Margo Martindale Movies and TV Shows – Complete Career Guide

Margo Martindale is an American actress who has built a career spanning more than three decades across film, television, and theater. Known for her ability to disappear into character roles, she has appeared in over 80 productions, from prestige dramas to animated comedies. This guide covers her complete filmography, notable TV roles, and what is publicly known about her career and finances.

Born in Jacksonville, Texas, Martindale studied at the University of Michigan and began her career on stage before moving into television and film. Her work has earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, and she has become a familiar face to audiences through recurring roles on shows like The Americans and BoJack Horseman.

Her ability to move between genres—from dark drama to comedy to voice acting—has made her one of the most respected character actors working today. Below is a breakdown of her television work, film appearances, and other key facts.

What TV shows has Margo Martindale been in?

What movies has Margo Martindale appeared in?

Martindale’s film career began in the early 1990s with supporting roles in major studio productions. She appeared in Days of Thunder (1990) and The Rocketeer (1991), then worked steadily through the decade in films such as Nobody’s Fool (1994), Sabrina (1995), Marvin’s Room (1996), and Practical Magic (1998).

In the 2000s, she landed parts in high‑profile releases like Million Dollar Baby (2004), Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) as Ma Cox, and The Savages (2007). Her performance in the short film Paris, Je T’Aime (2006) earned critical acclaim.

The 2010s brought a wider range of roles, including August: Osage County (2013) alongside Meryl Streep, the comedy The Boss (2016) as Sister Aluminata, and voice work in Cars 3 (2017) as Louise Nash. More recently, she appeared in Cocaine Bear (2023) as Ranger Liz and in the critically praised Blow the Man Down (2020), which holds a 99% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

What is Margo Martindale’s net worth?

Publicly available financial information about Margo Martindale is limited. No official figure has been confirmed by the actress or her representatives. Estimates from various unverified sources typically range from $1 million to $5 million, with a commonly cited approximation of around $4 million as of 2025. These numbers should be treated as rough, unofficial estimates.

What was Margo Martindale’s early life like?

Margo Martindale was born on July 18, 1951, in Jacksonville, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan before beginning her career in regional theatre. Her early stage work led to small television roles and telefilms, including The Child Saver (NBC, 1988) and the miniseries Lonesome Dove (1989).

She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue steadier television work. Her early filmography before 2000 is often incomplete in public databases, a common experience for character actors who build careers through supporting roles.

How has Margo Martindale’s career progressed over time?

1. 1951 – Born in Jacksonville, Texas.
2. 1980s – Early stage and small TV roles, including The Child Saver and Lonesome Dove.
3. 2004 – Breakthrough film role in Million Dollar Baby.
4. 2009 – Appeared in Orphan.
5. 2013–2018 – Recurring role as Claudia in The Americans.
6. 2014–2020 – Voiced a fictionalised version of herself in BoJack Horseman.
7. 2015 – Guest role in The Good Wife, earning an Emmy Award.
8. 2019 – Appeared in The Kitchen.
9. 2023 – Roles in Cocaine Bear and Mrs. Davis.

What information about Margo Martindale is certain and what remains unclear?

What makes Margo Martindale a respected character actress?

Margo Martindale is a prime example of a late‑blooming character actress who gained industry respect through consistent, high‑quality work in both prestige TV and blockbuster films. Her dual Emmy wins (2015, 2016) put her in rare company as a guest actress, solidifying her reputation.

The meta‑fictional parody of herself in BoJack Horseman has become a cultural touchstone, driving significant search interest among younger audiences. She is often compared to actors like Catherine O’Hara and Frances McDormand for her ability to disappear into roles.

What have critics and Margo Martindale said about her career?

“I think I’m a character actress because I love playing different people. It’s what I get the most joy from.”

– Interview with The Guardian (2015)

Her guest appearance on The Good Wife is widely considered one of the best in the show’s run.

– Wikipedia, citing critical reception

What is the overall summary of Margo Martindale’s work?

Margo Martindale has maintained a consistent and respected career with over 80 film and television credits spanning from 1988 to the present. While her early career featured supporting roles in major productions, she has increasingly landed leading and recurring parts that showcase her range. Her two Emmy Awards, her iconic voice role in BoJack Horseman, and her steady presence in acclaimed series like The Americans have cemented her status as one of the most reliable character actors in the industry. For a complete list of her credits, see the Margo Martindale filmography and career overview.

Frequently asked questions about Margo Martindale