---
name: "Clea DuVall"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/clea-duvall"
fi1m_id: "clea-duvall"
imdb_id: "nm0245112"
tmdb_id: 20387
wikidata_id: "Q233347"
roles: ["Actor","Director"]
born: "25 September 1977"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 78
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 8
updated: "2026-09-23T21:30:43.716122+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."
---

# Clea DuVall

## Identity

Clea DuVall

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/clea-duvall
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** clea-duvall
- **IMDb ID:** nm0245112
- **TMDB ID:** 20387
- **Wikidata ID:** Q233347
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clea_DuVall, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233347, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0245112/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/20387

Actor and director. Born 25 September 1977 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Director
- **Born:** 25 September 1977, Los Angeles, California, USA
- **Active:** 2003–present
- **Also known as:** Clea Duvall, Clea Helen D'Etienne DuVall
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 9: 8 acting, 1 directing
- **Average Fi1m score:** 78, as actor, over 8 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 77 (4), 2010s 79 (4), 2020s 82 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 78 to 76 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 6, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 3, Thriller 3, Comedy 2, Crime 2, Mystery 2
- **Screen time:** 7 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $378m across 3 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clea_DuVall, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233347, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0245112/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/20387

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Veep*](https://film.one/tv/veep.md) (82), [*Carnivàle*](https://film.one/tv/carnivale.md) (76)
- **Peacock:** [*Poker Face*](https://film.one/tv/poker-face.md) (82)
- **Apple TV:** [*Argo*](https://film.one/film/argo.md) (79)

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

## Fi1m on Clea DuVall

> Clea DuVall is good at playing people who would rather look difficult than frightened. Her supporting work deserves attention, though repeated casting as the outsider has sometimes given her too little else to do.

In *Carnivàle* (2003), Clea DuVall gives Sofie a wariness that makes her quick anger understandable. Her mother, Apollonia, is played by Diane Salinger without movement or speech, which leaves DuVall’s irritability sharply exposed. We felt for Sofie because that temper never quite conceals how vulnerable she seems. DuVall makes an unwelcoming character worth watching without asking us to find her agreeable. The series gives that work time, though its patient pace can test ours.

Her early casting often gave her a narrower job: be the outsider. Robert Rodriguez’s *The Faculty* (1998) made that explicit with Stokely Mitchell, a rebellious goth student. As Graham in *But I’m a Cheerleader* (1999), she was also part of a queer comedy that helped establish her association with LGBTQ+ characters. The drawback is repetition, with too many parts asking her to establish that she does not fit in.

In Ben Affleck’s *Argo* (2012), her Cora Lijek belongs to an ensemble whose predicament keeps a sometimes contrived thriller tense. Alan Arkin and John Goodman supply its liveliest company; DuVall has a less conspicuous task. Her contribution is suited to a film that needs frightened people to keep functioning. She makes Cora’s effort to stay strong convincing without making the fear disappear. It is supporting work worth noticing, even when the rescue plot has most of our attention.

Writing, directing and appearing in *The Intervention* (2016), her first feature as director, offered a way beyond those casting habits. *Happiest Season* (2020) and the series *High School* (2022) continued a move towards making LGBTQ+ stories herself. She also directed an episode of *Poker Face* (2023) in 2025; our enthusiasm for that series rests chiefly on Natasha Lyonne’s warm, funny company. For the acting, start with *Carnivàle*, where Sofie has room to be more than perpetually wary. Just be prepared for a story that stops before it is finished.

## Biography

Clea DuVall is an American actress, director, producer and writer. Born on 25 September 1977 in Los Angeles, California, she studied at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and began her career in the mid-1990s.

She gained attention for supporting roles in films including *The Faculty* (1998), *But I'm a Cheerleader* and *Girl, Interrupted* (both 1999), *Identity* and *21 Grams* (both 2003), *Zodiac* (2007) and *Argo* (2012). On television she has appeared in *Carnivàle* (2003–2005), *Heroes* (2006–2007), *American Horror Story* (2012–2013), *Better Call Saul* (2015–2017), *Veep* (2016–2019) and *The Handmaid's Tale* (2018–2022).

