and happy this past year," emphasizing that the shift simplified her life and heightened her about food choices. She has publicly linked her dietary commitment to ethical concerns, including opposition to factory farming practices and broader issues, describing herself as an animal activist throughout her life. Forbes has also highlighted the environmental benefits of , noting its alignment with priorities to reduce harm to the planet through sustainable eating. Forbes leads a privacy-oriented lifestyle, residing primarily in Los Angeles while splitting time between there and London. She avoids social media presence and rarely delves into personal beliefs during interviews, preferring to keep her private life out of the public eye. This approach allows her to focus on her career without the intrusion of constant online scrutiny, as evidenced by her limited engagement in promotional discussions beyond professional topics. Despite her reserved nature, she occasionally supports animal welfare organizations, such as participating in a 2011 public service announcement for Bound Angels urging pet adoptions from shelters and delivering a keynote introduction at the 2017 Animal Equality Global Action Gala to celebrate advancements for farmed animals. Her commitment to plant-based living has evolved alongside the demands of her acting career, which often involves extensive travel and irregular schedules. Initially concerned that veganism might prove challenging on the road, Forbes found it "far easier than I thought," leading to benefits like improved and a greater sense of personal freedom. Over decades, this dedication has remained steadfast, adapting to professional rigors while reinforcing her ethical and environmental stances without formal . She has shared that avoiding animal products entirely, including dairy and eggs, has become second nature, even amid the challenges of .

Recognition

Awards

Michelle Forbes has received recognition primarily through nominations and one win in awards ceremonies focused on television performances in drama and science fiction genres. Her early nomination came from her breakout role in daytime television, while later accolades highlighted her contributions to acclaimed series in procedural and sci-fi formats. In 1990, Forbes earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her dual portrayal of Sonni Carrera and Solita Carrera on Guiding Light, marking her first major industry acknowledgment shortly after entering the profession. Forbes achieved her sole award win in 2006, receiving the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her intense guest role as Admiral Helena Cain in Battlestar Galactica, a performance praised for its commanding presence in the sci-fi drama's exploration of military leadership and moral dilemmas. She received two additional Saturn Award nominations: in 2010 for Best Guest Starring Role on Television for True Blood, and in 2012 for Best Supporting Actress on Television for The Killing. Additional nominations include the 1999 Online Film & Television Association (OFTA) Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Dr. Julianna Cox on Homicide: Life on the Street, recognizing her addition to the ensemble's gritty portrayal of urban policing. Forbes also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2011 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Mitch Larsen in The Killing. Overall, Forbes has garnered at least seven major nominations and one win throughout her career, concentrated in sci-fi and drama categories, with no significant accolades reported after 2012.
YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
1990Daytime Emmy AwardOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama SeriesGuiding LightNomination
1999OFTA Television AwardBest Supporting Actress in a Drama SeriesHomicide: Life on the StreetNomination
2006Saturn AwardBest Supporting Actress on TelevisionBattlestar GalacticaWin
2010Saturn AwardBest Guest Starring Role on TelevisionTrue BloodNomination
2011Primetime Emmy AwardOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama SeriesThe KillingNomination
2012Saturn AwardBest Supporting Actress on TelevisionThe KillingNomination

Notable career decisions

One of Michelle Forbes' most notable career decisions came in 1991 when she declined to commit to a full-time role as Ensign on Star Trek: The Next Generation, opting instead for guest appearances across five episodes to avoid being locked into a long-term series contract and to pursue opportunities in feature films. This choice stemmed from her desire to diversify her portfolio beyond and prevent typecasting, as confirmed by The Next Generation executive producer , who noted, "She wanted to be a feature actress." Following this, Forbes starred in films like (1993) alongside , aligning with her goal of transitioning to cinematic work. Forbes made a similar decision in 1992-1993 regarding , rejecting an offer to reprise as the station's first officer and a series regular, which led producers to create the character of Major Kira Nerys for . Her refusal again reflected a commitment to avoiding extended sci-fi obligations, allowing her to maintain flexibility for varied projects rather than a multi-year television commitment. In 1996, after joining Homicide: Life on the Street as Dr. Julianna Cox in its fourth season, Forbes departed following the fifth season due to her self-described aversion to long-term series contracts. She later explained in a 2016 interview, "Homicide was a great show, but I was a commitment-phobe. I didn’t want to do seven years in a place I didn’t know," highlighting her preference for shorter engagements over prolonged immersion in one production. This move, despite the show's acclaim, underscored her reluctance to be tied down, even as producers later expressed regret over not integrating her more fully into the detective ensemble. Forbes' role as Lynne Kresge on 24 spanned the second season in 2003, where she appeared in 18 episodes as a before her storyline concluded with the character's death in the finale. This limited involvement exemplified her selective approach to television, favoring substantial but non-permanent arcs over ongoing series roles. Similarly, her 2006 stint on as Samantha Brinker lasted just three episodes in the first season, further illustrating her pattern of brief, impactful guest turns rather than extended commitments. In a reflection of her ongoing selectivity, Forbes returned to the Star Trek universe in 2023 for a single episode of Star Trek: Picard's third season, reprising Ro Laren in a pivotal one-off appearance that resolved a decades-old character arc. She described the experience positively, stating, "I was happy to reunite with Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frakes and eat breakfast and laugh together again," emphasizing the personal connections that drew her back without requiring a long-term obligation. Throughout her career, Forbes has articulated a prioritizing artistic fulfillment and project quality over commercial fame or stability, often selecting roles based on compelling material, co-stars, or creative challenges. In interviews, she has likened committing to a series to an "," underscoring her caution against roles that might limit her range, resulting in a diverse portfolio across television, film, and limited-series work rather than mainstream stardom.

References

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  9. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/michelle-forbes-34523.php
  10. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/michelle-forbes-makes-killing-character-actor-55230/
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  31. https://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/michelle_forbes/awards.html
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106028/awards/
  33. https://screenrant.com/star-trek-ensign-ro-laren-tng-ds9-maquis-voyager/
  34. https://www.slashfilm.com/1520118/star-trek-deep-space-nine-michelle-forbes-ro-laren-refusal/
  35. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/michelle-forbes-berlin-station-interview-homicide-battlestar-galactica-1201736738/
  36. https://mbc1955.wordpress.com/2016/08/27/homicide-life-in-season-six/
  37. https://24.fandom.com/wiki/Michelle_Forbes
  38. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/267086/prison-break-samantha-brinker
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