---
name: "Beth Grant"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/beth-grant"
fi1m_id: "beth-grant"
imdb_id: "nm0335275"
tmdb_id: 5151
wikidata_id: "Q271635"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "18 September 1949"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 15
average_fi1m_score: 71
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 15
updated: "2026-10-09T04:02:55.070150+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Beth Grant

## Identity

Beth Grant

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/beth-grant
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** beth-grant
- **IMDb ID:** nm0335275
- **TMDB ID:** 5151
- **Wikidata ID:** Q271635
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_Grant, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271635, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0335275/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5151

Actor. Born 18 September 1949 in Gadsden, Alabama, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 18 September 1949, Gadsden, Alabama, USA
- **Active:** 1988–present
- **Average Fi1m score:** 71, as actor, over 15 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 76 (1), 1990s 67 (4), 2000s 73 (5), 2010s 78 (4), 2020s 47 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 71 across 14 titles
- **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 10 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 9, Comedy 7, Thriller 4, Crime 3, Mystery 3, Family 2
- **Screen time:** 25 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,903m across 13 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_Grant, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271635, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0335275/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5151

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Donnie Darko*](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md) (83), [*The Mindy Project*](https://film.one/tv/the-mindy-project.md) (72)
- **Apple TV:** [*No Country for Old Men*](https://film.one/film/no-country-for-old-men.md) (91)
- **Netflix:** [*Speed*](https://film.one/film/speed.md) (86)
- **Pluto TV:** [*The Artist*](https://film.one/film/the-artist.md) (82)
- **HBO Max:** [*Rain Man*](https://film.one/film/rain-man.md) (76)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Beth Grant

> Beth Grant gives highly-strung supporting characters enough sincerity to make their feelings matter. We value the vulnerability beneath the eccentricity, though casting her chiefly for her peculiarities risks making a dependable actor too easy to predict.

Grant's self-righteous characters take their grievances seriously, and that is usually where the comedy begins. She allows enough vulnerability through for us to recognise that being ridiculous can still hurt. We rate her for that sincerity: a small part gets someone with feelings, rather than an actor waiting to deliver the funny line.

Her early film work included a farmhouse mother in *Rain Man* (1988), but Helen in *Speed* (1994) helped establish her as a memorable supporting player. Jan de Bont's thriller is also a useful corrective to the idea that her work belongs only in eccentric comedies. We were gripped by its bomb-on-a-bus predicament because Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock make the people matter as much as the next stunt. Grant's appearance is brief; this is a recommendation for the film, not a promise of a substantial part. The plotting overreaches, though not enough to spoil an engrossing evening.

The more recognisable eccentric roles include *Sordid Lives* (2000), with writer-director Del Shores, and Kitty Farmer in Richard Kelly's *Donnie Darko* (2001). The former draws on her Southern characterisation; the latter makes her self-righteous sincerity especially useful. Kitty's concern for Sparkle Motion could be played simply as an invitation to laugh at her. Grant gives it the conviction of someone whose feelings can be wounded, which is why reducing the performance to its famous line misses the work.

In *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006), Nancy Jenkins, the pageant official, is another compact part in a busy ensemble. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris make a funny, tender family comedy, with the cast doing much to keep the contrivances tolerable. Grant's knack for giving brief roles a distinct personality belongs comfortably in that company, though the film is less persuasive when it starts instructing us about winning. We recommend it with that reservation, rather than treating a well-chosen supporting cast as proof that every part of the writing works.

The reservation about Grant herself is how readily that dependable eccentricity can become a casting habit. A recognisable manner is useful, but recognition alone is a meagre reason to give someone a part. We would like to see her cast for the vulnerability a little more often.

## Biography

Beth Grant is an American actress. She was born on 18 September 1949 in Gadsden, Alabama, and graduated from East Carolina University with a BFA in acting and directing in 1973.

