Lee Garlington: 5 Career-Defining Roles And Her Latest Project, 'Redlining'
Ann Leslie "Lee" Garlington, a name synonymous with versatility and a prolific career spanning over four decades, continues to be one of Hollywood's most dependable and compelling character actresses. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Garlington is not just appearing in new projects; she is actively co-creating them, cementing her status as a true industry veteran. Her ability to transition seamlessly between comedy and drama, from major studio films to critically acclaimed television series and independent web series, is a testament to her enduring talent.
The latest buzz surrounding the actress involves a deeply personal and socially relevant project, which she co-wrote, demonstrating a new chapter in her creative journey. This article dives into her complete professional profile and highlights the most significant chapters of a career that continues to evolve, including her most recent and upcoming work.
Lee Garlington: Complete Professional Biography
Ann Leslie "Lee" Garlington was born on July 20, 1953, in Teaneck, New Jersey. She began her acting career in the early 1980s, quickly establishing herself as a reliable performer in both film and television. Her career is notable for its incredible breadth, often playing strong, memorable supporting characters who leave a lasting impression, even with limited screen time. Garlington's early work laid the foundation for a career that would see her collaborate with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and appear in some of the most iconic films and television shows of the last few decades.
- Full Name: Ann Leslie Garlington
- Known As: Lee Garlington
- Date of Birth: July 20, 1953
- Age (as of December 2025): 72
- Place of Birth: Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.
- Occupation: Actress, Writer, Producer
- Active Years: 1981–Present
- Notable Film Appearances: Psycho II (1983), Cobra (1986), Field of Dreams (1989), Dante's Peak (1997), The Little Things (2021)
- Notable Television Roles: Recurring roles on The West Wing, The Killing, Flashforward, Everwood, The Riches, The Bridge, and guest appearances on Will & Grace, Friends, and The Golden Girls (as Kirsten, Rose Nylund's daughter).
- Awards: 2020 Indie Series Award for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy (for Before We Go)
5 Unforgettable Roles That Defined Lee Garlington’s Career
While often recognized for her guest and recurring roles in hit television series, Lee Garlington has a filmography filled with characters who are far more than just background players. Her talent lies in taking a small role and injecting it with such personality and depth that it becomes an essential part of the narrative. These five roles are among her most iconic and career-defining.
1. Myrna in Psycho II and Psycho III (1983, 1986)
One of Garlington's earliest and most memorable roles was as Myrna, the "mean waitress," in the sequels to Alfred Hitchcock's horror masterpiece. Her performance was a perfect blend of dark comedy and tension, a difficult balance to strike in a horror-thriller. Working alongside Anthony Perkins, who reprised his role as Norman Bates, cemented her early career in a high-profile franchise. The role of Myrna showcased her ability to portray cynical, grounded characters with sharp dialogue.
2. Sally Field in Field of Dreams (1989)
In the classic baseball fantasy film Field of Dreams, Garlington played a pivotal, albeit brief, role as Sally Field, a woman who is part of the pivotal flashback scene involving Terence Mann (played by James Earl Jones). The film's enduring legacy means her appearance is continually revisited by new generations of movie lovers, showcasing her presence in an Oscar-nominated and culturally significant movie.
3. The Landlady in The Little Things (2021)
In a more recent, high-profile role, Garlington appeared as the Landlady in the neo-noir crime thriller The Little Things, starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. Though a single-scene performance, her interaction with Detective Joe "Deke" Deacon (Washington) was crucial to the plot's atmosphere and progression. This role demonstrated her continued relevance in major Hollywood productions, even decades into her career, and her ability to hold her own against A-list talent.
4. Kirsten in The Golden Girls (1988)
For television fans, one of her most recognized roles is Kirsten, the daughter of the beloved character Rose Nylund (played by Betty White). Her appearance in the iconic sitcom is often cited by fans and highlights her comedic timing and ability to fit seamlessly into a well-established ensemble cast. This role is a key example of her versatility, shifting from the dramatic intensity of a thriller like The Killing to the lighthearted wit of a classic sitcom.
