Amy Brenneman Movies
Possessing an earthy, natural brunette beauty which allows her to effortlessly shift from glamorous to down-to-earth at the drop of a hat, actress Amy Brenneman first caught the attention of television viewers with her Emmy-nominated performance on the popular television series NYPD Blue. Though she would later gravitate to a feature career with roles in such films as Heat (1995), Daylight (1996), and Your Friends & Neighbors (1998), her television career continued to flourish as she took on the role of a single mother and Family Court judge in Judging Amy.Born the youngest of three children in New London, CT, Brenneman's mother was a superior court judge and her father an environmental attorney while she was growing up in nearby Glastonbury. Her love for acting blossoming in her pre-teen years, Brenneman would later study comparative religion at Harvard University. During her college years, performances with the American Repertoire Theater and the Harvard-Radcliffe Summer Theater found the burgeoning actress honing her skills in the work of such playwrights as Shakespeare and Aeschylus. In addition to acting during college, Brenneman also founded the Cornerstone Theater Company, a traveling troupe dedicated to performing around the country and encouraging locals to participate in the show. Relocating to New York City following a five-year stint with Cornerstone, Brenneman found work as a substitute teacher in Brooklyn while continuing to appear frequently on-stage.
Brenneman made her small-screen debut in a 1992 episode of Murder She Wrote, and was soon headlining her own series with that same year's Middle Ages. After her yearlong stint on NYPD Blue it was time to make the leap to the big screen, and following 1995's Bye Bye, Love, Brenneman would go on to appear in features while gradually climbing the credits. With the exception of her leading-lady role in the little-seen Nevada, Brenneman's frequent supporting roles would always manage to stand out no matter how formidable her co-stars' talents. Putting her childhood experiences to creative use in Judging Amy, the show proved an enduring success with its sincere blend of drama and family conflict. Moving into the new millennium, Brenneman essayed the role of artist Mary Cassatt in the made-for-television feature Mary Cassatt: An American Impressionist (1999), and took on substantial roles in the theatrical releases Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her (2000) and Off the Map (2003). Brenneman is married to director Brad Silberling, whom she met while working on NYPD Blue. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2007
In the first episode of a two-part story, Addison (Kate Walsh) heads to LA for a reunion old medical-school friends, blissfully unprepared for what it is in store for her. Meredith's stepmom Susan (Mare Winningham) is brought in with a truly bad case of hiccups, just as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) thinks she has come to terms with their relationship. "Jane Doe" (Elizabeth Reaser) has been identified as "Ava", and Alex (Justin Chambers) is happy with her by any name. And Cristina (Sandra Oh) prepares for her wedding with the dubious input of her own mother (Tsai Chin) and Burke's mom (Diahann Carroll). This episode serves to introduce the future costars of the Grey's Anatomy spinoff Private Practice: Tim Daly (Pete), Amy Brennerman (Violet), Taye Diggs (Sam), Chris Lowell (Dell) and Paul Adelstein (Cooper) (the character of Naomi, here played by Merrin Dungey, would be taken over by Audra McDonald in Private Practice). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2007
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Addison (Kate Walsh) undergoes a profound personal crisis as she mulls over the possibility of moving to LA's Oceanside Wellness Center (thereby setting the stage for the Grey's Anatomy spinoff Private Practice). Back in Seattle, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) learns that her stepmother Susan (Mare Winningham) is suffering from something far more serious than a bad case of hiccups. Alex (Justin Chambers) shows up for emotional support as Derek (Patrick Dempsey) performs emergency surgery on Ava (Elizabeth Reaser). And Burke (Isaiah Washington) and George (T.R. Knight) get quite an earful when they turn to Bailey (Chandra Wilson) for marital advice. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Filmmaker Rodrigo García takes an unusual look into the lives of nine different women in this episodic drama. Each of the film's nine sequences has been staged as a single shot, using the Steadicam system to allow the camera to follow the action fluidly and without cuts. In these short episodes (lasting between ten and 14 minutes), Holly (Lisa Gay Hamilton) has a brief moment of reverie while confronting the specters of her past in her old neighborhood. Maggie (Glenn Close) escorts her young daughter Maria (Dakota Fanning) to a cemetery as they visit the graves of their family members. Ruth (Sissy Spacek) is a married woman contemplating an affair while visiting Henry (Aidan Quinn) in his hotel room. Diana (Robin Wright Penn) unexpectedly runs into an old boyfriend, Damian (Jason Isaacs), while shopping for groceries. Camilla (Kathy Baker) is a hospital patient awaiting surgery for cancer. Samantha (Amanda Seyfried) is a teenage girl who helps look after her handicapped father Larry (Ian McShane). Sandra (Elpidia Carrillo) is a female prison inmate who is expecting a visit from her children. Sonia (Holly Hunter) lashes out at her boyfriend Martin (Stephen Dillane) when she finds out he's been cheating on her. And Lorna (Amy Brenneman) has an unexpectedly moving encounter with her ex-husband Andrew (William Fichtner) as she pays her respects to his second wife, who has just passed away. Nine Lives premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, (more)