Grant is known for supporting roles in films including *Rain Man* (1988), *Speed* (1994) as Helen, *Donnie Darko* (2001), *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006), *No Country for Old Men* (2007) and *The Artist* (2011). She has also appeared in numerous television series such as *Friends*, *Grey's Anatomy*, *Dexter* and *The Mindy Project*.

She is married to actor Michael Chieffo.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, news.ecu.edu.*

## On Fi1m (15)

- *Amsterdam* (2022), Fi1m 47, as Mrs. Dillenbeck — [page](https://film.one/film/amsterdam.md)
- *Jackie* (2016), Fi1m 80, as Lady Bird Johnson — [page](https://film.one/film/jackie.md)
- *The Mindy Project* (2012), Fi1m 72, as Beverly — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mindy-project.md)
- *Rango* (2011), Fi1m 77, as Bonnie (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/rango.md)
- *The Artist* (2011), Fi1m 82, as Peppy's Maid — [page](https://film.one/film/the-artist.md)
- *Crazy Heart* (2009), Fi1m 71, as Jo Ann — [page](https://film.one/film/crazy-heart.md)
- *Stolen* (2009), Fi1m 40, as Older Edvena — [page](https://film.one/film/stolen.md)
- *No Country for Old Men* (2007), Fi1m 91, as Carla Jean's Mother — [page](https://film.one/film/no-country-for-old-men.md)
- *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006), Fi1m 78, as Nancy Jenkins — [page](https://film.one/film/little-miss-sunshine.md)
- *Donnie Darko* (2001), Fi1m 83, as Kitty Farmer — [page](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md)
- *Doctor Dolittle* (1998), Fi1m 50, as Woman — [page](https://film.one/film/doctor-dolittle-1998.md)
- *A Time to Kill* (1996), Fi1m 55, as Cora Mae Cobb — [page](https://film.one/film/a-time-to-kill.md)
- *Friends* (1994), Fi1m 78, as Lizzy — [page](https://film.one/tv/friends.md)
- *Speed* (1994), Fi1m 86, as Helen — [page](https://film.one/film/speed.md)
- *Rain Man* (1988), Fi1m 76, as Mother at Farm House — [page](https://film.one/film/rain-man.md)