DuVall made her feature directorial debut with *The Intervention* (2016), which she also wrote. She later directed *Happiest Season* (2020) and episodes of series including *Poker Face* (2023), and created the drama series *High School* (2022).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, variety.com, themoviedb.org.*

## On Fi1m (9)

### Performed in (8) — the average rests on these

- *The Handmaid's Tale* (2017), Fi1m 75, as Sylvia — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-handmaids-tale.md)
- *Broad City* (2014), Fi1m 80, as Lesley Marnel — [page](https://film.one/tv/broad-city.md)
- *Argo* (2012), Fi1m 79, as Cora Lijek — [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md)
- *Veep* (2012), Fi1m 82, as Marjorie Palmiotti — [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md)
- *Zodiac* (2007), Fi1m 91, as Linda del Buono — [page](https://film.one/film/zodiac.md)
- *Heroes* (2006), Fi1m 68, as Audrey Hanson — [page](https://film.one/tv/heroes.md)
- *21 Grams* (2003), Fi1m 72, as Claudia — [page](https://film.one/film/21-grams.md)
- *Carnivàle* (2003), Fi1m 76, as Sofie — [page](https://film.one/tv/carnivale.md)

### Directed (1)

- *Poker Face* (2023), Fi1m 82, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/poker-face.md)

## Complete filmography (96)

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

- *Swiped* (2025), as Charlotte
- *Poker Face* (2023), series, as Emily Cale · Director — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/poker-face.md)
- *High School* (2022), series, Director, Teleplay, Executive Producer, Creator
- *The First Lady* (2022), series, as Tommy
- *HouseBroken* (2021), series, as Twinkle (voice) · Writer, Creator
- *Happiest Season* (2020), Director, Story, Screenplay
- *Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine* (2020), Thanks
- *Looking for Alaska* (2019), series, Director
- *The Romanoffs* (2018), series, as Patricia Callahan
- *All About Nina* (2018), as Paula
- *Searching* (2018), Thanks
- *The Handmaid's Tale* (2017), series, as Sylvia — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-handmaids-tale.md)
- *Heaven's Floor* (2016), as Julia
- *Zen Dog* (2016), as Marlene Meeks
- *The Intervention* (2016), as Jessie · Writer, Director, Executive Producer
- *Take My Wife* (2016), series, as Audience Member
- *Addicted to Fresno* (2015), as Regina
- *Shelter* (2015), as Petra
- *MA / DDY* (2015), as Dana
- *The Lizzie Borden Chronicles* (2015), series, as Emma Borden
- *Better Call Saul* (2015), series, as Dr. Lara Cruz — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/better-call-saul.md)
- *Jackie & Ryan* (2014), as Virginia
- *In Security* (2014), as Lena · Executive Producer
- *Lizzie Borden Took an Ax* (2014), as Emma Borden
- *Broad City* (2014), series, as Lesley Marnel — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/broad-city.md)
- *Argo* (2012), as Cora Lijek — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md)
- *The Newsroom* (2012), series, as Lilly Hart
- *Veep* (2012), series, as Marjorie Palmiotti — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md)
- *American Horror Story* (2011), series, as Wendy Peyser
- *New Girl* (2011), series, as Camilla — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/new-girl.md)
- *And Baby Will Fall* (2011), as Melinda
- *Conviction* (2010), as Brenda Marsh
- *The Event* (2010), series, as Maya
- *Lez Chat* (2010), as Librarian
- *Virtuality* (2009), as Sue Parsons
- *Virtuality* (2009), series, Actor
- *Lie to Me* (2009), series, as Michelle Russell
- *The Killing Room* (2009), as Kerry Isalano
- *Passengers* (2008), as Shannon
- *The Watch* (2008), as Cassie
- *Itty Bitty Titty Committee* (2007), as Singer (uncredited)
- *Private Practice* (2007), series, as Natasha
- *Anamorph* (2007), as Sandy Strickland
- *Saving Grace* (2007), series, as Maura Darrell
- *Ten Inch Hero* (2007), as Jen
- *Zodiac* (2007), as Linda del Buono — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/zodiac.md)
- *Two Weeks* (2006), as Katrina
- *Heroes* (2006), series, as Audrey Hanson — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/heroes.md)
- *Out There* (2006), as Billy
- *Bones* (2005), series, as McKenna Grant — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/bones.md)
- *Fathers and Sons* (2005), as Laura (uncredited)
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Jennifer Robinson — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *Numb3rs* (2005), series, as Melanie Bailey
- *The Grudge* (2004), as Jennifer Williams
- *Helter Skelter* (2004), as Linda Kasabian
- *21 Grams* (2003), as Claudia — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/21-grams.md)
- *Carnivàle* (2003), series, as Sofie — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/carnivale.md)
- *Identity* (2003), as Ginny
- *CSI: Miami* (2002), series, as Lyla Moore
- *The Slaughter Rule* (2002), as Skyla Sisco
- *The Laramie Project* (2002), as Amanda Gronich
- *How to Make a Monster* (2001), as Laura
- *Thirteen Conversations About One Thing* (2001), as Beatrice
- *Ghosts of Mars* (2001), as Bashira Kincaid
- *See Jane Run* (2001), as Jane
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Abigail Spencer
- *The Fugitive* (2000), series, as Lynette Hennessy
- *Wildflowers* (2000), as Cally
- *But I'm a Cheerleader* (2000), as Graham
- *Committed* (2000), as Mimi
- *Bear to the Right* (2000), as Waitress
- *Girl, Interrupted* (1999), as Georgina
- *Popular* (1999), series, as Wanda Rickets
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Mia Latimer
- *The Astronaut's Wife* (1999), as Nan
- *Sleeping Beauties* (1999), as Clea
- *She's All That* (1999), as Misty
- *A Slipping Down Life* (1999), as Nurse
- *The Faculty* (1998), as Stokely
- *Girl* (1998), as Gillian
- *The Alarmist* (1998), as Suzy
- *Can't Hardly Wait* (1998), as Jana
- *Niagara, Niagara* (1998), as Convenience Store Clerk
- *How to Make the Cruelest Month* (1998), as Bell Bryant
- *The Defenders: Payback* (1997), as Jessica Lane
- *On the Edge of Innocence* (1997), as Ann
- *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997), series, as Marcie Ross — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer.md)
- *Crisis Center* (1997), series, as Laura Thomas
- *Little Witches* (1996), as Kelsey
- *Dangerous Minds* (1996), series, as Nina
- *ER* (1994), series, as Katie Reed — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Amanda Green — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *Untitled Troop Beverly Hills 2*, Director, Screenplay
- *Untitled Happiest Season Sequel*, Writer, Director
- *Polly Pocket*, Director
- *Abbi and the Eighth Wonder*, Director

