Gina Gershon

Gina Gershon
Gershon in 2018
Born
Gina L. Gershon

(1962-06-10) June 10, 1962 (age 61)
Alma materNew York University (BFA '83)
Occupation(s)Actress, singer, author
Years active1981–present
Known forBound
Cocktail
Showgirls
Face/Off
Killer Joe

Gina L. Gershon (born June 10, 1962) is an American actress and singer. She has starred in such films as Cocktail (1988), Red Heat (1988), Showgirls (1995), Bound (1996), Face/Off (1997), The Insider (1999), Demonlover (2002), P.S. I Love You (2007), Five Minarets in New York (2010), Killer Joe (2011) and House of Versace (2013). She has also had supporting roles in FX's Rescue Me and HBO's How to Make It in America. She also portrayed Jughead's mom Gladys Jones on The CW teen drama series Riverdale and Lauren Bloom's mom Jeanie Bloom on the NBC medical series New Amsterdam.

Early life

Gina L. Gershon was born in Los Angeles, to Mickey Gershon (née Koppel) an interior decorator, and Stan Gershon, who worked in the import-export business and sales. She was raised in a Jewish family in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley. She has an older brother and an older sister.

Gershon went to Collier Street Elementary School and Woodland Hills Academy (formerly Parkman Junior High). She attended Beverly Hills High School and started acting at the age of 14. After graduating from high school in 1980, she moved to Boston to attend Emerson College. She transferred to New York University, and graduated with a BFA in drama and psychology/philosophy in 1983.

She has said she always wanted to be an actress, but her career began in music and dance.

Career

Theatre

Gershon attended the Circle in the Square Professional Theater School in New York, working first with David Mamet and later with Harold Guskin and Sandra Seacat, whom she has described in interviews as "a huge influence." Her first professional acting was in stage productions of Camille and The Substance of Fire.

She is one of the founding members of the New York-based theater group Naked Angels.

She has appeared on Broadway three times: as Sally Bowles in the revival of Cabaret; in the revival of the sex farce Boeing-Boeing; and as Rosie Alvarez in the 2010 revival of Bye Bye Birdie at the Roundabout Theatre Company.

Film

Her break came with a bit part in Pretty in Pink (1986), which led to more substantial roles in Sweet Revenge with Nancy Allen, Cocktail with Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue, and John Sayles' urban drama City of Hope (1991). Also in 1991, she appeared in the action film Out for Justice opposite Steven Seagal, where she played Patti Madano, sister of the film's villain, Richie Madano (William Forsythe). Gershon also worked in television, with a recurring role on Melrose Place playing a prostitute working for a Heidi Fleiss-esque Hollywood madam.

In 1996 she played Corky, an ex-con who gets mixed up in an affair with Violet (played by Jennifer Tilly) in the mobster flick Bound. In 1997 she co-starred with John Travolta and Nicolas Cage in Face/Off.

Gershon in June 2011

Gershon is regarded as a gay icon for her roles in films such as Bound (in which she played a butch lesbian), Prey for Rock & Roll, and Showgirls (in which she played a bisexual showgirl, and which is regarded as a camp classic). She was ranked #51 on the Maxim Hot 100 Women of 2004.

In 2011, Gershon appeared alongside Matthew McConaughey in Killer Joe, a dark comedy/thriller featuring director William Friedkin.

In 2017, Gershon starred in Bad Kids of Crestview Academy directed by Ben Browder, Lost Cat Corona directed by Anthony Tarsitano, the romantic comedy-drama Permission opposite Dan Stevens and Rebecca Hall directed by Brian Crano, Gershon co-starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the thriller Inconceivable, thriller film directed by Jonathan Baker, That same year, she starred in 9/11 directed by Martin Guigui revolving around the September 11 attacks opposite Whoopi Goldberg, Luis Guzmán and Charlie Sheen. The film was panned by critics and faced controversy for Sheen's history with the 911 Truth movement, a conspiracy theory. Gershon stated she was unaware of Sheen's comments during production of the film and would have spoken with Sheen and Guigui before agreeing to star.

