---
name: "Frances Conroy"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/frances-conroy"
fi1m_id: "frances-conroy"
imdb_id: "nm0175814"
tmdb_id: 4432
wikidata_id: "Q233882"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "15 March 1953"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 14
average_fi1m_score: 73
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 14
updated: "2026-10-07T10:38:59.822555+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."
---

# Frances Conroy

## Identity

Frances Conroy

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/frances-conroy
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** frances-conroy
- **IMDb ID:** nm0175814
- **TMDB ID:** 4432
- **Wikidata ID:** Q233882
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Conroy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233882, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175814/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4432

Actor. Born 15 March 1953 in Monroe, Georgia, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 15 March 1953, Monroe, Georgia, USA
- **Active:** 1979–present
- **Also known as:** Frances Hardman Conroy
- **Average Fi1m score:** 73, as actor, over 14 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 78 (1), 1980s 85 (2), 1990s 74 (3), 2000s 68 (5), 2010s 63 (1), 2020s 79 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 72 to 71 across 12 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 9 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 11, Comedy 4, Crime 4, Action 2, Fantasy 2, Romance 2
- **Screen time:** 20 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,802m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Conroy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233882, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175814/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4432

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Six Feet Under*](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md) (86), [*Catwoman*](https://film.one/film/catwoman.md) (34)
- **Netflix:** [*The Power of the Dog*](https://film.one/film/the-power-of-the-dog.md) (84), [*Nimona*](https://film.one/film/nimona.md) (74)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Crucible*](https://film.one/film/the-crucible.md) (68)
- **Apple TV:** [*Joker*](https://film.one/film/joker.md) (63)

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

## Fi1m on Frances Conroy

> Frances Conroy makes composure look like hard work. Her Ruth Fisher in *Six Feet Under* is the performance we recommend first: strained and moving without asking us to find her easy company.

In *Six Feet Under* (2001), Ruth Fisher seems to have prepared herself even for an ordinary conversation. Frances Conroy makes her composure look effortful, leaving us aware of feelings Ruth would rather keep under control. We were moved by that strain: speaking to her family could seem to demand more of Ruth than she had to spare. Conroy gives us reason to care about her without pretending she would be easy to live with.

Her screen career took time to give her that much room. A small part in *Manhattan* (1979) and supporting work such as *Scent of a Woman* (1992) came during a period when theatre remained her principal occupation. *Six Feet Under* ran from 2001 to 2005, giving her a breakthrough lead role and five seasons in which to develop Ruth. A performance built around that kind of strain benefits from time; we need to see more than one uncomfortable exchange.

She also benefits from having other actors working just as carefully around her. Peter Krause gives Nate an ease that Ruth lacks, while Michael C. Hall's David makes restraint look exhausting in a different way. Lauren Ambrose gives Claire an impatience that usefully breaks up those heavier moods. The programme can indulge its brooding, and we would not pretend that every family exchange earns its length; Conroy's precision is one reason to stay.

The later work has more often put her in supporting or recurring parts. Her work with Ryan Murphy on *American Horror Story* (from 2011) includes Moira O'Hara and Myrtle Snow among several recurring roles. Film parts such as Penny Fleck, the central character's mother in *Joker* (2019), and the Old Lady in *The Power of the Dog* (2021) keep her further from the centre. We would welcome another part that gives her as much time as Ruth. Start with *Six Feet Under*, provided a family that takes considerable effort to be around sounds like an evening well spent.

## Biography

Frances Conroy (also credited as Frances Hardman Conroy) is an American actress. She trained at the Juilliard School, where she earned a BFA, and began her career in theatre.

She is best known for playing Ruth Fisher in the HBO series *Six Feet Under* (2001–2005), for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 2004 and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Conroy has appeared in numerous other television series, including multiple roles across seasons of *American Horror Story* (2011–), and films such as *Scent of a Woman* (1992), *The Aviator* (2004), *Joker* (2019) and *The Power of the Dog* (2021). She has an extensive stage career with Broadway credits including *The Ride Down Mt. Morgan* and *The Little Foxes*.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, goldenglobes.com, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (14)

