Frances McDormand is an American actress known for her powerful and versatile performances in film, television, and theater. Born in 1957 in Illinois, McDormand studied drama at Yale University before beginning her career on stage in New York City.

McDormand gained wider recognition for her role as police chief Marge Gunderson in the Coen brothers' 1996 film "Fargo". Her performance earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as cementing her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Over the course of her career, McDormand has appeared in a wide range of films, including "Almost Famous," "Mississippi Burning," "Wonder Boys," "Burn After Reading," and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri", among many others. She has also worked in television, most notably in the HBO miniseries "Olive Kitteridge", for which she won an Emmy Award.

In addition to her work as an actress, McDormand is also known for her activism and outspokenness on a range of social and political issues. She has been a vocal advocate for women in the film industry, and has used her platform to call attention to issues such as gender inequality, pay disparities, and the #MeToo movement.

McDormand has won numerous awards for her work, including four Academy Award nominations and two wins, as well as three Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. Her contributions to the world of film and her activism have made her a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry.