Elizabeth Reaser Movies and TV Shows Life Elizabeth Reaser is a renowned American actress celebrated for her diverse roles in both film and television. Known for her powerful performances, she has earned recognition across a wide variety of genres. Below is a comprehensive look at her filmography, highlighting her career in movies and television.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Elizabeth Ann Reaser was born on July 2, 1975, in Bloomfield, Michigan. She developed an interest in acting from a young age and honed her skills at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. After graduating in 1999, she embarked on a successful career in acting, starting with smaller roles in theater and television.
Movies
| Movie Title | Year |
|---|---|
| The Twilight Saga: Twilight | 2008 |
| The Twilight Saga: New Moon | 2009 |
| The Twilight Saga: Eclipse | 2010 |
| The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 | 2011 |
| The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 | 2012 |
| Sweet Land | 2005 |
| Stay | 2005 |
| The Art of Getting By | 2011 |
| Afternoon Delight | 2013 |
| The House of the Devil | 2009 |
| The Good Marriage | 2014 |
| Rathdrum | 2022 |
| The Creation of the Humanoids | 2021 |
TV Shows
| TV Show Title | Year |
|---|---|
| The Ex List | 2008 |
| Saved | 2006 |
| The Mentalist | 2008 |
| The Haunting of Hill House | 2018 |
| The Mindy Project | 2013 |
| True Detective | 2014 |
| Grey’s Anatomy | 2006 |
| The Romanoffs | 2018 |
| You Are the Worst | 2015 |
| The Exorcist | 2016 |
| Dr. Death | 2021 |
Notable Movies Featuring Elizabeth Reaser
Elizabeth Reaser’s film career spans multiple genres, from drama to horror, and she has become well known for her ability to bring depth to her characters.
1. The Twilight Saga (2008–2012)
Role: Esme Cullen
The Twilight Saga is arguably one of Reaser’s most iconic roles. She played Esme Cullen, the warm and loving matriarch of the Cullen family. The films, based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novels, were huge commercial successes and helped solidify Reaser’s place in Hollywood.
2. Sweet Land (2005)
Role: Ingrid
This indie drama film, set in the early 20th century, tells the story of a German immigrant who faces prejudice as she navigates life in rural Minnesota. Reaser’s performance was widely praised, marking an important milestone in her career and helping her gain recognition in independent cinema.
3. Young Adult (2011)
Role: Beth
In this dark comedy directed by Jason Reitman, Reaser starred alongside Charlize Theron. The film follows a dysfunctional writer who returns to her small town to rekindle a romance with her high school boyfriend. Reaser’s portrayal of Beth, the high school friend of the main character, added emotional depth to the film.
4. The Family Stone (2005)
Role: Amy Stone
In this ensemble holiday film, Reaser plays Amy, the neurotic sister of a family who comes together for Christmas. The film, which includes a star-studded cast like Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker, was a box office hit, and Reaser’s performance garnered praise for her comedic timing and emotional range.
5. The Good Girl (2002)
Role: Alys
In this dramedy, Reaser had a supporting role alongside Jennifer Aniston and Jake Gyllenhaal. Set in a small-town retail store, the film explores themes of infidelity and personal dissatisfaction. Though her role was brief, Reaser’s presence in this early film was an indication of her potential.
6. Thirteen (2003)
Role: Aimee
In this provocative drama about adolescence, Reaser plays Aimee, the supportive friend to Tracy (played by Evan Rachel Wood) as she embarks on a path of rebellion. The film was praised for its raw portrayal of teenage angst and Reaser’s role contributed to the film’s gritty realism.
Elizabeth Reaser in Television
In addition to her notable movie roles, Reaser has built an impressive television career, showing her range through a variety of characters in different genres.
1. Grey Anatomy (2005–2006)
Role: Ava/Rebecca Pope
Elizabeth Reaser made a memorable appearance on Grey’s Anatomy as Ava, a patient who becomes romantically involved with Dr. George O’Malley. Her character’s complex storyline added emotional depth to the series, and she appeared in several episodes during the third season.
2. The Ex List (2008)
Role: Bella
In this short-lived dramedy, Reaser played Bella, one of the close-knit group of friends at the center of the show. The series follows a woman who is told by a psychic that she has already dated her future husband, and she embarks on a journey to reconnect with her exes. Though the series was canceled after one season, it marked an interesting chapter in Reaser’s television career.
3. The Romanoffs (2018)
Role: Janet
In this anthology series created by Matthew Weiner (Mad Men), Reaser plays Janet, a woman who believes she is descended from the Russian royal family. The show explores various characters claiming to be part of the Romanoff family, with Reaser’s character part of a unique narrative within the larger story. The series featured an impressive ensemble cast and displayed Reaser’s ability to navigate complex roles.
4. Ozark (2020)
Role: Darlene Snell’s Sister
In the critically acclaimed crime drama Ozark, Elizabeth Reaser appears in a brief but memorable role. The show, which stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, follows a family involved in money laundering. Reaser’s role was part of a tense family dynamic that helped to drive the plot forward in one of the most intense crime dramas on television.
5. Saved (2006)
Role: Rebecca
This dark comedy series centered around a group of paramedics dealing with personal and professional challenges. Reaser played Rebecca, a woman struggling to find her place in the world, against the backdrop of often harrowing situations. Though the show only lasted one season, Reaser’s role was a standout.
6. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Role: Shirley Vance
In the Netflix horror series The Haunting of Hill House, Elizabeth Reaser portrayed Shirley Vance, the responsible, no-nonsense sister in a dysfunctional family dealing with the trauma of their haunted past. Her performance added emotional depth to the show, as her character is forced to confront dark family secrets. The series was a huge success, receiving critical acclaim for its atmosphere and performances.
Other TV and Movie Appearances
Elizabeth Reaser has also appeared in various guest roles and supporting parts in television series such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Mindy Project, and Mad Men. She has also featured in several independent films, showcasing her range from comedy to intense drama.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Reaser’s career spans over two decades, and she has cemented her place as a versatile actress in both film and television. From her breakout role as Esme Cullen in The Twilight Saga to her complex performances in series like The Haunting of Hill House and films like Young Adult, Reaser continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable talent. Whether playing dramatic, comedic, or mysterious roles, she consistently proves her ability to adapt and shine in a variety of genres.