## Complete filmography (204)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Remarkably Bright Creatures* (2026), as Barb Vanderhoof
- *The Bondsman* (2025), series, as Kitty Halloran
- *Unconventional* (2025), series, as Charlene Baker
- *Wildcat* (2024), Co-Executive Producer
- *Sweet Dreams* (2024), as Sandra
- *Carol & the End of the World* (2023), series, as Pauline (voice)
- *Maximum Truth* (2023), as Mary Jo Nackserson
- *Digman!* (2023), series, as Laverne Dawson (voice)
- *Mayfair Witches* (2023), series, as Carlotta Mayfair
- *Amsterdam* (2022), as Mrs. Dillenbeck — Fi1m 47, [page](https://film.one/film/amsterdam.md)
- *Better Call Saul Presents: Slippin' Jimmy* (2022), series, as Ms. Retch (voice), Mrs. Brockfrater (voice)
- *Grave Intentions* (2021), as Mattie Whalen (segment "The Bridge Partner")
- *Willy's Wonderland* (2021), as Sheriff Eloise Lund
- *Wander Darkly* (2020), as Patty
- *Words on Bathroom Walls* (2020), as Sister Catherine
- *Teenage Bounty Hunters* (2020), series, as Church Lady
- *Fully Realized Humans* (2020), as Tipper · Additional Dialogue
- *Sordid Lives* (2020), Actor
- *La Sirena* (2020), as Penny
- *Beef House* (2020), series, as Eric's Mom
- *Hold On* (2019), as Shelly
- *Dollface* (2019), series, as Cat Lady
- *William* (2019), as Dr. Thomas
- *The Adventures of Thomasina Sawyer* (2018), as Ms. Dobbins
- *Hover* (2018), as Joanna
- *Mississippi Requiem* (2018), Actor
- *Wake the Riderless Horse* (2018), as Brenda
- *Andover* (2018), as Rebecca
- *Nostalgia* (2018), as Anna O'Bryan
- *Tiny Mammals* (2017), as Narrator
- *Lucky* (2017), as Elaine
- *I Do... Until I Don't* (2017), as Phyllis
- *American Gods* (2017), series, as Jack
- *Tenn* (2017), as Edwina Williams
- *Domain* (2017), as Nadine
- *Actors Anonymous* (2017), Actor
- *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017), series, as Woman with Hair But No Beard — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md)
- *The Labyrinth* (2016), as Betsy
- *Jackie* (2016), as Lady Bird Johnson — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/jackie.md)
- *Goliath* (2016), series, as Judge Meredith Caplan Reiss
- *In Dubious Battle* (2016), as Ethel
- *Heartland* (2016), as Crystal
- *All In* (2016), as Cynthia
- *Six L.A. Love Stories* (2016), as Meg Albright
- *Tond* (2016), as Janice
- *Great Plains* (2016), as Tess
- *Boys on Film 14: Worlds Collide* (2016), as Linda Heim (segment "The Violation")
- *Band of Robbers* (2016), as Widow Douglas
- *Addicted to Fresno* (2015), as Tilda
- *Con Man* (2015), series, as Susan
- *The Midnight Swim* (2015), as Amelia Brooks / Great Aunt
- *Consumed* (2015), as Kristin Kessler
- *Just Before I Go* (2015), as Mrs. Lawrence
- *Alex of Venice* (2015), as Teacher
- *The Bridge Partner* (2015), as Mattie Whalen
- *Faults* (2014), as Evelyn
- *I Didn't Do It* (2014), series, as Judy Tanzer-Dinkins
- *Odyssea* (2014), as Woman
- *As I Lay Dying* (2013), as Addie Bundren
- *The Millers* (2013), series, as Myra
- *Bad Words* (2013), as Bedazzled Judge
- *Out West* (2013), as Tiffany Alcott
- *The Violation* (2013), as Linda Heim
- *Miss Dial* (2013), as Mrs. Wojiechowski
- *Mockingbird Lane* (2012), as Marie
- *Mockingbird Lane* (2012), series, as Marie
- *Blues for Willadean* (2012), as Willadean Winkler
- *The Mindy Project* (2012), series, as Beverly — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mindy-project.md)
- *The Perfect Fit* (2012), Director
- *Life of Lemon* (2011), as Phyllis
- *Girls! Girls! Girls!* (2011), Writer, Director
- *The Artist* (2011), as Peppy's Maid — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-artist.md)
- *Mister Handsome* (2011), as Emily's Mom
- *Rango* (2011), as Bonnie (voice) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/rango.md)
- *Sedona* (2011), as Deb
- *Valley of the Sun* (2011), as Marva
- *Operation: Endgame* (2010), as Susan
- *Spork* (2010), as Principal Tulip
- *In My Sleep* (2010), as Evelyn
- *Justified* (2010), series, as Mother Truth — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/tv/justified.md)
- *Crazy Heart* (2009), as Jo Ann — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/crazy-heart.md)
- *Herpes Boy* (2009), as Mom