In 2018, Gershon starred in the adventure drama American Dresser directed by Carmine Cangialosi, which was critically panned. Gershon then starred in the drama film After Everything directed by Hannah Marks and Joey Power, opposite Maika Monroe and Jeremy Allen White. The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest in March 2018, and was released in October 2018, to critical acclaim. She also had a small role in comedy Blockers directed by Kay Cannon, which was released on April 6, 2018, to critical and commercial success.

In 2020, Gershon starred in the sports film Cagefighter: Worlds Collide directed by Jesse Quinones. Gershon next starred in Rifkin's Festival directed by Woody Allen. Following backlash for starring in the film, Gershon defended her decision to star in the film stating: "I don't believe that to be true. You should really do all of the research and read all of the articles before believing that. It's really important to make up your own mind and not go by what the masses claim. I've done extensive research and I can say with very clear conscience that I'm so happy to be working with him. This man is not a sexual predator." Gershon also called working on the film "a dream come true". Gershon will also star in With/In an anthology film set during the COVID-19 pandemic directing from a screenplay she wrote.

TV and online work

Gershon in May 2010

She portrayed Nancy Barbato, Frank Sinatra's 1st wife in the made-for-TV biopic Sinatra, in 1992. Gershon next had a recurring role on Melrose Place playing a prostitute working for a Heidi Fleiss-esque Hollywood madam. Gershon made a guest appearance as herself on The Larry Sanders Show. Gershon next starred in the lead role of Glenn Hall in ABC's detective series Snoops created by David E. Kelley, which was cancelled after one season.

Gershon has made numerous guest and recurring appearances on various shows including HBO's comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm, FX's comedy-drama Rescue Me, ABC's Ugly Betty, USA Network's Psych, A recurring role on HBO's How to Make It in America.

Gershon voiced the role of Six in the adult animation series Tripping the Rift. Gershon also voiced the role of Catwoman in the 2007 animated series The Batman. From 2017 to 2018, Gershon voiced the role of Langwidere in Lost in Oz.

In 2013, Gershon starred in the television film House of Versace as Donatella Versace, which premiered on Lifetime. Gershon's performance earned praise from fashion critic Cathy Horyn. That same year, Gershon began starring in the Crackle action series Cleaners.

In 2015, Gershon made a guest appearance on Glee in the sixth and final season as Blaine's mother. From 2015 to 2017, Gershon had a recurring role on Amazon Prime Video's Red Oaks. She also appeared in two episodes of Elementary. That same year, Gershon had a recurring role on Z Nation. In 2016, Gershon guest starred on Empire. In 2017, Gershon guest starred on the HBO comedy series Crashing. That same year, Gershon had a recurring role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine as the villainous Lt. Melanie Hawkins. Gershon was cast in the E! dark comedy pilot #Fashionvictim opposite Willa Fitzgerald, which was not picked up to series. Since 2018, Gershon has had a recurring role on The CW drama Riverdale portraying the role of Jughead Jones's mother, Gladys. That same year, Gershon made a guest appearance on Younger.

In 2020, Gershon had a recurring role on New Amsterdam.

Gershon has appeared in two videos on FunnyorDie.com parodying former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, titled "Gina Gershon Strips Down Sarah Palin", and "Gina Gershon Does Sarah Palin 2". In 2016, Gershon parodied Melania Trump in a Funny or Die video "A Message from Melania Trump". Gershon additionally has played Trump on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, An Off-Broadway play, "The 1st Annual Trump Family Special". and in an episode of CBS All Access's The Good Fight.

Music

Gershon played Jaw harp on "I Can't Decide", a song on the Scissor Sisters 2006 release Ta-Dah. She also played Jaw harp on the song "I Do It For Your Love", Paul Simon's collaboration with Herbie Hancock on his album Possibilities, in a duo with bassist Christian McBride on the song "Chitlins and Gefiltefish", on McBride's 2011 album Conversations with Christian, and on "Maria" from her album In Search of Cleo.

She had a cameo role in The Cars 1984 music video "Hello Again" alongside Andy Warhol, and appeared in Lenny Kravitz's music video "Again".

Books

Gershon and her brother Dann are the authors of the children's book Camp Creepy Time.

Gershon's first book written for adults, In Search of Cleo: How I Found My Pussy and Lost My Mind, is the true story of the hunt for her runaway cat and was released on October 11, 2012.