- *Nimona* (2023), Fi1m 74, as The Director (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/nimona.md)
- *The Power of the Dog* (2021), Fi1m 84, as Old Lady — [page](https://film.one/film/the-power-of-the-dog.md)
- *Joker* (2019), Fi1m 63, as Penny Fleck — [page](https://film.one/film/joker.md)
- *How I Met Your Mother* (2005), Fi1m 74, as Loretta Stinson — [page](https://film.one/tv/how-i-met-your-mother.md)
- *Catwoman* (2004), Fi1m 34, as Ophelia — [page](https://film.one/film/catwoman.md)
- *The Aviator* (2004), Fi1m 74, as Mrs. Hepburn — [page](https://film.one/film/the-aviator.md)
- *Nip/Tuck* (2003), Fi1m 70, as Jane Fields — [page](https://film.one/tv/nip-tuck.md)
- *Six Feet Under* (2001), Fi1m 86, as Ruth Fisher — [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md)
- *The Crucible* (1996), Fi1m 68, as Ann Putnam — [page](https://film.one/film/the-crucible.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Irene Reed — [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *Scent of a Woman* (1992), Fi1m 75, as Christine Downes — [page](https://film.one/film/scent-of-a-woman.md)
- *Crimes and Misdemeanors* (1989), Fi1m 84, as House Owner — [page](https://film.one/film/crimes-and-misdemeanors.md)
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), Fi1m 86, Actor — [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Manhattan* (1979), Fi1m 78, as Shakespearean Actress — [page](https://film.one/film/manhattan.md)

## Complete filmography (95)

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

- *Nimona* (2023), as The Director (voice) — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/nimona.md)
- *The Boys Presents: Diabolical* (2022), series, as Barb (voice)
- *The Power of the Dog* (2021), as Old Lady — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-power-of-the-dog.md)
- *Joker* (2019), as Penny Fleck — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/film/joker.md)
- *James vs. His Future Self* (2019), as Dr. Rowley
- *Dead to Me* (2019), series, as Eileen Wood
- *Mountain Rest* (2018), as Ethel
- *Castle Rock* (2018), series, as Martha Lacy
- *Summer Camp Island* (2018), series, as Ms. Clearinet (voice), Lead Patrol Elf (voice)
- *The Tale* (2018), as Jane Graham
- *Young Sheldon* (2017), series, as Flora Douglas
- *The Mist* (2017), series, as Natalie Raven
- *No Pay, Nudity* (2016), as Andrea Gottlieb
- *Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz* (2016), as Auntie Em / Glinda (voice)
- *Welcome to Happiness* (2016), as Claiborne
- *Bornebusch i tevefabriken* (2016), series, as Guest
- *We Bare Bears* (2015), series, as Faye / Additional Voices (voice)
- *Making the Rules* (2014), as Mother
- *Chasing Ghosts* (2014), as Dara
- *Getting On* (2013), series, as Dr. Alice Marvel
- *Ring of Fire* (2013), as Maybelle Carter
- *Superman: Unbound* (2013), as Ma Kent (voice)
- *Sequin Raze* (2013), as Dr. Wagerstein
- *American Horror Story* (2011), series, as Moira O'Hara, Myrtle Snow, Angel of Death, Gloria Mott, Belle Noir / Sarah Cunningham, Mama Polk, Bebe Babbitt
- *Stay Cool* (2011), as Mrs. Leuchtenberger
- *The Smell of Success* (2011), as Agnes May
- *Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz* (2011), as Auntie Em / Glinda (voice)
- *Love Bites* (2011), series, as Faye Strathmore
- *Waking Madison* (2011), as Dolly
- *All Star Superman* (2011), as Martha Kent (voice)
- *Stone* (2010), as Madylyn
- *Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated* (2010), series, as Mrs. Dinkley (voice), Angie Dinkley (voice)
- *6 Souls* (2010), as Mrs. Bernburg
- *Bloodworth* (2010), as Julia Bloodworth
- *Love Happens* (2009), as Eloise's Mom
- *Royal Pains* (2009), series, as Blythe Ballard
- *New in Town* (2009), as Trudy Van Uuden
- *The Tale of Despereaux* (2008), as Antoinette (voice)
- *Humboldt County* (2008), as Rosie
- *The Mentalist* (2008), series, as Elspeth Cook — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mentalist.md)
- *The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising* (2007), as Miss Greythorne
- *A Perfect Day* (2006), as Camille
- *The Wicker Man* (2006), as Dr. Moss
- *Ira & Abby* (2006), as Lynne Willoughby
- *Shopgirl* (2005), as Catherine Buttersfield
- *How I Met Your Mother* (2005), series, as Loretta Stinson — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/how-i-met-your-mother.md)
- *Broken Flowers* (2005), as Dora
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Eleanor Davis — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *The Aviator* (2004), as Mrs. Hepburn — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/the-aviator.md)
- *Desperate Housewives* (2004), series, as Virginia Hildebrand — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md)
- *Catwoman* (2004), as Ophelia — Fi1m 34, [page](https://film.one/film/catwoman.md)
- *Arrested Development* (2003), series, as Lottie Dottie — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/tv/arrested-development.md)
- *Die, Mommie, Die!* (2003), as Bootsie Carp
- *Nip/Tuck* (2003), series, as Jane Fields — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/nip-tuck.md)
- *Maid in Manhattan* (2002), as Paula Burns
- *Six Feet Under* (2001), series, as Ruth Fisher — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md)
- *Stark Raving Mad* (1999), series, as Beverly Rose
- *Murder in a Small Town* (1999), as Martha Lassiter
- *The Crucible* (1996), as Ann Putnam — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/the-crucible.md)
- *Angela* (1996), as Anne's Mother
- *Journey* (1995), as Fiona
- *The Neon Bible* (1995), as Miss Scover
- *Developing* (1995), as Clare
- *ER* (1994), series, as Becky Riley — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *One More Mountain* (1994), as Peggy Breen
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), as Irene Reed — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *The Adventures of Huck Finn* (1993), as Scrawny Shanty Lady
- *Alex Haley's Queen* (1993), series, as Mrs. Benson
- *Scent of a Woman* (1992), as Christine Downes — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/scent-of-a-woman.md)
- *Billy Bathgate* (1991), as Mary Behan
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Elizabeth Hendrick, Rosa Halasy — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *Crimes and Misdemeanors* (1989), as House Owner — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/crimes-and-misdemeanors.md)
- *Our Town* (1989), as Mrs. Gibbs
- *Terrorist on Trial: The United States vs. Salim Ajami* (1988), as Lyn Kessler
- *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels* (1988), as Lady from Palm Beach
- *Another Woman* (1988), as Lynn
- *Rocket Gibraltar* (1988), as Ruby Hanson
- *Amazing Grace and Chuck* (1987), as Pamela
- *LBJ: The Early Years* (1987), Actor
- *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as (segment "The Library")
- *The Joy That Kills* (1985), as Louise Mallard
- *Falling in Love* (1984), as Waitress
- *Kennedy* (1983), series, as Jean Smith
- *Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number* (1983), Actor
- *Keeping On* (1983), as Sally
- *Newhart* (1982), series, Actor
- *The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana* (1982), as Mrs. Watson
- *Carl Sandburg: Echoes and Silences* (1982), as Mother / Lilian Steichen
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Mother / Lilian Steichen, Sally, Louise Mallard
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Manhattan* (1979), as Shakespearean Actress — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/manhattan.md)
- *All's Well That Ends Well* (1978), as Diana
- *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Mrs. Gibbs
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Fiona
- *Beautiful People*, series, as Lydia

