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Laurie O'Brien

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Laurie O'Brien
Born1950 or 1951 (age 74–75)
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Colorado Boulder (BA, MA)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • playwright
  • psychologist
Years active1982–present (actress)

Laurie O'Brien (born 1950 or 1951[1]) is an American actress, playwright, and former psychologist. She is best known for voicing Baby Piggy on the Saturday morning cartoon Jim Henson's Muppet Babies and the CTW animated series Cro as Ivana.

Early years

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Born in Denver, Colorado,[2] O'Brien paid her way for attending the University of Colorado Boulder (UC) by working in a juvenile detention center, in a mental hospital, and with asthmatic children at the National Jewish Hospital in Denver.[1] O'Brien developed a program of bibliotherapy by teaching asthmatic children while reading aloud with them.[2] She also taught theater to people with schizophrenia and worked with unwed mothers, as well as people addicted to drugs, having "deeply psychotic" symptoms and profound hearing loss, and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and autism.[2]

Taking all theater courses she could attend, O'Brien graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology.[2] Because she was not able to transition to a double major, she returned to the university in the mid-1970s and graduated with an interdisciplinary master's degree in theater,[2] although they were fashioned from courses in literature, psychology, and theater.[1][2] She described the combination of courses as "Reader's Theater".[1]

Prior to moving to Los Angeles, O'Brien started to suffer depression from work and wanted a professional career as an actress.[2] She left the job sometime in late 1980 and moved to Los Angeles in November 1980.[2] O'Brien originally planned to move to New York City, but felt that she did not want to live in the city.[2]

Career

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After O'Brien moved to Los Angeles, O'Brien spent the first three months watching theater performances, taking classes for voice and movement, and studying the Equity Waiver Plan.[2] O'Brien was one of 400 people who showed up to audition for parts in Mary Barnes, a theater play based on the autobiography Mary Barnes: Two Accounts of a Journey Through Madness.[2] Director Rons Sossi initially considered her for the role of patient Angie, but after repeated callbacks and auditions, he selected her to portray Barnes.[2] Her first role in Los Angeles, O'Brien initially turned the role down because a dramatic scene involving nudity frightened her,[1][2] but Sossi convinced her to take a risk, stating to her that it would be okay to risk herself.[2] O'Brien received L.A. Drama Critics Circle and LA Weekly awards for her performance of the role.[1][3][4] O'Brien reprised the role in the revival of Mary Barnes in Odyssey Theatre in 1995.[1] In 1984, O'Brien, along with six other actors, was nominated for the category of Ensemble Performance for the performance of the ensemble in Quilters at the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards.[5] Her work on stage also included winning two major awards for her lead roles in Savage in Limbo[6] and Times Like These.[citation needed]

As an on-camera actress, O'Brien has guest starred on the soap opera Santa Barbara as a hooker as well as other numerous TV series including Trapper John, M.D., NYPD Blue, Matlock, Chicago Hope, ER, CSI, CSI Miami, 7th Heaven, Reasonable Doubts, Shark, Three Rivers, Detroit 1-8-7, and L.A. Law on which she played a woman on trial for killing her rapist. TV movies include The Defiant Ones, Too Young to Die?, Infidelity, Children of the Night, Convicted, and One More Mountain. Movies include Bottle Shock in which she played Christopher Pine's mother.

Personal life

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In 1973, O'Brien met a doctor while working at National Jewish Hospital.[2] Being supportive of her remedial work, he was married to O'Brien in 1976.[2] The marriage was later filed for a divorce in late 1980.[2] Later, she married actor Carl Weintraub.[1] The couple had one son named Cory, who was born in 1989 or 1990.[1]

Acting credits

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Theater

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Year(s) Title Role Venue Notes Ref(s)
1982–83 Mary Barnes Mary Barnes Odyssey Theatre, Los Angeles Professional debut; leading role
L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Performance/Leading Role
LA Weekly award 		[1][2][3][4][7]
1983 Strawberry Envy Kentucky Froth Belle Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Included in the second bill of Louis B. Mayer Playwright's Workshop Festival [8][9][10]
Where I Live Itchey Foote, Los Angeles Based on Tennessee Williams' essays [11]
1983–84 Quilters Garrett's daughter Music Center Plaza, Los Angeles Nominated - L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Ensemble Performance [5][12][13]
1984 Vampire Guts Louise Pilot Theatre, Los Angeles [14]
Gardenia Lydie Breeze Los Angeles Actors' Theatre, Los Angeles Second chapter of Lydie Breeze series [15]
Women and Water Fourth chapter of Lydie Breeze series [16]
1986 The History of Fear Victory Theatre, Burbank [17][18]
Inside Out Beverly Hills Playhouse, Beverly Hills Solo role; also playwright [19][20]
1987 Savage in Limbo Denise Savage The Cast Theatre, Los Angeles Leading role
L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Lead Performance 		[6][21][22]
1993 Juliet Odyssey Theatre, Los Angeles [23]
Can Can
The Love Suicide at Schofield Barracks
1995 Mary Barnes Mary Barnes Leading role; revival [1]
1999 The Greeks Helen [24]
2003 Times Like These Oviation Award for the performance of the role [25]
2006 First Monday in October Ruth Loomis [26]
2012 I Am Chrissie Herself Promenade Playhouse, Los Angeles Leading role; also playwright [7]
2017 Pie in the Sky Dory Victory Theatre, Burbank [27]

