Minnie Driver, English singer-songwriter and actress
Amelia Fiona Jessica "Minnie" Driver, born on January 31, 1970, is a highly acclaimed British-American actress and singer renowned for her distinctive voice and versatile performances across film, television, and music. Her career trajectory showcases a remarkable ability to transition between diverse genres, from poignant dramas and sharp comedies to animated epics and compelling musical productions, establishing her as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
Early Breakthroughs and Acclaimed Film Career
Driver first garnered significant attention and rose to prominence with her compelling break-out role as Bernadette "Benny" Hogan in the 1995 coming-of-age drama Circle of Friends, an Irish film that brought her widespread recognition and established her as a formidable talent capable of leading roles.
Her filmography since then has been remarkably varied, cementing her status as a versatile performer across a wide range of genres:
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): This cult classic black comedy saw Driver starring alongside John Cusack. Her portrayal of Debi Newberry, the witty and grounded love interest to a hitman attending his high school reunion, was praised for its charm and contributed significantly to the film's enduring appeal and critical success.
Good Will Hunting (1997): Directed by Gus Van Sant and co-written by stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this critically acclaimed drama earned Driver widespread recognition. For her nuanced and memorable performance as Skylar, the sharp, intelligent, and independent girlfriend of mathematical genius Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon), she received nominations for both the prestigious Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Screen Actors Guild Award, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004): In Joel Schumacher's lavish musical adaptation, Driver showcased her dramatic flair in the role of the haughty opera prima donna Carlotta Giudicelli. While a professional opera singer primarily provided Carlotta's singing voice, Driver performed the movie's end title song, "Learn to Be Lonely," which earned a Golden Globe nomination.
Owning Mahowny (2003): This biographical crime drama, based on the true story of a Canadian bank employee's embezzlement, featured Driver in a more serious, dramatic role alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman, further showcasing her profound acting range.
Princess Mononoke (1997 - English dub): Driver lent her distinctive voice to the formidable and complex character of Lady Eboshi in the English dubbed version of Hayao Miyazaki's epic animated masterpiece from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. Lady Eboshi, the driven and pragmatic leader of Irontown, is a nuanced antagonist who champions her community, highlighting Driver's ability to imbue animated characters with depth and commanding presence.
Notable Television Ventures
Minnie Driver has also made significant contributions to television, earning critical acclaim and prestigious nominations for her compelling roles:
The Riches (2007-2008): Starring opposite Eddie Izzard, Driver received both an Emmy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award nomination for her compelling portrayal of Dahlia Malloy, the matriarch of a family of con artists who assume the identities of a deceased wealthy couple. Her performance was a cornerstone of this dark comedy-drama series.
Speechless (2016-2019): In this heartwarming and critically acclaimed ABC sitcom, Driver played Maya DiMeo, the fierce, passionate, and dedicated mother of a teenager with cerebral palsy. The show was praised for its authentic and humorous portrayal of a family navigating life with a special needs child, and Driver's powerful performance was central to its success and resonance.
About a Boy (2014-2015): Driver starred as Fiona Breen in this NBC sitcom, which was based on the popular novel and film. Her character was the quirky, free-spirited, and somewhat unconventional single mother to the titular young boy, Marcus.
Will & Grace (2017-2019): She took on a memorable recurring role as Lorraine Finster, the flamboyant, estranged stepdaughter of the iconic Karen Walker, in the critically acclaimed revival of the beloved NBC series, bringing her unique comedic timing and vivacity to the ensemble.
UK Miniseries: Driver has also featured prominently in significant British television productions, including the BBC One thriller miniseries The Deep (2010), where she played Frances Kelly, a key character in the Arctic-set mystery about a stranded submarine.
Beyond Acting: A Career in Music and Voice Acting
Predating her breakthrough as an actress, Minnie Driver embarked on a career as a singer-songwriter. Her profound passion for music has continued throughout her acting career, culminating in the release of three full-length solo albums that showcase her distinctive vocal style, introspective lyrics, and folk-rock influences:
Everything I've Got in My Pocket (2004): Her debut album, which featured original songs penned by Driver herself.
Seastories (2007): A critically acclaimed follow-up that further explored her musical storytelling and songwriting prowess.
Get My Way (2014): Her most recent album, continuing to demonstrate her artistic depth and dedication as a musician.
In addition to her solo musical work, Driver has frequently lent her versatile and expressive voice to a diverse range of animated projects and video games, further diversifying her performance portfolio:
Animated Series and Films: Her voice credits include the adult animated comedy series SuperMansion (voicing various characters) and the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film Tarzan (1999), where she memorably voiced the charming, intelligent, and intrepid Jane Porter, making her an integral part of one of Disney's classic animated characters.
Video Games: She also contributed her vocal talents to the acclaimed 1998 video game adaptation Jurassic Park: Trespasser, which served as a narrative continuation of the film series, demonstrating her reach across various media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnie Driver
- When was Minnie Driver born?
- Minnie Driver was born on January 31, 1970.
- What was Minnie Driver's breakthrough film role?
- Her breakthrough role was as Bernadette "Benny" Hogan in the 1995 Irish coming-of-age drama Circle of Friends.
- For which film was Minnie Driver nominated for an Academy Award?
- Minnie Driver received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Skylar in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.
- Has Minnie Driver released any music albums?
- Yes, Minnie Driver is also an accomplished singer and has released three solo albums: Everything I've Got in My Pocket (2004), Seastories (2007), and Get My Way (2014).
- What notable animated characters has Minnie Driver voiced?
- Minnie Driver famously provided the voice for Jane Porter in Disney's Tarzan (1999) and Lady Eboshi in the English dub of Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke (1997).