- *Dear Lemon Lima* (2009), as Principal Applebomb
- *Stolen* (2009), as Older Edvena — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/stolen.md)
- *Modern Family* (2009), series, as Maxine — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/modern-family.md)
- *Extract* (2009), as Mary
- *All About Steve* (2009), as Mrs. Horowitz
- *Winged Creatures* (2009), as Carla's Mom
- *Hide* (2008), as Candy
- *Henry Poole Is Here* (2008), as Josie
- *Sordid Lives: The Series* (2008), series, as Sissy Hickey
- *The Secret Life of the American Teenager* (2008), series, as Victoria, Kathleen's Mom
- *Polar Opposites* (2008), as General Railen
- *Southland Tales* (2007), as Dr. Inga Von Westphalen
- *No Country for Old Men* (2007), as Carla Jean's Mother — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/no-country-for-old-men.md)
- *Pushing Daisies* (2007), series, as Marianne Marie Beattle — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/pushing-daisies.md)
- *Welcome to Paradise* (2007), as Frances Loren
- *The House of Usher* (2007), as Mrs. Thatcher
- *Drive* (2007), series, as The Waitress
- *The Ungodly* (2007), as Emma Lemac
- *Factory Girl* (2006), as Julia Warhol
- *Flags of Our Fathers* (2006), as Mother Gagnon
- *Hard Scrambled* (2006), as Alice
- *Dexter* (2006), series, as Donna Randall — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/dexter.md)
- *Jericho* (2006), series, as Gracie Leigh
- *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006), as Nancy Jenkins — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/little-miss-sunshine.md)
- *Rocker* (2006), as Mrs. Hill
- *Hot Tamale* (2006), as Dori Woodriff
- *Daltry Calhoun* (2005), as Ciotka Dee
- *Criminal Minds* (2005), series, as Anita Weld Roycewood — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/tv/criminal-minds.md)
- *My Name Is Earl* (2005), series, as Lorraine Mariano — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/my-name-is-earl.md)
- *Bones* (2005), series, as Lizbeth Harding — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/bones.md)
- *Hard Pill* (2005), as Mom
- *Our Very Own* (2005), as Virginia Kendal
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Sheila Olsen — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *The Office* (2005), series, as Melvina — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005.md)
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as (voice)
- *Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend* (2005), as Angela
- *Medium* (2005), series, as Librarian
- *A One Time Thing* (2004), as Mom
- *A Thief Of Time* (2004), as Ranger Mildred Luna
- *Wonderfalls* (2004), series, as Marianne Marie Beattle
- *Evil Alien Conquerors* (2003), as Sheila
- *Matchstick Men* (2003), as Laundry Lady
- *The Pitts* (2003), series, as Nadine
- *Boomtown* (2002), series, as Landlady
- *8 Simple Rules* (2002), series, as Mrs. Whitley
- *Everwood* (2002), series, as Miss Violet
- *Birdseye* (2002), as Ruth Betters
- *The Rookie* (2002), as Olline
- *Desert Saints* (2002), as Lou
- *According to Jim* (2001), series, as Mrs. Whitney
- *Rock Star* (2001), as Mrs. Cole
- *Six Feet Under* (2001), series, as Dorothy Sheedy — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md)
- *Pearl Harbor* (2001), as Motherly Secretary
- *Murder, She Wrote: The Last Free Man* (2001), as Louisa Ashland
- *The Rising Place* (2001), as Melvina Pou
- *Donnie Darko* (2001), as Kitty Farmer — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md)
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Sally Roth
- *Sordid Lives* (2000), as Sissy Hickey
- *Malcolm in the Middle* (2000), series, as Dorene Hooper
- *Blue Valley Songbird* (1999), as Ruby
- *Angel* (1999), series, as Maude Pearson
- *Judging Amy* (1999), series, as Principal Mott
- *Providence* (1999), series, as Lillian Gerrish
- *Making Sandwiches* (1998), as Mrs Hellman
- *Dance with Me* (1998), as Lovejoy
- *Maximum Bob* (1998), series, as Inez Crowe
- *Doctor Dolittle* (1998), as Woman — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/doctor-dolittle-1998.md)
- *Two Guys and a Girl* (1998), series, as Tufts College Employee
- *Angelmaker* (1998), as Mrs. Turcott