- 1999
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The six-part made-for-television Artists' Specials Series is an entertaining and educational collection of children's films. Programs focus on a significant segment of a famous artist's life. Biographical information is mixed with fiction to create compelling stories reflecting turning points in the lives of revered art world figures. In Mary Cassatt: American Impressionist, children are introduced to one of the country's foremost printmakers and women artists. The story revolves around a visit from Cassatt's brother and his three rowdy children just days prior to an important Paris exhibition, and a meeting with painter Edgar Degas. Other videos in the series include Degas and the Dancer, Rembrandt: Fathers and Sons, and Monet: Shadow and Light. The highly acclaimed series is designed for youngsters age eight and older. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Amy Brenneman, Thomas Jay Ryan, (more)
- 1999
In the first half of Frasier's two-part season-six finale, Niles (David Hyde Pierce) remains depressed over the impending marriage of Daphne (Jane Leeves) and Donny (Saul Rubinek) -- at least until he meets an attractive stranger at Café Nervosa. Meanwhile, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) thinks he has finally chosen between Cassandra (Virginia Madsen) and Faye (Amy Brenneman), and Roz (Peri Gilpin) finally gives Bulldog (Dan Tucker) what he wants. Originally telecast as a one-hour "special," this episode has since been re-edited as two separate half-hours for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
In the conclusion of Frasier's season-six finale, all three of the Crane men continue to encounter big problems in their respective love lives. Niles (David Hyde Pierce) decides his new girlfriend is too "hip" for his room; Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) is caught between two lovers, whose names he can't keep straight; and the relationship between Martin (John Mahoney) and his lady friend Bonnie (Alice Playten) hits a serious snag thanks to Eddie the dog. Originally telecast as a one-hour "special," this episode has since been re-edited as two separate half-hours for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Amy Brenneman and Virginia Madsen make return appearances as Fraiser's newest lady friends, Faye Moskowitz and Cassandra Stone. Romantically involved with both women, Frasier not only has difficulty choosing between them but also juggling his "date time." The more deeply committed our hero becomes to both Faye and Cassandra, the more ridiculous he and the whole situation becomes -- and the more impossible it seems that a solution will ever be reached. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
The Christmas season affords Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) yet another opportunity to advance his love life -- or bollix it up. It all starts when Frasier is rescued from an embarrassing shopping blunder by a certain Mrs. Helen Moskowitz (Carole Shelley). This leads to a deepening relationship between Frasier and Helen's attractive daughter Faye (played by future Judging Amy star Amy Brenneman). The trick now is to convince Mrs. Moskowitz's that Frasier is Jewish! This episode won an Emmy Award for writer Jay Kogen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
A strong cast highlights this tough-minded urban drama. Police have been unsuccessful in making a case against three small-time bookmakers they've been following, but luckily a cop named Iggy (Scott Glenn) happens to catch up with Jerry (George DiCenzo), one of the bookies. Instead of arresting him, he demands money; his brother was deep in debt to the bookies, and the pressure drove him to suicide. Meanwhile, a neighborhood character named Leon (John Turturro) brings the bookies a tip on a bet he's convinced will be a sure winner. Needing to raise some quick cash, Jerry and his buddies Charlie (Michael Badalucco) and Ed (John Spencer) take Leon's advice, but live to regret it. Lesser Prophets also features Elizabeth Perkins, Jimmy Smits, and Amy Brenneman. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Badalucco, Amy Brenneman, (more)
- 1997
A woman fleeing the man in her life discovers a city of women in this revisionist western. Chrysty (Amy Brenneman) is passing through the Nevada desert when she happens upon the small town of Silver, currently populated entirely by women and children, while the men in the community are gone -- working on a dam building project. When Chrysty discovers June (Bridgette Wilson) alone and in labor, she helps her as she gives birth; Chrysty opts to stay around, and she takes a job delivering milk. Silver is ruled by McGill (Kirstie Alley), the village's self-appointed sheriff who doesn't trust Chrysty; McGill discovers that Chrysty is actually an Idaho housewife running away from her husband, West (Angus MacFadyen). However, June's husband Rip (James Wilder), back in town after the birth of a child that may not be his and troubled by his wife's chronic infidelity, has fallen in love with Chrysty, and when West arrives to Silver to retrieve his spouse, Rip opts to fight for her hand. Nevada also features Saffron Burrows as June's sister-in-law, and Dee Wallace Stone and Kathy Najimy as a rough-and-tumble lesbian couple. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1994
