Julie Kavner has provided the voice of Marge Simpson for years. Kavner also has a strong career as an actress in movies. Following are her best performances on film.
1. "This Is My Life"
Julie Kavner is a single mother grabs her chance to become a stand-up comedian when an aunt leaves her an inheritance. But as she becomes more successful, her relationship with her two daughters begins to suffer. Her subtle, stressed peformance epitomizes a single mom trying to reach her goals, and keep her family together, at the same time.
2. "New York Stories"
The movie has three stories told by different directions. "Oedipus Wrecks," with Kavner, is Woody Allen's comic nightmare about a 50-year-old man still suffocated by his overbearing Jewish mother. She disappears, and reappears as a giant head in the sky. Kavner is funny and fretful as Allen's Jewish mother.3. "The Lion King 1 1/2"
Yes, this was a straight-to-DVD release. But Kavner is a wonderful addition to the original cast of "The Lion King." Again, she plays a mom who worries, scolds, advises and loves. Her rough voice is a great contrast to the smooth and lyrical voice of Nathan Lane.4. "Forget Paris"
In a film that relies mainly on flashbacks to tell the story, the "present" actors must be interesting enough to keep the audience connected. Kavner plays her humor cards perfectly in this peformance as Lucy.5. "Awakenings"
In this film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, Kavner plays a no-nonsense nurse who cares a lot for her patients. She's part of a miracle when De Niro recovers, briefly, from his condition. Her befuddlement and fondness is evident.6. "Hannah and Her Sisters"
What would a Woody Allen film be without Julie Kavner? Again the director employs Kavner's comic abilities in this film about romance and relationships. Kavner is a minor player who adds to the complicated feelings in this film.