Maura Tierney Bio

Maura Tierney Biography

American actress Maura Tierney is one of the most recognizable faces in recent television history. Winning her first acclaim for a longstanding role on NewsRadio, she immediately landed an even more enduring role on the medical drama ER. Outside of television, she is also noted for turns in Liar Liar and Forces of Nature.

Maura Lynn Tierney was born February 3, 1965 in Boston, Massachusetts. Her parents are Pat Tierney and Joseph Tierney, a real estate broker and politician respectively.

On the education front, Tierney attended Notre Dame Academy followed by New York University.

Deciding to pursue acting professionally, Tierney relocated to Los Angeles. And it didn’t take long before she landed her first gig. Appearing as Kathy Maltby in Student Exchange, Tierney’s onscreen debut came in 1987.

Immediately attracting the attention of casting directors, Tierney found steady work throughout the rest of the 80s and into the 90s. But it was 1995 that brought Tierney her first starring role.

In that year, she landed the part of Lisa Miller on Paul Simms’ television series NewsRadio. The show was an instant hit with both audiences and critics. During the show’s hugely successful five-season run, Tierney shared the screen with Dave Foley, Stephen Root, Andy Dick, Vicki Lewis, Joe Rogan, Phil Hartman, Khandi Alexander, and Jon Lovitz.

With her newfound popularity, Tierney was able to land several notable film roles as well. This included the comedy Liar Liar with Jim Carrey, Justin Cooper, Cary Elwes, Jennifer Tilly, and Swoosie Kurtz. She also had a supporting role in the romantic comedy Forces of Nature with Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock.

Directly after NewsRadio got the network ax, Tierney was offered the role of Abigail “Abby” Lockhart on the hugely popular medical drama ER. While the role was originally intended as a guest spot, she proved popular with audiences. Her characters’ storyline was expanded into a fulltime position with the show. Becoming a cornerstone of the show’s cast, Tierney confirmed in mid-2008 that she would leave the show midway through its final season.

During her time with the series, Tierney appeared with Noah Wyle, Laura Innes, Goran Visnjic, Anthony Edwards, and many others.

For her work, Tierney earned one Emmy nomination. She credits the nod to a particularly dramatic storyline between her and guest star Sally Field.

Still pursuing her film career, Tierney is noted for her turn in the Christopher Nolan-directed Insomnia with Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank.

More recently, she also appeared in Baby Mama with Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Greg Kinnear.

In her personal life, Tierney married Billy Morrissette on February 1, 1993. After thirteen years together, Tierney filed for divorce.




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Facts:

  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Justin Cooper in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Cary Elwes in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Anne Haney in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Jennifer Tilly in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Amanda Donohoe in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Jason Bernard in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Swoosie Kurtz in Liar Liar
  • Maura Tierney - Appeared with Mitch Ryan in Liar Liar