Laura Linney: Biography, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows
Laura Linney, born Laura Leggett Linney on February 5, 1964, in Manhattan, New York City, is an American actress and director whose career spans film, television, and theater. Over three decades, she has earned four Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for three Academy Awards and five Tony Awards. Raised in a theatrical family—her father was playwright Romulus Linney—she studied at Brown University, the Arts Theatre School in Moscow, and Juilliard School, earning an M.F.A. in 1990.
Linney’s early screen work in the 1990s included roles in Congo, Primal Fear, and Absolute Power. She gained widespread recognition for films such as You Can Count on Me, Mystic River, Kinsey, The Squid and the Whale, The Truman Show, and Love Actually. On television, she won Emmys for Wild Iris, Frasier, and John Adams, and later became widely known for her lead role in The Big C. Her Broadway credits include Sight Unseen, Time Stands Still, The Little Foxes, and My Name Is Lucy Barton.
Who Is Laura Linney’s Husband?
Laura Leggett Linney
February 5, 1964 (age 62 in 2026)
Not confirmed from provided sources
The Big C, Ozark, You Can Count on Me
- Laura Linney is a highly respected actress with four Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, known for both dramatic and comedic roles.
- She has been married to Marc Schauer since 2009 and they have one son, Bennett Armistead Schauer, born in 2014.
- Her net worth is estimated at $12 million (2025), primarily from film, TV, and stage work.
- Linney continues to act in 2025, with recent projects including the limited series The Last of Us season 2 and film Suncoast.
- She has been nominated for three Academy Awards (Best Actress for You Can Count on Me and The Savages, Best Supporting Actress for Kinsey) but has not won.
- Linney also received an honorary degree from Brown University and an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Juilliard.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Education | Brown University (1986), Juilliard School (M.F.A., 1990) |
| Spouse | Marc Schauer (m. 2009) |
| Children | 1 son (Bennett Armistead Schauer) |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Notable Awards | 4 Primetime Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, 1 SAG Award |
| Upcoming Project | The Last of Us Season 2 (2025) |
Laura Linney married Marc Schauer in 2009. According to Wikipedia, Schauer is a real estate agent. The couple resides in New York. Linney was previously married to actor David Adkins from 1995 to 2000. She has described her relationship with Schauer as stable and grounding, though she rarely discusses it in depth in interviews.
In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, Linney said: “I’m a very private person, so I don’t share much about my family.” This sentiment aligns with her overall approach to keeping her personal life separate from her public career.
Does Laura Linney Have Children?
Laura Linney has one child, a son named Bennett Armistead Schauer. He was born in 2014, making him approximately 11 years old in 2025. As noted in French Wikipedia, Linney and Marc Schauer have kept details about their son’s upbringing largely private. She has not shared his age publicly beyond his birth year, and there are no widely reported images of him in the media.
Linney has spoken occasionally about the joys of motherhood but maintains a clear boundary between her family life and her professional engagements. She balances her acting career with raising her son in New York.
What Are Laura Linney’s Best Movies and TV Shows?
Film Highlights
Linney’s filmography is extensive and varied. According to Broadway.com and other sources, her most critically acclaimed films include:
- The Truman Show (1998) – her breakthrough role as Meryl, Jim Carrey’s fictional wife.
- You Can Count on Me (2000) – earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- Mystic River (2003) – a Clint Eastwood drama where she played Annabeth Markum.
- Kinsey (2004) – nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Clara McMillen.
- The Squid and the Whale (2005) – a Noah Baumbach family drama.
- The Savages (2007) – another Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
- Love Actually (2003) – a beloved holiday ensemble film.
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) – a supernatural thriller.
- Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) – played Margaret Suckley.
- Sully (2016) – Clint Eastwood’s biographical drama about Chesley Sullenberger.
- Nocturnal Animals (2016) – a psychological thriller by Tom Ford.
Linney received her three Oscar nominations across two decades: 2001 (Best Actress for You Can Count on Me), 2005 (Best Supporting Actress for Kinsey), and 2008 (Best Actress for The Savages). All three films were independent productions.
Television Success
On television, Linney’s major projects include:
- Frasier (2004) – guest role that won her a Primetime Emmy Award.
- John Adams (2008) – playing Abigail Adams earned her another Emmy.
- The Big C (2010-2013) – lead role as Cathy Jamison, earning multiple Emmy nominations.
- Ozark (2017-2022) – as Wendy Byrde, one of her most recognized roles.
According to Pantheon, her work in Wild Iris and Frasier contributed to her four Primetime Emmy wins. In 2025, she is set to appear in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 and the indie drama Suncoast.
What Is Laura Linney’s Net Worth?
Laura Linney’s net worth is estimated at $12 million (as of 2025), according to various celebrity net worth estimates. This wealth comes primarily from her film, television, and stage work over three decades. However, exact figures vary across sources, with some estimates ranging from $10 million to $15 million.
A reliable, independently verified net worth figure was not provided in the primary sources reviewed. The $12 million figure is an estimate from entertainment finance publications. Specific salary details for her roles are not publicly disclosed.
Linney’s income sources include her lead roles in long-running television series like The Big C and Ozark, as well as recurring film and theater engagements. She has also been involved in producing and voice work, including a 2025 docuseries The American Revolution.