Film

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Year(s) Title Role Notes Ref(s)
1982 Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann Terry Film debut
1986 The Adventures of the American Rabbit Bunny O' Hare (voice)
1987 Harry and the Hendersons Screaming Woman
1992 Gas Food Lodging Thelma
2001 Mockingbird Don't Sing Beverly Glazer
2002 American Gun Martin's Mother
2004 Around the Bend Ruth
2005 Invasion Reporter
2006 Little Chenier Faye
2008 Bottle Shock Laura
Disfigured Sheila
2022 Pie in the Sky Dory Film adaptation of the live show of the same name

Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
1983 Dynasty Maid Television debut
Episode: "Reunion in Singapore"
St. Elsewhere Mrs. Morgen Episode: "Working"
Knight Rider Linda Groves Episode: "Nobody Does It Better"
1983–85 Dungeons & Dragons Additional voices 27 episodes
1984 Legmen Mary Smith Episode: "I Shall Be Re-Released"
Calamity Jane Mamie Television film
Saturday's the Place! Herself Television film
1984–91 Muppet Babies Baby Piggy, Captain Crochette Hook (voice) 107 episodes
1985 Obsessed with a Married Woman Gali Television film
Santa Barbara Hooker 2 episodes
The Transformers Astoria Carlton-Ritz (voice) Episode: "The Girl Who Loved Powerglide"
Shadow Chasers Vicki Pasternack Episode: "Spirit of St. Louis"
The GLO Friends Save Christmas Additional voices Television film
1986 The Defiant Ones Pauline Television film
Trapper John, M.D. Oliva Episode: "Life, Death, and Dr. Christmas"
Cagney & Lacey Linda Donner Episode: "Extradition"
Convicted Audrey Delaney Television film
1987 Deadly Care Gloria Television film
Infidelity Eileen Television film [28][29][30]
The Real Ghostbusters Vanna (voice) Episode: "The Cabinet of Calamari"
1988 Ohara Ruth Britton Episode: "Sign of the Times"
L.A. Law Megan Penny Episode: "Belle of the Bald" [31]
1989 ABC Weekend Special Lewis' Mom, Trashy's Sister Episode: "The Monster Bed"
1990 Too Young to Die? Wanda Bradley Sledge Television film
Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue Baby Piggy, Mom (voice) Television film
Gabriel's Fire Kathy Danube Episode: "To Catch a Con: Part 2"
1991 The Antagonists Aly Episode: "Brother to Brother"
1992 Reasonable Doubts Esther Nichols Episode: "Maggie Finds Her Soul"
1993 Beyond Suspicion Pat Television film
1993–94 Cro Ivanna (voice) 14 episodes
1994 One More Mountain Elizabeth Graves Television film
1995 Vanishing Son Sandra Garbett Episode: "Sweet Sixteen"
Picket Fences Sara Hynes Episode: "The Song of Rome"
Live Shot Marilyn Maitland 2 episodes
1996 The Lazarus Man Charlotte Bower Episode: "The Conspirator"
Walker, Texas Ranger Becky Stanton Episode: "A Ranger Christmas"
1996, 1999 Chicago Hope Myra Delaney, Antonia White 2 episodes
1997 Crisis Center Mrs. Thomas Episode: "Where Truth Lies"
7th Heaven Carol Episode: "I Love You"
1997, 2001 NYPD Blue Mrs. Pierson, Dr. Rosen 2 episodes
1998 Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Paula Myrtle Season 2, Episode 5
Segment: "The Land"
Credited as Laurie O' Brian
ER Mrs. Richards Episode: "The Miracle Worker"
2000 Boston Public Melanie Fitzgerald Episode: "Chapter Six"
2001 Strong Medicine Arlene Billings Episode: "Impaired"
2002 The Zeta Project Paula Episode: "Eye of the Storm"
Presidio Med Denise Dembry Episode: "This Baby's Gonna Fly"
2003 CSI: Miami Mary Hinkle Episode: "Double Cap"
2004 The Division Connie Hicks Episode: "Be Careful What You Wish For"
2005 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Mrs. Meyers Episode: "Shooting Stars"
2006 Smith Barbara Collins Episode: "Two"
2007 Shark Amanda Morton Episode: "Wayne's World 2: Revenge of the Shark"
2009 Three Rivers Ruth Episode: "Ryan's First Day"
2010 Detroit 1-8-7 June Burke Episode: "Pharmacy Double/Bullet Train"
2013 Susanna Dr. Anderson 3 episodes
2014 Complete Works Deborah Hünterschmidt 5 episodes

