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Frances Sternhagen
★ Acting

Frances Sternhagen

1930 – 2023 · Washington, District of Columbia, USA · Active 1948–2014

Frances Sternhagen, born in 1930, carved her niche in the world of cult cinema with her compelling performances in Fedora (1978) and Outland (1981). In Fedora, she embodies the complexities of aging and fame, delivering a nuanced portrayal that resonates with the film's exploration of Hollywood's darker side. Her role in Outland as a no-nonsense authority figure adds depth to the film's sci-fi narrative, showcasing her ability to navigate diverse genres. With a career that began in the 1950s, Sternhagen's contributions to the cult film landscape remain significant.

▶ Watch on SassyFlix 2 films available
Outland

Outland

1981 ★ 6.4
as Dr. Lazarus

An honest marshal in a corrupt mining colony on Io, Jupiter's sunless third moon, is determined to confront a violent drug ring even though it may cost him his life. After his wife angrily deserts him, he waits alone for the arrival of killers hired by the company to eliminate him.

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Career Highlights Top 6 by popularity · TMDB

Filmography

81 credits
2010s 5 credits
2014
Movie ★ 6.1
2012
Pearl as Pearl
Movie
2011
Dolphin Tale as Gloria Forrest
Movie ★ 6.9
2011
Prohibition as Reader (voice)
TV ★ 7.9
2010
Parenthood as Blanche Braverman
TV ★ 7.5
2000s 8 credits
2009
Julie & Julia as Irma Rombauer
Movie ★ 6.7
2007
The Mist as Irene Reppler
Movie ★ 6.9
2005
The Closer as Willie Ray Johnson
TV ★ 7.9
2003
Movie ★ 8.0
2003
Movie ★ 6.0
2002
Highway as Mrs. Murray
Movie ★ 5.5
2002
The Laramie Project as Marge Murray
Movie ★ 6.3
1990s 23 credits
1998
The Con as Hadabelle
Movie ★ 5.5
1998
To Live Again as Constance Holmes
Movie ★ 9.5
1998
Movie ★ 5.1
1998
Sex and the City as Bunny MacDougal
TV ★ 7.4
1995
The Outer Limits as Jean Anderson
TV ★ 7.7
1994
Reunion as Tobie Yates
Movie ★ 4.8
1994
Vault of Horror I as Effie Gluckman (archive footage)
Movie ★ 5.3
1994
ER as Millicent Carter
TV ★ 7.8
1994
The Road Home as Charlotte Babineaux
TV ★ 10.0
1993
Movie ★ 7.0
1992
Raising Cain as Dr. Lynn Waldheim
Movie ★ 6.1
1992
Movie ★ 7.0
1992
She Woke Up as Noelle DuVausant
Movie ★ 5.7
1991
Doc Hollywood as Lillian, Welcoming Committee
Movie ★ 6.4
1991
Golden Years as Gina Williams
Movie ★ 5.8
1991
Coney Island as (voice)
Movie ★ 8.0
1991
Golden Years as Gina Williams
TV ★ 6.2
1990
Misery as Virginia
Movie ★ 7.7
1990
Follow Your Heart as Cloe Sixbury
Movie ★ 10.0
1990
Sibling Rivalry as Rose Turner
Movie ★ 5.2
1990
Law & Order as Margaret Langdon
TV ★ 7.3
1990
Law & Order as Estelle Muller
TV ★ 7.3
1980s 20 credits
1989
Communion as Dr. Janet Duffy
Movie ★ 5.4
1989
Movie ★ 6.0
1989
The Simpsons as Mrs. Bellamy (voice)
TV ★ 8.0
1989
Tales from the Crypt as Effie Gluckman (segment "None But the Lonely Heart")
TV ★ 8.0
1988
Movie ★ 5.7
1988
TV ★ 6.6
1988
American Experience as Self (voice)
TV ★ 6.6
1987
Once Again as Esther
Movie ★ 7.0
1987
At Mother's Request as Berenice Bradshaw
TV ★ 10.0
1987
TV ★ 7.0
1986
Resting Place as Eudora McCallister
Movie ★ 6.3
1984
Movie ★ 8.0
1984
TV ★ 7.0
1983
Prototype as Dorothy Forrester
Movie ★ 6.3
1983
Romantic Comedy as Blanche Dailey
Movie ★ 5.1
1983
Independence Day as Carla Taylor
Movie ★ 5.9
1982
Cheers as Esther Clavin
TV ★ 7.6
1981
Outland as Dr. Lazarus
Movie ★ 6.4
1980
Movie ★ 6.0
1980
Movie ★ 10.0
1970s 10 credits
1979
Starting Over as Marva Potter
Movie ★ 6.4
1978
Fedora as Miss Balfour
Movie ★ 6.7
1978
Who'll Save Our Children? as Nellie Henderson
Movie ★ 7.0
1977
The Andros Targets as Mrs. Mason
TV ★ 7.0
1974
Enemies as Paulina
Movie
1973
Two People as Mrs. McCluskey
Movie ★ 4.6
1972
The Rimers of Eldritch as Wilma Atkins
Movie
1971
The Hospital as Mrs. Cushing
Movie ★ 6.6
1971
Great Performances as Wilma Atkins
TV ★ 6.1
1971
TV ★ 6.1
1960s 4 credits
1967
Up the Down Staircase as Charlotte Wolf, School Librarian
Movie ★ 7.1
1967
Movie ★ 7.0
1964
TV ★ 5.5
1964
Profiles in Courage as Miss Koeller
TV ★ 7.5
1950s 8 credits
1956
Tony Awards as Self - Nominee
TV
1956
Tony Awards as Self - Winner
TV
1954
TV ★ 4.5
1952
TV ★ 6.3
1951
TV ★ 6.7
1951
TV ★ 8.8
1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame as Mrs. McAlister
TV ★ 8.8
1950
TV ★ 6.0
1940s 2 credits
1948
Studio One as Betty - Secretary
TV ★ 5.4
1948
Studio One as Mary
TV ★ 5.4
Crew Credits
2000s 1 credit