Personal life

From 2015 to 2018, Gershon was in a relationship with Belgian entrepreneur and former footballer, Robert Dekeyser.

Acting credits

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1981 Beatlemania Dancer Uncredited
1985 Girls Just Want to Have Fun Dancer Uncredited
1986 Pretty in Pink Trombley, Girl Friend / Gym Class
3:15 the Moment of Truth Cobrettes
1987 Sweet Revenge K.C.
1988 Red Heat Catherine 'Cat' Manzetti
Cocktail Coral
1989 Suffering Bastards Sharnetta
1990 Voodoo Dawn Tina
1991 City of Hope Laurie Rinaldi
Out for Justice Patti Madano
Jungle Fever Angie's Neighbor Scenes deleted
1992 The Player Whitney Gersh
1993 Joey Breaker Jenny Chaser
1994 Flinch Daphne James
1995 Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back Margo Preston
Showgirls Cristal Connors Nominated – Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress
1996 Bound Corky Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Actress
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss
1997 This World, Then the Fireworks Carol Lakewood Morton
Touch Debra Lusanne
Face/Off Sasha Hassler
1998 Palmetto Nina
Lulu on the Bridge Hannah
Prague Duet Dr. Lauren Graham
I'm Losing You Lidia
One Tough Cop Joey O'Hara
1999 Guinevere Billie
The Insider Helen Caperelli
2001 Driven Cathy Heguy
Picture Claire Lily Warden
2002 Slackers Girl at Trendy Club Uncredited
Demonlover Elaine Si Gibril
2003 Prey for Rock & Roll Jacki Also producer
2004 Three Way Florence DeCroix Hagen Also known as 3-Way
Out of Season Eileen Phillips
2005 One Last Thing... Arlene
2006 Dreamland Mary
Man About Town Arlene Kreiner
Kettle of Fish Ginger
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With Herself as Marty's Mother
Delirious Dana
2007 What Love Is Rachel
P.S. I Love You Sharon McCarthy
2008 Just Business Marty Jameson
Beer for My Horses Cammie
Gina Gershon Strips Down Sarah Palin Sarah Palin Short film
2009 The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard Unknown Uncredited
2010 Love Ranch Irene
Five Minarets in New York Maria Also known as Act of Vengeance and The Terrorist
Across the Line: The Exodus of Charlie Wright Mariel Garza
2011 Sarah Palin Media Addict Sarah Palin Short film
Killer Joe Sharla Smith Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress
2012 LOL Kathy
Breathless Lorna
2013 Dealin' with Idiots Sophie
2014 The Scribbler Cleo
Mall Donna Also known as Mall: A Day to Kill
The Lookalike Lee Garner
Sharklumbo Widow Short film
Me Gina Gershon
2015 Staten Island Summer Ms. Greeley
2016 A Message from Melania Trump Melania Trump Short film
My Dead Boyfriend Helene
2017 Bad Kids of Crestview Academy Senator Wilkes
Lost Cat Corona Connie
Permission Lydia
Inconceivable Angela
9/11 Eve Cage
2018 After Everything Tracy
Blockers Cathy
The Little Mermaid Peggy Gene
American Dresser Sandra
2019 The Investigation: A Search for the Truth in Ten Acts K. T. McFarland / Rick Gates Live reading of excerpts from the Mueller Report
Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Regina Voice
2020 The Mimic The Woman at the Bar
Cagefighter: Worlds Collide Max Drake
Rifkin's Festival Sue
People in Landscape Alex's Mother
2021 With/In: Volume 2 Unknown Segment: "Shell Game"; also director and writer
Don't Look Up Kathy Logolos Deleted scenes
2022 Emily the Criminal Alice
2023 Thanksgiving Amanda Collins
2024 Borderlands Mad Moxxi Post-production
TBA Tapawingo TBA Post-production
The Trainer TBA Post-production
Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1986 Stark: Mirror Image Alison Cromwell Television film
1987 The Twilight Zone Laura Episode: "Time and Teresa Golowitz"
1989 The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd Randy Lewis 3 episodes