## Gallery

- ![Clea DuVall](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-a225dfeac25f.jpg) Clea DuVall — Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Clea_DuVall_%282019_crop%29.jpg/1280px-Clea_DuVall_%282019_crop%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Star of The Faculty, Girl, Interrupted, Identity, Zodiac, Carnivàle, and Veep. (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-f2214bc04146.jpg) Star of The Faculty, Girl, Interrupted, Identity, Zodiac, Carnivàle, and Veep. (2019) — Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Clea_DuVall_%2833613430998%29.jpg/1280px-Clea_DuVall_%2833613430998%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Clea DuVall in New York City, 2016](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-0bfc5bf8dba5.jpg) Clea DuVall in New York City, 2016 — greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Clea_Duvall_%282016%29_crop.jpg/1280px-Clea_Duvall_%282016%29_crop.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Clea DuVall in New York City, 2016](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-fdbd10c59c57.jpg) Clea DuVall in New York City, 2016 — greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Clea_Duvall_%282016%29_crop_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Clea DuVall](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-2dd2cd268ea6.jpg) Clea DuVall — Image via TMDB
- ![Clea DuVall](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-b7391fd29ed0.jpg) Clea DuVall — Image via TMDB
- ![Clea DuVall](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-b0d164af93cf.jpg) Clea DuVall — Image via TMDB
- ![Clea DuVall](https://film.one/media/person/46491/gallery-9b4935c4229c.jpg) Clea DuVall — 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/clea-duvall