The Life of Golden Globe Winner Kyra Sedgwick
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Kyra Sedgwick is an acclaimed American actress, producer, and director, best known for her role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson on the crime drama "The Closer," which earned her a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. With a career spanning stage, screen, and television, Sedgwick has demonstrated her versatility and talent, while also making significant strides behind the camera in recent years.
Sedgwick's Early Life and Background
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Kyra Minturn Sedgwick was born on August 19, 1965, in New York City to Patricia (née Rosenwald), a speech teacher and educational/family therapist, and Henry Dwight Sedgwick V, a venture capitalist
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. Her mother was Jewish, and her father was of English descent, with Episcopalian beliefs1
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. Sedgwick has identified as Jewish and participates in Passover seders2
. She is a descendant of William Ellery, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and Ellery Sedgwick, an editor of The Atlantic Monthly2
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Sedgwick's family background is notable, with connections to various prominent figures. She is the sister of actor Robert Sedgwick and the half-sister of jazz guitarist Mike Stern2
. Additionally, she is the first cousin once removed of actress Edie Sedgwick and the niece of writer John Sedgwick2
. Her extended family includes R&B singer George Nozuka, actor Philip Nozuka, and singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka, who are her nephews through her half-sister Holly2
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Her parents separated when she was four and divorced when she was six2
. Sedgwick attended private schools, including Friends Seminary, and later transferred from Sarah Lawrence College to the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a degree in theater1
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. This educational background laid the foundation for her successful career in acting and directing.5 sources
Sedgwick's First Major Role
en.wikipedia.org
Kyra Sedgwick's first significant role came in the 1989 film "Born on the Fourth of July," directed by Oliver Stone. In this critically acclaimed movie, she portrayed Donna, the high school sweetheart of Tom Cruise's character, Ron Kovic. This role marked a pivotal moment in Sedgwick's career, as it showcased her ability to deliver a compelling performance alongside a major Hollywood star. The film itself was a commercial and critical success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and solidifying Sedgwick's status as a talented actress capable of handling complex and emotionally charged roles
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Kyra Sedgwick's Directorial Journey Highlights
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Kyra Sedgwick's transition to directing began with episodic television, where she helmed episodes of popular series like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Ray Donovan"
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. Her directorial debut in feature films came with the Lifetime movie "Story of a Girl," which earned her a DGA Award nomination5
. In 2022, Sedgwick made her big-screen directorial debut with "Space Oddity," a drama-comedy that blends romantic and sci-fi elements, starring her husband Kevin Bacon1
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. Looking ahead, she is developing several projects, including a horror film in which she plans to star alongside Bacon and their daughter, Sosie Bacon3
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Related
what inspired Kyra Sedgwick to transition from acting to directing
how did Kyra Sedgwick balance acting and directing in her career
what was the most challenging part of directing "Space Oddity"
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