East Hartford High School Alumni
East Hartford, Connecticut (CT)
Diane Venora
Actress and producer, graduated in the class of 1970
What is Diane Venora known for?
Born in East Hartford, Connecticut, Diane Venora is an acclaimed American stage, television, and film actress. After graduating from East Hartford High School in 1970, she pursued her passion for acting, first attending Boston Conservatory and later winning a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, graduating in 1977. At Juilliard, she shared classes with notable actors like Kelsey Grammer, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Robin Williams.
Her acting career took off shortly after graduation, with a diverse range of roles both on stage and screen. She made her film debut in 1981's Wolfen, alongside Albert Finney. Venora is particularly noted for her performances in Shakespearean roles, including a groundbreaking performance as the lead in Hamlet at the New York Shakespeare Festival, the first woman to do so at this prestigious venue.
Her remarkable portrayal of Chan Parker in Clint Eastwood's 1988 film Bird earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination and a New York Film Critics Circle Award. She took a hiatus from acting for five years to care for her daughter, returning to land prominent roles in television series like Thunder Alley and Chicago Hope. Venora also garnered critical acclaim for her roles in films like Heat (1995), Romeo + Juliet (1996), The Jackal (1997), The 13th Warrior (1999), and All Good Things (2010).
Venora married cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak in 1980, but they divorced in 1989, leading to her taking a break from the industry to spend more time with her daughter. During this time, she lived in New York City, teaching disadvantaged children and occasionally performing in plays. In 1994, she and her daughter moved to Los Angeles.
Throughout her career, Diane Venora has demonstrated a commitment to her craft, bringing memorable performances on both stage and screen. Whether in Shakespearean roles or contemporary dramas, her work continues to be admired by critics and audiences alike.