5. Elsee in Before We Go (2019-2020)
A true highlight of her later career came with the independent web series Before We Go. Her portrayal of Elsee, a character in the comedy series, earned her the 2020 Indie Series Award for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy. This win was a significant moment, showing that even after years in the mainstream industry, Garlington could lead a project and receive critical acclaim for her work in the burgeoning digital landscape. The series provided her with a platform to showcase her formidable comedic chops in a starring role.
The Latest Update: Co-Writing and Starring in the Short Film 'Redlining'
The most current and unique development in Lee Garlington's career is her shift into a creative role as a writer. She is co-writing the new short film REDLINING with fellow actor and comedian Jason Stuart.
This project is far more than a typical short film; it is a powerful piece of social commentary. *REDLINING* explores complex, timely themes of generational wealth, race, and family struggles. The plot centers on two families—one white and one black—who share a home in Savannah, Georgia, using their shared living situation to explore deep-seated societal issues.
In addition to her writing duties, Garlington is also starring in the film alongside Jason Stuart and actress Alexandra Paul, known for her role in *Baywatch*. This dual role as co-writer and star marks a new and exciting phase for Garlington, allowing her to shape the narrative and dialogue in a way she hasn't before. The collaborative nature of the project with Jason Stuart, who is also directing and producing, indicates a commitment to telling fresh, relevant stories in the independent film space. The *REDLINING* project is a clear signal that Lee Garlington's career is not slowing down; rather, it is entering a period of renewed creative output and topical engagement in 2025.
Lee Garlington's Enduring Legacy in Television
While her film roles are iconic, a significant portion of Lee Garlington's topical authority stems from her relentless presence in prestige and popular television. She has been a fixture of the small screen, often playing authority figures, cynical neighbors, or stressed professionals.
Her work includes recurring appearances in critically acclaimed dramas such as The West Wing, where she navigated the political landscape, and the dark, atmospheric crime series The Killing. She also had significant arcs in shows like *Flashforward*, *Everwood*, *The Riches*, and *The Bridge*. These roles, often spanning multiple episodes, allowed her to build complex character portraits that added depth to the main storylines of each series.
Furthermore, her guest spots on popular sitcoms, including multiple appearances on Will & Grace and an early-career role in *Lenny* and *Townies*, demonstrate her mastery of comedic timing. This ability to be a chameleonic presence—equally convincing as a dramatic foil or a comedic relief—is the secret to her longevity in an industry that demands constant reinvention.
From the chilling intensity of a *Psycho* sequel to the emotional core of a film like *Field of Dreams*, and now to co-writing a socially conscious short film like *REDLINING*, Lee Garlington’s career is a masterclass in the art of the character actor. Her latest creative venture ensures that her influence in Hollywood will continue to be felt for years to come, proving that a versatile, dedicated career can lead to new and exciting opportunities at any stage.
Detail Author:
- Name : Thalia Kulas
- Username : hromaguera
- Email : aglae37@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1973-11-12
- Address : 48559 Bechtelar Street Joanniefort, NC 75523-7128
- Phone : +13147970295
- Company : Hansen Group
- Job : Data Entry Operator
- Bio : Impedit explicabo placeat enim blanditiis non. Autem ut labore quasi rerum quis modi. Aut quia qui qui illum adipisci. Sunt id eius cumque natus.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/paolod'amore
- username : paolod'amore
- bio : Est corporis facilis sed aut commodi. Placeat eligendi animi molestiae facilis.
- followers : 425
- following : 3000
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@paolo_xx
- username : paolo_xx
- bio : Sunt repellendus rem iusto impedit et quis. Harum nihil nostrum minima.
- followers : 6563
- following : 1914
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/paolo_d'amore
- username : paolo_d'amore
- bio : Eum repellendus corporis sit corrupti.
- followers : 249
- following : 2408
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/paolo_dev
- username : paolo_dev
- bio : Quidem totam molestiae quisquam.
- followers : 942
- following : 1623
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/d'amore1984
- username : d'amore1984
- bio : Est id velit dolorem rem molestiae atque cum magni. Deserunt numquam enim asperiores perferendis voluptas sed. Rerum ipsam sit soluta sit est iure molestias.
- followers : 5524
- following : 2370
