Over the years, the entertainment industry has seen countless talented actors and actresses grace our screens. But only a few have left a lasting impact on both the audience and their peers. One such actress is Brenda Strong.
With over three decades of experience in the industry, Brenda Strong has carved a unique path for herself, showcasing her versatility and talent in various roles. From her early days as a guest star to now being a recognized name in Hollywood, Brenda has captivated audiences with her charm, wit, and exceptional acting skills. Her dedication to her craft and passion for storytelling have solidified her place as an influential figure in the industry.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the incredible career of Brenda Strong, from her humble beginnings to her rise to fame. We will also explore her memorable performances, her contribution as a voiceover artist, and her impact on the industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 25th, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, Brenda Lee Strong was the middle child in a family of five siblings. Her father, Jack Strong, was a building contractor, and her mother, Jeanne Strong, was a homemaker. Growing up, Brenda was surrounded by creativity and art, as her mother was a painter and her father loved to play the guitar.
At the age of 12, Brenda’s family moved to Arizona, where she attended high school. It was during this time that Brenda discovered her love for performing arts. She joined the drama club and participated in various school plays, honing her acting skills and falling deeper in love with the craft.
After graduating from high school, Brenda went on to study musical theater at Arizona State University. Upon completing her degree, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. She started by taking on small roles in TV shows and movies, slowly building her way up in the industry.
In 1985, Brenda landed her first major role as Betsy in the American soap opera “St. Elsewhere”. This opportunity opened up many doors for her, leading to guest appearances in popular shows like “Murder, She Wrote”, “Matlock”, and “Star Trek: The Next Generation”.
Brenda’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she continued to impress with every performance. In 1990, she landed a recurring role on the hit drama series “Twin Peaks”. Her portrayal of Catherine Martell garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying her as a talented actress.
Into Mainstream Television
The early 2000s marked a turning point in Brenda Strong’s career. She began landing more prominent roles in mainstream television, showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. In 2003, she joined the cast of “Everwood” as Julia Brown, a character dealing with breast cancer. Her emotional and powerful performance received widespread praise from both viewers and critics.
But it was her role as Mary Alice Young in the hit show “Desperate Housewives” that truly propelled Brenda into the spotlight. Playing the narrator and deceased housewife, Brenda’s voice became synonymous with the show, providing insight into the lives of the residents of Wisteria Lane. Her role earned her multiple award nominations, including two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.
Impact Through Voice Acting
While “Desperate Housewives” introduced Brenda Strong’s voice to a global audience, it was not her first gig as a voice actor. In fact, Brenda has been lending her voice to various projects since the late 1990s. Her calm, soothing voice has been featured in commercials, audiobooks, and even video games.
One of her most notable voiceover roles was as the narrator in the popular Netflix series “13 Reasons Why”. Her powerful narration guided viewers through the intense and emotional journey of Hannah Baker. Brenda’s ability to convey emotions through her voice truly made an impact on the show’s audience.
Beyond Acting: Brenda Strong’s Other Ventures
Aside from her successful acting career, Brenda Strong is also a certified yoga instructor and advocate for healthy living. She is passionate about promoting overall well-being and has shared her knowledge and expertise through workshops and classes.
In 2013, Brenda launched her own line of wellness products called “Strong by Nature”, which offers all-natural and organic supplements and skincare products. These products are a reflection of Brenda’s commitment to a holistic and healthy lifestyle.
Humanitarian Work
Brenda Strong is also an active humanitarian, supporting various charities and causes close to her heart. She has been a longtime supporter of Children International, an organization that works towards ending child poverty, and has also been involved with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and The Humane Society.
In addition, Brenda is a proud advocate for breast cancer awareness and has used her platform to raise funds and spread awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention.
Brenda Strong: A Role Model and Inspiration
Brenda Strong’s success in the entertainment industry is not limited to her talent as an actress. She has become a role model and inspiration to many, with her grace, kindness, and positive outlook on life. Through her work, she has shown that it is possible to have a successful career while staying true to oneself and making a positive impact on the world.
Family and Career
Despite her busy schedule, Brenda always puts her family first. She has been married to director John Farmanesh-Bocca since 2015 and cherishes the time she spends with her stepson and two daughters from a previous marriage. In interviews, she has shared how important it is for her to maintain a balance between her career and family life, and she credits her husband for being a supportive partner.
At the age of 61, Brenda Strong continues to defy expectations and break stereotypes in the entertainment industry. She embraces aging and encourages others to do the same, promoting self-love and confidence at any age. Through her social media platforms, she often shares empowering messages and promotes body positivity.
Brenda Strong’s Main Performances
Throughout her career, Brenda Strong has delivered numerous memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on audiences. Here are some of her most remarkable roles:
– Mary Alice Young in “Desperate Housewives”
As the mysterious narrator of the hit show “Desperate Housewives”, Brenda Strong captured the hearts of viewers with her captivating voice and powerful presence. Her character may have been deceased, but through her narration, she was able to provide insight into the lives of the women living on Wisteria Lane.
– Ann Ewing in “Dallas”
In 2012, Brenda joined the cast of the rebooted version of the classic TV show “Dallas”. Her character, Ann Ewing, was a strong and independent woman who had a complicated relationship with her ex-husband Bobby. Brenda’s performance was praised for its complexity and depth, adding a new layer to the beloved series.
– Lillian Luthor in “Supergirl”
Brenda joined the cast of the popular superhero series “Supergirl” in 2017, playing the role of Lillian Luthor, the estranged mother of villain Lex Luthor. Her character was cunning and manipulative, and Brenda’s portrayal was praised for bringing a new level of intensity to the show.
Brenda Strong’s Filmography
Throughout her career, Brenda Strong has appeared in over 80 TV shows and movies. Here are some of her most notable projects:
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1985-1988 | “St. Elsewhere” | Betsy |
| 1992 | “Matlock” | Terry Lomax |
| 1990-1991 | “Twin Peaks” | Catherine Martell |
| 2004-2012 | “Desperate Housewives” | Mary Alice Young |
| 2012-2014 | “Dallas” | Ann Ewing |
| 2017-2019 | “Supergirl” | Lillian Luthor |
| 2021 | “The Housewife and the Hustler” | Herself |
The Legacy of Brenda Strong
Brenda Strong’s impact on the entertainment industry cannot be denied. From her versatile acting skills to her powerful voiceover performances, she has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her dedication to her craft, passion for storytelling, and contributions to various social causes have made her an influential figure in Hollywood.