Monsters Ann Episode: "Jar"
1990 Cop Rock Stacey Kane Episode: "The Cocaine Mutiny"
1992 Miss Rose White Angie Television film
Sinatra Nancy Barbato Sinatra Miniseries
1993 Love Matters Heat Television film
Melrose Place Ellen 3 episodes
1994 The Untouchables Becky Petrov Episode: "The Skin Trade"
1997 Ellen Cashier Episode: "The Puppy Episode: Part 2"; uncredited
1998 Legalese Angela Beale Television film
1999 Black and White Nora 'Hugs' Hugosian Television film
1999–2000 Snoops Glenn Hall Main role
2000 Saturday Night Live Wilma Slotsin Episode: "Jackie Chan/Kid Rock"; uncredited
2002–2003 Just Shoot Me! Rhonda Ferrara 2 episodes
2002 Borderline Dr. Lila Coletti Television film
2003 Spider-Man: The New Animated Series Shikata Voice, 2 episodes
The Restaurant Herself 1 episode
2004 The Practice Glenn Hall Episode: "The Firm"
Tripping the Rift Six Main role (season 1)
Kevin Hill Carly Austin Episode: "The Good Life"
Curb Your Enthusiasm Anna Episode: "The Survivor"
2004–2007 The Batman Selina Kyle / Catwoman Voice, 5 episodes
2005 The Studio Bebe Knight Episode: "Pilot"
Crossing Jordan Charlie Davis Episode: "Embraceable You"
Family Guy Policewoman Voice, episode: "Blind Ambition"
Category 7: The End of the World FEMA Director Judith Carr Television film
American Dad! Karen, additional voices 2 episodes
2006–2007 Ugly Betty Fabia Recurring role (season 1)
2007 Psych Emilina Saffron Episode: "American Duos"
Curb Your Enthusiasm Anna Episode: "The Anonymous Donor"
2007–2009 Rescue Me Valerie Recurring role (seasons 4-5)
2008 I Love the New Millennium Herself Commentator
2009 Life on Mars Rita Episode: "Coffee, Tea, or Annie"
Numb3rs Danielle Hill Episode: "12:01 AM"
Eastbound & Down Realtor Episode: "Chapter 5"
Everything She Ever Wanted Pat Allanson Miniseries
2010 Glory Daze Lt. Lang Episode: "What's Love Got to Nude with It"
2011 How to Make It in America Nancy Frankenburg 7 episodes
2013 Maron Alexa Episode: "A Real Woman"
House of Versace Donatella Versace Television film
Hunt For the Labyrinth Killer Karen Donovan Television film
Anger Management Mandy Episode: "Charlie Loses His Virginity Again"
2013–2014 Cleaners Mother Main role
2014 Elementary Elana March 2 episodes
Community Devon's wife Episode: "VCR Maintenance and Educational Publishing"
2015 Glee Pam Anderson Episode: "A Wedding"
2015–2017 Red Oaks Fay Getty Recurring role
2015 Z Nation La Reina de la Muerte Recurring role (season 2)
2016 Empire Heleen Von Wyatt Episode: "The Unkindest Cut"
2017 Crashing Susie Episode: "The Road"
Brooklyn Nine-Nine Lt. Melanie Hawkins Recurring role
2018 Younger Chrissie Hart Episode: "Sex, Liza and Rock & Roll"
2018–2019 Riverdale Gladys Jones Recurring role (season 3)
2019 The Good Fight "Melania Trump" Episode: "The One with the Celebrity Divorce"
2020–2021 New Amsterdam Jeanie Bloom Recurring role
2020 Loafy Slippy Parker Voice, 5 episodes
2021 Betty Oracle Episode: "Sweet Tooth"
2022 Chucky Herself Episode: "Death on Denial"
2023 Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens Toe / Dr. Emily Cohen Episode: "Nightmares"

Theater

Year Title Role Theatre Notes
1998 Cabaret Sally Bowles Henry Miller's Theatre / Studio 54
2008 Boeing-Boeing Gabriella Longacre Theatre
2009 Bye Bye Birdie Rose Alvarez Henry Miller Theatre
2014 Ghost Brothers of Darkland County Monique McCandless Various (18-city tour)

Music

Year Title Notes
2007 In Search of Cleo

Podcast

Year Title Role Notes
2020 The Pack Podcast Narrator
2021 The Playboy Interview Oriana Fallaci 2 episodes

This page was last updated at 2024-02-27 10:18 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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