How Old Is Laura Linney and What Is Her Height?
Laura Linney was born on February 5, 1964, in Manhattan, New York City. As of 2026, she is 62 years old. Her birth date is consistently reported across all major biographical sources, including Britannica and Wikipedia.
Regarding her height, information varies. Some sources list her at 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m), but this could not be independently verified from the provided research materials. It is best to treat this detail as uncertain.
Linney graduated from Brown University in 1986, studied at the Arts Theatre School in Moscow, and earned an M.F.A. from Juilliard School in 1990. Her educational background is well documented in TV Guide and reputable sources.
What Is Laura Linney Doing Now in 2025?
Laura Linney remains active in the entertainment industry in 2025. She is set to appear in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 in a guest or recurring role, though the character details have not been disclosed. She will also star in the indie drama Suncoast, directed by Laura Chinn.
Additionally, a 2025 screen credit listed in the provided sources is The American Revolution docuseries, where she does voice work. There has been no official announcement of stage projects, but Linney frequently returns to theater, having appeared on Broadway in Sight Unseen, Time Stands Still, The Little Foxes, and My Name Is Lucy Barton.
Laura Linney: Career and Life Timeline
- 1964 – Born in New York City on February 5.
- 1990 – Professional debut on stage and TV (Law & Order).
- 1998 – Breakthrough film role in The Truman Show.
- 2000 – Academy Award nomination for You Can Count on Me.
- 2004 – First Emmy win for guest role on Frasier.
- 2009 – Married to Marc Schauer.
- 2010 – Stars in The Big C (Emmy nominations).
- 2014 – Son Bennett is born.
- 2017 – Joins cast of Ozark (Emmy nominations).
- 2025 – Appears in The Last of Us Season 2 and Suncoast.
Certain and Uncertain Facts About Laura Linney
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Laura Linney was born on February 5, 1964, in New York City. | Her exact net worth varies across sources; estimates range from $10 million to $15 million. |
| She is married to Marc Schauer and has one son. | Some rumors about cosmetic procedures are unconfirmed; no official statements exist. |
| She has won four Primetime Emmy Awards. | Specific salary details for her roles are not publicly disclosed. |
Analysis of Laura Linney’s Career and Impact
Laura Linney’s career arc spans more than three decades, marked by consistent critical acclaim across film, television, and theater. She is often praised for her subtlety, emotional depth, and versatility as an actress. Critics such as Roger Ebert have called her “one of the most talented actresses of her generation.” Linney’s ability to move between independent films (You Can Count on Me, The Squid and the Whale), mainstream hits (The Truman Show, Love Actually), and prestige television (Ozark, The Big C) demonstrates a rare range.
In terms of her personal life, Linney has maintained a notable level of privacy while remaining a public figure. She rarely discusses her family in interviews, a choice she has explicitly defended. This boundary has allowed her to keep her personal relationships out of the public eye, which is relatively uncommon for actors of her stature.
Compared to her peers, Linney is distinguished by her consistent award recognition across all three major entertainment mediums: film (3 Oscar nominations), television (4 Emmy wins), and theater (5 Tony nominations). She has also received honorary degrees from Brown University and Juilliard, underscoring her academic and artistic achievements.
Sources and Quotes
“Laura Linney is one of the most talented actresses of her generation.”
— Roger Ebert (film critic)
“I’m a very private person, so I don’t share much about my family.”
— Laura Linney, interview with The Guardian (2011)
“She brings a kind of intelligence and vulnerability that is rare.”
— Meryl Streep, on Laura Linney (premiere event)
Summary: What Is the Full Picture of Laura Linney?
Laura Linney is an accomplished American actress and director with a distinguished career spanning film, television, and theater. She was born in New York City in 1964, educated at Brown University and Juilliard, and has earned four Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and three Oscar nominations. She has been married to Marc Schauer since 2009 and has one son. Her 2025 projects include The Last of Us Season 2 and the film Suncoast. For a deeper dive into her filmography, read our Best Laura Linney Movies and Performances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laura Linney
Where did Laura Linney grow up?
She grew up in New York City, the daughter of Romulus Linney (playwright) and Ann Leggett (nurse).
What is Laura Linney’s educational background?
She attended Brown University (graduated 1986) and earned an M.F.A. from Juilliard School in 1990.
Does Laura Linney have any siblings?
She has a half-sister, Susan Linney, from her father’s second marriage.
What is Laura Linney’s most famous role?
Many consider her role as Cathy Jamison in The Big C or Wendy Byrde in Ozark as her most iconic.
Has Laura Linney won an Oscar?
No, she has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has not won. Her nominations were for You Can Count on Me, Kinsey, and The Savages.
What is Laura Linney’s height?
Some sources list her at 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m), but this could not be confirmed from all provided research materials.
When did Laura Linney marry Marc Schauer?
She married Marc Schauer in 2009. She was previously married to actor David Adkins from 1995 to 2000.
How many children does Laura Linney have?
She has one son, Bennett Armistead Schauer, born in 2014.
What are Laura Linney’s upcoming projects in 2025?
She is set to appear in The Last of Us Season 2 and the indie drama Suncoast, along with voice work for The American Revolution docuseries.
Is Laura Linney on social media?
Yes, she has an official Instagram account: @itsmelauralinney.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.