Laura Linney stars in new Parkinson’s drama as she prepares for Broadway’s “Montauk”

Laura Linney is back in the headlines after appearing in a new Parkinson’s drama film alongside Rhys Ifans, where both talk openly about death and dying, according to The Guardian. Parkinson’s Europe also highlights the film, titled Onwards and Sideways, as Linney’s latest screen project. In a separate theatre update, Broadway News reports that Jonathan Kent is taking over as director of the Broadway production Montauk, which stars Linney.

Who is Laura Linney

Laura Leggett Linney, born on 5 February 1964 in Manhattan, is an American actress and director. She has worked across television, film, stage and voice work, and has also directed television. Her career has earned her multiple awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award, alongside nominations for Academy, Tony and BAFTA awards.

Lesser‑known facts

Laura Linney shares her 5 February birthday with football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, a coincidence noted in the Index.

She is one of only 204 people in the Index born in Manhattan; the most famous of those is former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.

Her early accolades include a Theatre World Award in 1992, and she later collected a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play, underscoring her stage credentials.

Linney’s education spans several prestigious institutions: she studied at Brown University, the Juilliard School and Northwestern University before launching her acting career.