- *Interruptions* (1997), as Peggy, The Mistress
- *Lawn Dogs* (1997), as Trent's Mother
- *Love Always* (1997), as Stephanie
- *A Thousand Acres* (1997), as Roberta
- *Desert's Edge* (1997), Actor
- *To Dance with Olivia* (1997), Actor
- *King of the Hill* (1997), series, as Tilly Hill (voice), Nurse (voice), Doris (voice), Blanche (voice), Nurse (voice) (uncredited), (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md)
- *Sabrina, the Teenage Witch* (1996), series, as Mrs. Popowski, Mrs. Grant
- *Profiler* (1996), series, as Cook
- *The Pretender* (1996), series, as Mrs. Haring
- *Goode Behavior* (1996), series, as Pearl
- *A Time to Kill* (1996), as Cora Mae Cobb — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/a-time-to-kill.md)
- *Norma Jean & Marilyn* (1996), as Grace Goddard
- *To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar* (1995), as Loretta
- *Safe* (1995), as Becky (Auditorium Speaker)
- *Cybill* (1995), series, as Waiter's Mother
- *Lieberman in Love* (1995), as Linda Baker
- *Friends* (1994), series, as Lizzy — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/friends.md)
- *City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold* (1994), as Lois
- *Speed* (1994), as Helen — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/speed.md)
- *Sister, Sister* (1994), series, as Angie
- *Diagnosis: Murder* (1993), series, as Penelope
- *Bakersfield P.D.* (1993), series, as Donna Stiles
- *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Iris Finster — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md)
- *The Dark Half* (1993), as Shayla Beaumont
- *Love Field* (1992), as Hazel
- *Delta* (1992), series, as Thelma Wainwright
- *White Sands* (1992), as Roz Kincaid
- *Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story* (1992), as Pat McGinty
- *Switched at Birth* (1991), series, as Sophie
- *Eating* (1990), as Carla
- *Child's Play 2* (1990), as Miss Kettlewell
- *Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael* (1990), as Lillian Logerfield
- *Don't Tell Her It's Me* (1990), as Babette
- *Flatliners* (1990), as Housewife
- *Dream On* (1990), series, as Farm Woman
- *Fall From Grace* (1990), as Paulene
- *The Outsiders* (1990), series, as Mrs. Jones
- *The Image* (1990), as Martha Packard
- *The Wizard* (1989), as Diner Manager
- *I Know My First Name Is Steven* (1989), series, as Mrs. Beta
- *Coach* (1989), series, as Martha, Maid
- *Rain Man* (1988), as Mother at Farm House — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/rain-man.md)
- *Under Cover* (1987), as Miss Randolph
- *Hooperman* (1987), series, Actor
- *Deadly Care* (1987), as Madge
- *Picnic* (1986), as Irma Kronkite
- *The Golden Girls* (1985), series, as Terry Franco, Louise — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-golden-girls.md)
- *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Meg Thomas
- *Hunter* (1984), series, as Dottie Pinder
- *The Dybbuk*, as Frayda
- *Operation Othello*, Executive Producer
- *The Long Home*, as Mrs. Winer

## Gallery

- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-4ecebfbc1091.jpg) Beth Grant — Greg Hernandez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Beth_Grant.jpg/1280px-Beth_Grant.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Actress Beth Grant at PaleyFest 2013's panel for "The Mindy Project"](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-cfdb9297f288.jpg) Actress Beth Grant at PaleyFest 2013's panel for "The Mindy Project" — iDominick, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Beth_Grant_at_PaleyFest_2013.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-1589a58f1c46.jpg) Beth Grant — Image via TMDB
- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-cbfd43b7d5aa.jpg) Beth Grant — Image via TMDB
- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-e91b1d6f4ca4.jpg) Beth Grant — Image via TMDB
- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-0d62661a74f2.jpg) Beth Grant — Image via TMDB
- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-39d4b86a76ab.jpg) Beth Grant — Image via TMDB
- ![Beth Grant](https://film.one/media/person/83964/gallery-c893a5dcba70.jpg) Beth Grant — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/beth-grant