RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: December 29, 1959

Background: Clarkson was born in Louisiana, the daughter of councilwoman Jacquelyn Clarkson. Patricia studied drama at Fordham University and earned an MFA from Yale.

Filmography: Her feature film debut was in the "The Untouchables" (1987), playing Elliot Ness's wife Catherine. Following that were appearances in "The Dead Pool" and "Jumanji" and  major roles in the series "Davis Rules" and "Murder One." She achieved greater prominence in the late 1990s with performances in the films "High Art" (1998) and "The Green Mile" (1999). She earned strong reviews for her supporting turn in Todd Haynes's Douglas Sirk-inspired drama "Far From Heaven" in 2003, and a year later she appeared in "Pieces of April," which earned her an Oscar nomination. In addition to her Emmy winning recurring performance on HBO's "Six Feet Under," she has also appeared in "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Lars and the Real Girl," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "Shutter Island," and "Easy A." This year she appears in the comedy "Friends with Benefits" as well as the romance "One Day."

Academy Awards:

Best Supporting Actress Nomination
"Pieces of April" (2004); lost to Renee Zellweger ("Cold Mountain")

Emmy Awards: Wins - Best Drama Guest Actress ("Six Feet Under," 2006); Best Drama Guest Actress ("Six Feet Under," 2002)

Golden Globes:

Best Film Supporting Actress Nomination
"Pieces of April" (2004); lost to Renee Zellweger ("Cold Mountain")

SAG Awards:

Best Film Ensemble Nominations
"Good Night, and Good Luck" (2006); lost to "Crash"
"The Station Agent" (2004); lost to "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"
"The Green Mile" (2000); lost to "American Beauty"

Best Film Actress Nomination
"The Station Agent" (2004); lost to Charlize Theron ("Monster")

Best Film Supporting Actress Nomination
"Pieces of April" (2004); lost to Renee Zellweger ("Cold Mountain")