Margo Martindale is the queen of character acting. She has been making a name for herself through her dramas, comedies, and thrillers, all marked with signature authenticity and depth. The recent role in The Sticky adds another layer to this impressive portfolio and depicts unmatched versatility.
If her commanding presence in The Sticky left you wanting more, dive into her top performances, from Emmy-winning roles in Justified and The Americans to standout parts in films like Million Dollar Baby. Each showcases why she's a beloved and respected figure in the industry.
Top 10 Margo Martindale movies and TV shows to watch
1. Justified (2011)
Martindale delivers an amazing performance as Mags Bennett, a ruthless and complex crime boss from Kentucky. The Emmy winner portrays Mags' character as someone who weaves Southern charm with an underlying menace and is outstanding. By popular demand, the originally planned short run was expanded into a longer role. In its depth, Martindale's multi-faceted performance, especially at moments of frailty, heightens her already celebrated portrayal, one of her finest on screen. Here, she demonstrates her ability to dominate the screen by subtly brilliant and powerfully communicating with the viewer.
2.The Americans (2013–2018)
Martindale brought enigmatic and calculating energy to The Americans by playing Claudia, a KGB handler. Over a number of seasons, her Emmy-winning performance became the linchpin of the elaborate espionage drama around the show. Usually loyal and manipulative, intense interactions abounded between her character and the main spies. The role established the actor's ability to navigate complex narratives and perform scenes heavy with emotion. Her minimalism made Claudia a fan favorite in this prize-winning thriller about the Cold War.
3.Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Martindale's brief but indelible role in Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby as Hilary Swank's disapproving mother added emotional heft to the Oscar-winning film. This selfish, unsympathetic character, who again presents as a foil to Swank's resolute heroine, has just a couple of minutes on the screen, but Martindale comes out with a richly nuanced voice. That bitterness and entitlement shine through in a way that, for good measure, supports the film's analysis of family and ambition in difficult circumstances.
4.August: Osage County (2013)
Martindale stars in August: Osage County as Mattie Fae Aiken, a fiery, outspoken member of a deeply dysfunctional family. Martindale holds her own opposite Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in this darkly comedic drama. Her character's straightforward honesty and pain beneath the surface add levels to the already superbly narrated saga. The film let her show her dramatic chops against a powerhouse cast and proved her versatility to leave a mark among great ensemble work
5.Sneaky Pete (2015–2019)
In Sneaky Pete, as Audrey, Martindale captures the innate strength and energy of a grandmother striving to contain her family within the dangerous reaches of criminal schemes. Warm, yet unyielding, she grounds the series with moments of tension and intimacy. It shows the dimension of her versatility as she plays moments of fragility and then switches seamlessly to steel resolve. Martindale adds depth to an already complex plot, Audrey's role being one of the most interesting.
6.BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
Martindale’s recurring role as an exaggerated version of herself in BoJack Horseman is a comedic gem. Self-aware and hilariously chaotic, her character gets involved in absurd heists and dramatic antics, parodying her real-life career. Martindale’s willingness to embrace the humor of her “character actor” reputation adds a unique layer to the show. Her presence in the animated series demonstrates her comedic timing and ability to shine in unconventional roles.
7.The Good Wife (2009–2016)
In a guest spot on The Good Wife, Martindale is less like herself as the sharp political consultant Ruth Eastman. Masterclasses in subtle manipulation and strategy unfold in all her scenes and play out seamlessly within the intelligent context of the show. It's a short yet unforgettable performance, because her commanding presence on screen makes her shine. This performance exemplifies how Martindale can elevate even a project with scant screen time and leave audiences chomping at the bit.
8.Nobody’s Fool (1994)
Acting alongside Paul Newman in Nobody’s Fool, Martindale plays a wisecracking small-town bartender. Her character’s warmth and wit shine in this heartwarming comedy-drama. The film marked an early milestone in her career, with Newman himself praising her performance. Martindale’s natural charm and impeccable timing complement the film’s themes of resilience and community, making her a memorable part of this classic.
9.Paris, Je T’aime (2006)
In this anthology film about love in Paris, Martindale stars in a touching segment. Playing a lonely postal worker narrating her vacation in broken French, she brings humor and heartbreak to the screen. The role captures the bittersweet emotions of connection and solitude, and her heartfelt performance is a highlight of the film. It’s a testament to her ability to convey profound emotion in even the smallest of roles.
10.The Watcher (2022)
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In Netflix’s The Watcher, Martindale plays an unsettling neighbor whose motives remain ambiguous. Her performance adds to the show’s eerie atmosphere, leaving viewers on edge. Her ability to keep the audience guessing highlights her skill in suspenseful narratives. This role showcases her talent for playing characters that blur the lines between friend and foe, cementing her status as a standout performer in the thriller genre.
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