Holly Hunter

Georgia native Holly Hunter landed her first starring role in the Coen brothers' 1987 movie "Raising Arizona," a part that is said to have been written with her in mind. Her role in 1987's "Broadcast News" as driven TV news producer Jane Craig catipulted her to stardom.

Holly Hunter in 1993. The actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 30, 2008.

Hunter as Ada in her 1994 Oscar-winning performance for "The Piano." Hunter received The Half Life Award for her accomplishments in film and her contributions to the acting profession at the CineVegas Film Festival in June 2004.

Hunter in 1994 after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as Ada, a mute woman, in "The Piano." An accomplished pianist, Hunter played all of the music in the film.

Actresses Geena Davis and Holly Hunter share a light moment during a news conference urging protection of athletic opportunities for women under Title IX on Capitol Hill, in Washington in 2003. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the landmark law which increases opportunities for girls and women to engage in sports.

Actors Samuel L. Jackson and Holly Hunter arrive for the premiere of their latest film, the Disney/Pixar animation "The Incredibles" in 2004. Hunter lends her voice to ultra-flexible Elastigirl and Jackson to the ice cool superhero Frozone.

Holly Hunter makes her West End debut as Hester Swaine, in a scene with Kate Costello, during a photocall for Marina Carr's play, "By The Bog Of Cats," at Wyndhams Theatre in central London in 2004.

Holly Hunter poses on the set of her first television series, "Saving Grace," in 2007. Hunter plays the role of a world-weary Oklahoma City detective in the TNT series. She received a 2008 Emmy nomination for her work on the show, but Glenn Close took home the award for "Damages."

Laila Ali, Women's Sports Foundation founder Billie Jean King and actress Holly Hunter arrive at the Women's Sports Foundation's 28th Annual Salute to Women in Sports in 2007 in New York.

Holly Hunter arrives at the Turner Broadcasting TCA party during the Television Critics Association tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 11, 2008, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Holly Hunter arrives at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, in Los Angeles. Hunter received a 2009 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, her second consecutive nomination for her work on the series "Saving Grace."