NYPD Blue begins its second season with 15th Precinct police officer Janice Licalsi (Amy Brenneman) on trial for the killing of mob functionary Marino. Despite having suppressed evidence that would have incriminated Janice, Detective John Kelly (David Caruso) testifies on her behalf -- and outside chambers, Kelly tells Robin Wirkus (Debrah Farentino) of his innermost feelings. Elsewhere, the squad investigates a series of robberies targeting drug dealers, and Andy Sipowicz, (Dennis Franz), busy on a case involving a battered wife, must agree to signing a contract with his AA sponsor, Dan Breen (Peter Boyle), before renewing his romance with another recovering alcoholic. With this episode, Gail O'Grady (Donna Abandando), Gordon Clapp (Greg Medavoy), and Sharon Lawrence (Sylvia Costas) graduate from recurring-characters to full "series regular" status. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
The jury reaches a verdict in the murder trial of Janice Licalsi (Amy Brenneman, in her final NYPD Blue appearance). Internal Affairs wants answers from Kelly (David Caruso) regarding his involvement in Janice's defense and Detective Medavoy's (Gordon Clapp) ledger. Kelly and Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) investigate a series of robberies targeting drug dealers and also a double murder. And Andy and Sylvia (Sharon Lawrence) renew their relationship over dinner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
NYPD Blue seemed destined to end before it began, with leading character Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) being gunned down in the very first episode. Andy would recover, but the person responsible for his wounds, mob boss Alfornse Giardella (Robert Costanzo), would prove to be the catalyst of many of the series' initial plot lines and subplots. Attorney Laura Michaels (Sherry Stringfield), ex-wife of Andy's partner, Det. John Kelly (David Caruso), turned out to be the sole eyewitness when Giardella was himself slain by his enemies. And, rather than do the bidding of Giardella crony Angelo Marino (Joe Santos), uniformed officer Janice Licalsi (Amy Brenneman), who had been forced into collusion with the Mob because of her on-the-take policeman father, cold-bloodedly murdered Marino -- a fact that would lead to grief and professional disgrace for Janice's erstwhile lover John Kelly. Other first-season NYPD Blue developments: The contentious Sipowicz almost begrudgingly entered into a romance with Assistant DA Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence), who like Andy, had a serious problem with booze; the drug-addicted brother of Det. James Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) died of a drug overdose; precinct skipper Arthur Fancy (James McDaniel) had problems at home due to a custody battle over a foster child and Mrs. Fancy's difficult pregnancy; and unhappily married Det. Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) began an affair with sexy new administrative assistant Donna Abandando (Gail O'Grady). (Clapp and O'Grady were merely recurring characters this season, but would graduate to full "regular" status for season two). NYPD Blue closed out the 1993-1994 season by winning five Emmy awards, for best lead actor (Dennis Franz), best writer (Ann Biderman), best director (Daniel Sackheim), best art direction (Paul Eads, Mary Ann Biddle) and best casting (Junie Lowry-Johnson, Alexa L. Fogel). The series also endured the first of many cast defections, when Sherry Stringfield relinquished the role of Laura Michaels in order to accept a job on the new medical drama series ER. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Taciturn Gulf War veteran Charles McComber (Sean O'Bryan) returns to his home town of Cabot Cove in hopes of being reunited with his fiancee Beth Forsythe (Eileen Seeley). Instead, a murder occurs at a Christmas party where McComber has shown up uninvited. Hoping to clear McComber of suspicion, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) uncovers a dark secret tied in with embezzlement, betrayal and blackmail. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Jon Avnet directs Al Pacino in the thriller 88 Minutes. Pacino plays university professor Jack Gramm, who occasionally assists the FBI in matters of forensic psychiatry. His recent testimony against a freshly convicted criminal seems to be the reason he has gotten a scary phone call informing him he will die in 88 minutes. As with the like-minded thriller D.O.A. (both the original and the remake), the protagonist must use his skills in order to track down who has hatched this evil plot and hopefully prevent his own demise. Alicia Witt and Leelee Sobieski co-star as the professor's star students. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Al Pacino, Alicia Witt, (more)
Answering the question of "Where have all the New Wavers gone?" is The Suburbans, a comedy from first-time director Donal Lardner Ward, who also stars and co-wrote the screenplay. In 1981, power pop band The Suburbans had it all -- big hair, skinny ties and a hit record. But they never followed up on their one chart success, and years later, most of the band's members have dropped out of the music business in favor of "real jobs." However, when one of the ex-Suburbans gets married, the four members are reunited at the reception and play their lone hit for old times sake. As fate would have it, one of the wedding guests is Cait (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a young A&R executive who loved the Suburbans as a kid and thinks they could have another shot at the big time. But does pushing-40 bandleader Danny (Ward) really want to put a stake in the heart of his marriage to Grace (Amy Brenneman) for another moment in the spotlight? The Suburbans features a period-appropraite cameo from A Flock Of Seagulls and supporting performances from Ben Stiller, Jerry Stiller, Will Ferrell and Robert Loggia. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Craig Bierko, Amy Brenneman, (more)
