Before she became an Academy Award-winning actress and beloved Hollywood figure, Mary Steenburgen was born and raised in Newport—a scenic river town along the White River known for its historic downtown, railroad heritage, and classic small-town Arkansas charm. Today, Newport remains a welcoming stop for travelers looking to experience authentic Ozark and Delta culture.
In 1971, she enrolled at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas to study drama. She subsequently traveled to Dallas at the suggestion of her drama teacher, where she successfully auditioned for New York City’s Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre.
Steenburgen’s journey from New York City to Hollywood is one for the books. While working as a waitress at the Magic Pan in New York, she was discovered by Jack Nicholson and cast in his 1978 Western comedy Goin’ South, launching her film career. She went on to win both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Melvin and Howard (1980), quickly becoming one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Her career spans decades of memorable roles, but she’s also known for a fascinating creative turn later in life. After surgery, she developed a deep connection to music and became a songwriter, collaborating with Nashville artists and contributing music to projects like Wild Rose. She even famously appeared in a rare Oscar trivia streak where four consecutive Best Supporting Actress winners shared the initials “M.S.” (Maggie Smith, Meryl Streep, Mary Steenburgen, and Maureen Stapleton).
Beyond acting and music, Steenburgen has brought her storytelling talents to children through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Storyline Online, even adding accordion performances to her readings. Early in her career, she worked hard to soften her thick Arkansas accent for acting roles, practicing with a tape recorder—though she has joked it still returns when she’s emotional.
She is also deeply involved in environmental and human rights causes, has supported political efforts including Hillary Clinton’s campaigns, and has returned to Arkansas to teach drama workshops as a way of giving back. In recognition of her achievements, she holds honorary degrees from both Hendrix College and Lyon College in Arkansas.
In her personal life, she is married to actor Ted Danson, and the two have been one of Hollywood’s most enduring and admired couples since 1995.
From Newport’s riverbanks to Hollywood’s biggest stages, her story adds an extra spark of pride for Arkansas—and a great reason to explore the town that helped shape her beginnings.