## Gallery

- ![Frances Conroy 2012](https://film.one/media/person/61345/gallery-4bd0548e8b91.jpg) Frances Conroy 2012 — Mingle MediaTV, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Frances_Conroy_1.jpg/1280px-Frances_Conroy_1.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Frances Conroy 2012 (2014)](https://film.one/media/person/61345/gallery-d432d9e3f9fc.jpg) Frances Conroy 2012 (2014) — Mingle MediaTV, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Frances_Conroy_1_crop.JPG/1280px-Frances_Conroy_1_crop.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Frances Conroy 2012 (2014)](https://film.one/media/person/61345/gallery-1a97664c298d.jpg) Frances Conroy 2012 (2014) — Mingle MediaTV, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Frances_Conroy_1_crop_B%26W.JPG/1280px-Frances_Conroy_1_crop_B%26W.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Frances Conroy - DSC_0195 (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/61345/gallery-e67225a05e97.jpg) Frances Conroy - DSC_0195 (2012) — Mingle MediaTV, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Frances_Conroy_2012.jpg/1280px-Frances_Conroy_2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Frances Conroy](https://film.one/media/person/61345/gallery-99468df22c2d.jpg) Frances Conroy — Image via TMDB
- ![Frances Conroy](https://film.one/media/person/61345/gallery-7957f57688ba.jpg) Frances Conroy — iDominick, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Frances_Conroy_at_PaleyFest_2014_-_13491478183.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)

## Awards

### Other awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play 2000: Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play (nominated)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© 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/frances-conroy