You know that actress who pops up everywhere? The one with the raspy voice who steals scenes without even trying? That's Martha Plimpton. If you're searching for martha plimpton movies and tv shows, you're probably like me – caught off guard realizing how many iconic roles she's actually played. I remember watching "The Goonies" for the tenth time before it clicked that Stef was Martha Plimpton. Mind blown.
Martha Plimpton's Career Breakdown
Started as a kid, still killing it decades later. That’s rare in Hollywood. She never chased blockbusters but consistently picked interesting projects. Let’s cut straight to the good stuff.
Essential Martha Plimpton Movies
Her film career? Wildly eclectic. From 80s classics to indie darlings:
| Movie Title | Year | Role | Why It Matters | Rotten Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Goonies | 1985 | Stef | The sarcastic teen (quintessential Plimpton attitude) | 77% |
| Running on Empty | 1988 | Lorna Phillips | Oscar-nominated role as a rebellious preacher's daughter | 93% |
| Small Town Murder Songs | 2010 | Sam | Underrated indie gem showing her dramatic range | 88% |
| Parenthood | 1989 | Julie Buckman | Ron Howard's ensemble dramedy – raw and hilarious | 92% |
Personal take? "Running on Empty" should’ve won her the Oscar. Fight me. Her breakdown scene near the end? Chilling. But honestly, she’s often stuck in supporting roles. Wish she’d gotten more leads in the 90s.
Fun story: I saw Martha at a tiny NYC theater in 2018. She signed my "Goonies" DVD and said Stef was "exhausting to play because the damn cave was freezing." Real talk.
Must-Watch TV Shows
TV’s where she truly shined. Forget movie stars slumming it – Plimpton owned the small screen:
| TV Show | Years | Role | Awards | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raising Hope | 2010-2014 | Virginia Chance | Emmy & Critics Choice nominations | Hulu |
| The Good Wife | 2010-2016 | Patti Nyholm | Emmy win (Guest Actress) | Paramount+ |
| Sneaky Pete | 2017-2019 | Audrey Bernhardt | Critics’ standout performance | Amazon Prime |
| The Real O'Neals | 2016-2017 | Eileen O'Neal | Canceled too soon (ABC’s mistake) | Hulu |
Virginia Chance in "Raising Hope" might be her masterpiece. A trashy but loving mom? Genius comedy. Makes me wonder why she doesn’t headline more sitcoms.
But let’s be real – her Emmy-winning turn in "The Good Wife" as the sociopathic lawyer Patti Nyholm? Terrifying. You can’t look away.
Deep Dive: Why Her Career Stands Out
No fluff. Here’s why she matters:
Range: Compare Virginia Chance’s trailer-park humor to Patti Nyholm’s ice-cold cunning. Same actress?
Longevity: 40+ years without a career slump? Name five others.
Screw typecasting: Played everything from junkies to judges.
Underrated Gems You Probably Missed
Skip the obvious. Try these deep cuts:
- I Shot Andy Warhol (1996): Plays feminist icon Florence Abbey. Messy and brilliant.
- Please Give (2010): Nicole Holofcener’s dramedy – Plimpton’s passive-aggressive neighbor is uncomfortably real.
- Shots Fired (2017): Limited series where she’s a ruthless governor. Political thriller gold.
Heads up: Avoid "Beautiful Girls" (1996) unless you want cringe 90s stereotypes. Even Martha couldn’t save that one.
Where to Start With Martha Plimpton Movies and TV Shows
New to her work? Follow this path:
- Beginner: "The Goonies" (nostalgia) → "Raising Hope" (comedy chops)
- Intermediate: "Running on Empty" (drama) → "The Good Wife S2" (Emmy brilliance)
- Expert Level: "Small Town Murder Songs" (indie grit) → "I Shot Andy Warhol" (cult classic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s Martha Plimpton doing now?
She’s filming “SUPERMAN” (2025) as Ma Kent. Funny how life works – from indie theaters to superhero blockbusters.
Is she related to George Plimpton?
Yep. He was her dad. The literary legend and Paris Review founder. Explains her sharp wit.
Did Martha Plimpton ever win an Oscar?
Nope. Nominated for "Running on Empty," lost to Geena Davis. Robbed, honestly. But she’s got Tonys and Emmys.
What’s her best TV role?
Virginia Chance in “Raising Hope.” Fight me. Though Patti Nyholm in “The Good Wife” is a masterclass in villainy.
Final Thoughts on Martha Plimpton Movies and TV Shows
Look, she’s not a tabloid fixture. Doesn’t do Marvel movies. But if you want an actor who disappears into roles? Martha Plimpton’s filmography is a masterclass. From screaming at Goonies to winning Emmys as a lawyer from hell – she’s done it all without breaking a sweat.
Still not convinced? Watch the diner scene in "Running on Empty" where she confronts her parents. That’s why we’re still talking about her 40 years later. Pure fire.
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