Jayne Atkinson
A commanding stage and screen presence who brings formidable intelligence and quiet authority to every role, from political operatives to caring foster mothers.
Born 1959 (age 67)·British-American actress·Birthday: February 18·Baby Boomers
Biography
Jayne Atkinson's career is a masterclass in steady, substantial artistry. With a foundation built on the New York stage—where she earned Tony nominations for her work in 'The Rainmaker' and 'Enchanted April'—she possesses a theatrical gravitas that translates powerfully to the screen. Television audiences know her as the steely, often besieged Section Chief Erin Strauss on 'Criminal Minds' or the shrewd Secretary of State Catherine Durant on 'House of Cards,' roles where she excelled at conveying immense pressure behind a composed facade. But her range is far wider; she was the warm-hearted foster mother in 'Free Willy' and the formidable Vice President on 'Madam Secretary.' A British-born American, Atkinson moves through corridors of power and domestic dramas with equal conviction, always finding the nuanced humanity in authoritative figures. She is the actor other actors watch, knowing she will deliver something grounded, specific, and true.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Jayne was born in 1959, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jayne Was Born
The biggest hits of 1959
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur
Best Picture
Ben-Hur
#1 TV Show
Gunsmoke
Jayne's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1959Born
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1964Started school
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1972Became a teenager
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1975Could drive
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1977Could vote
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1980Turned 21
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1989Turned 30
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1999Turned 40
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2009Turned 50
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 60
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 67 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received Tony Award nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play for 'The Rainmaker' and 'Enchanted April.'
- Played recurring roles in three major television series: '24,' 'Criminal Minds,' and 'House of Cards.'
- Portrayed U.S. Vice President Teresa Hurst for multiple seasons on 'Madam Secretary.'
- Starred as Annie Greenwood, the foster mother, in the 'Free Willy' film franchise.
Did You Know?
She is married to actor Michel Gill, who played President Garrett Walker on 'House of Cards.'
She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
She appeared in the original Broadway production of 'The Heidi Chronicles' with Joan Allen.
She played the mother of a young Barack Obama (played by Devon Terrell) in the film 'Barry.'
“Theatre is my home; it's where I learned to breathe as an artist.”