Awards

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  • L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for the category of Performance/Leading Role for the role of Mary Barnes in Mary Barnes, 1983[1][3][4]
  • LA Weekly award for the role of Mary Barnes in Mary Barnes, 1983[1]
  • L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for the category of Lead Performance for the role of Denise Savage in Savage in Limbo, 1987[6]
  • Ovation Award, Times Like These, 2003[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Arkatov, Janice (April 16, 1995). "Actin Out the Miracle of Mary Barnes". Los Angeles Times. p. C43. Retrieved June 23, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Drake, Sylvie (February 11, 1983). "Candid Portrayal of Mental Chaos". Los Angeles Times. pp. 1, 5–6 (Part VI). Retrieved June 23, 2025 – via Newspapers.com. Without belaboring the point, O'Brien, a slender redhead with dreamy chestnut eyes who came to Los Angeles 15 months ago, believes that her encounter with [Mary Barnes] was meant to be.
  3. ^ a b c Drake, Sylvie (February 10, 1983). "'Betrayal' Tops Critics' Nominations". Los Angeles Times. pp. 118, 121. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Drake, Sylvie (March 29, 1983). "Waivers Big Winners at Awards". Los Angeles Times. pp. 1, 4 (Part VI). Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Drake, Sylvie (February 23, 1984). "Critics Circle Spreads a Wealth of Nominations". Los Angeles Times. pp. 1, 6 (Part VI). Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c Kreiswirth, Sandra (March 31, 1988). "'Misalliance' dominates '87 drama awards". News-Pilot. pp. C1–C2. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  7. ^ a b Stoudt, Charlotte (June 28, 2012). "Two works in search of a little polishing". Los Angeles Times. p. 35. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Kreiswirth, Sandra (July 15, 1983). "On the stage: Alley Morrison to star in 'Cat'". The Daily Breeze. pp. E17. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  9. ^ Kreiswirth, Sandra (July 15, 1983). "LAAT's one-acts are best buy in town". The Daily Breeze. pp. E16. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  10. ^ Drake, Sylvie (July 2, 1983). "One-Act Plays Provide An Evening of Surprises". Los Angeles Times. pp. 1, 7 (Part V). Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  11. ^ Christon, Lawrence (August 19, 1983). "Williams' Memoirs at Itchey Foote". Los Angeles Times. pp. 12 (Part VI). Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  12. ^ Sullivan, Dan (December 16, 1983). "The Stitching of 'Quilters' Varied Seams Makes It Whole". Los Angeles Times. p. 92. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  13. ^ Eyerly, Alan (December 29, 1983). "Pioneer life pieced together in new play". The Argonaut. p. 15. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  14. ^ Drake, Sylvie (May 24, 2024). "'Vampire Guts': All in the Family". Los Angeles Times. p. 76. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  15. ^ Sullivan, Dan (October 22, 1984). "'Lydie' and Admires Move On in 'Gardenia'". Los Angeles Times. pp. 70, 75. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  16. ^ Sullivan, Dan (October 15, 1984). "Laat, Guare Launch a 4-Part Saga". Los Angeles Times. p. 67. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Gray, Beverly (February 14, 1986). "Passion and Perils of Love on the Stage". Los Angeles Times. pp. 105, 118. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  18. ^ Sullivan, Dan (January 25, 1986). "A 'History' of Ghosts and Lovers". Los Angeles Times. p. 68. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  19. ^ "Vic Tayback stars in Simon comedy". News-Pilot. October 31, 1986. pp. E24. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  20. ^ "Inside Out/The Anteroom". LA Weekly. December 4, 1986. p. 89. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  21. ^ Linn, Pam (July 9, 1987). "Five fine actors do a savage 'Limbo'". Simi Valley Star. p. 20. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  22. ^ Arkatov, Janice (September 13, 1987). "Shaw's 'Misalliance' at South Coast". Los Angeles Times. pp. 405–406. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  23. ^ Swanson, Debbie K. (June 7, 1993). "2 out of 3 ain't bad at Odyssey". News-Pilot. pp. A9. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  24. ^ Phillips, Michael (September 22, 1999). "'Greeks' Shows Its Achilles' Heel". Los Angeles Times. pp. 73, 81. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  25. ^ "Times Like These". Los Angeles Times. January 26, 2003. p. 105. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Foley, Kathleen F. (April 14, 2006). "Need more order in this court". Los Angeles Times. p. 63. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  27. ^ Foley, Kathleen F. (April 19, 2017). "Apples, cinnamon and love". Los Angeles Times. pp. E4. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  28. ^ Margulies, Lee (March 15, 1987). "Update". Los Angeles Times. p. 553. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  29. ^ "Infidelity (Premiere) ABC, Monday". Auburn Journal. April 12, 1987. p. 95. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  30. ^ "Movies". News-Pilot. August 7, 1989. pp. A10. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  31. ^ "TV's Best Bets". The San Bernardino County Sun. April 14, 1988. p. 56. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
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