Julie Kavner

Photo of Julie Kavner

Biography

Deft comedienne who, two years out of college, began her professional career playing sardonic, chubby Brenda Morgenstern, younger sister to Valerie Harper's title character on the long-running TV sitcom "Rhoda" (1974-78). With her wry, sarcastic delivery, her ethnic, raspy and slightly nasal whine and her self-deprecating humor, Kavner has carved a niche as a likable second banana, playing scrappy underdogs, working women and supportive wives …
Read More »

Job Title

Actor, Music

Born

September 7, 1950

Career Milestones

2007

Reprised role of Marge Simpson for "The Simpsons Movie" an animated feature based on the long running Fox series

2006

Cast opposite Adam Sandler in the comedy "Click" directed by Frank Coraci

1997

Co-starred in Woody Allen's "Deconstructing Harry"

1996

Re-teamed with Tracy Ullman on the HBO series "Tracey Takes On..."

1995

Appeared in the comedy "Forget Paris" with Debra Winger and Billy Crystal

1994

Co-starred in the Woody Allen film "Don't Drink the Water"

1992

Starred in the Nora Ephron comedy drama "This Is My Life"

1990

Played a nurse opposite Robin Williams in the film "Awakenings"

1990

Provides the voice of Marge Simpson as well as her two sisters Patty and Selma on "The Simpsons" (Fox)

Was a featured regular on "The Tracey Ullman Show" (Fox)

1981

Film debut in "National Lampoon Goes to the Movies"

1975

TV movie debut in "Katherine" (ABC)

1975

TV debut on ABC Afternoon Playbreak "The Girl Who Couldn't Lose"

1974

First professional acting work, costarring as Valarie Harper's sister Brenda Morgenstern on TV series, "Rhoda"

1974

Was performing in an Equity waiver theater production in Los Angeles while working days as a typist at UCLA architecture school when David Davis asked her to read for role of Brenda Morgenstern on new TV series, "Rhoda"

Raised in Burbank and Beverly Hills, California

Awards

1992

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in The Simpsons

1990

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in The Tracey Ullman Show

1989

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in The Tracey Ullman Show

1988

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in The Tracey Ullman Show

1987

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in The Tracey Ullman Show

1978

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Rhoda

1978

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing Performance By a Supporting Actress In a Comedy Series in Rhoda

1977

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing Performance By a Supporting Actress In a Comedy Series in Rhoda

1976

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Rhoda

1976

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing Performance By a Supporting Actress in Rhoda

1975

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Rhoda

1975

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing Performance By a Supporting Actress in Rhoda

1974

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in Rhoda