Ashlie Atkinson

Ashlie Atkinson
Born
Ashley Elizabeth Atkinson

(1977-08-06) August 6, 1977 (age 47)
Little Rock, Arkansas U.S.
Alma materHendrix College (BA)
OccupationActress
Years active2003–present
Spouse
Leon Chase
​
(m. 2015)​

Ashley Elizabeth "Ashlie" Atkinson[1] (born August 6, 1977) is an American character actress who works in movies and television (with over 100 credits) – as well as in theater.[2][3] Atkinson is known for her work as Mamie Fish on The Gilded Age, Amanda in And Just Like That, Connie in the Spike Lee film BlacKkKlansman,[4] and Janice in the fourth season of Mr. Robot.[5]

Early life and education

Atkinson was born in Little Rock, Arkansas.[6] Her father was a doctor and her mother was a nurse.[2] Her family has lived in Arkansas for many generations.[7]

In 1995, Atkinson graduated from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.[4] Atkinson attended Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City for three semesters but in 1996, moved back to Arkansas and eventually transferred to Hendrix College, where she had previously attended a summer program through Arkansas Governor's School for drama.[2][3][8] In 2001, Atkinson graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in theater arts.[8][9]

In 2003, after moving back to New York City when she was 24, Atkinson graduated from the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.[10] While at the Neighborhood Playhouse, she studied the Meisner technique.[11]

Career

Film and television

While at the Neighborhood Playhouse School, director Jace Alexander saw Atkinson perform in a showcase there. This led to a 2004 guest starring appearance in the TV show Law & Order and a six-episode arc in the Denis Leary TV series, Rescue Me.[12]

Atkinson then starred in a breakout role as Helen, the sweet-faced, plus-size librarian in Neil LaBute's 2004 off-Broadway play Fat Pig.[13][14] The role garnered her a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Debut,[15][16] as well as nominations for both a Lucille Lortel Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award.[17][18]

In 2007, Atkinson appeared in a Broadway revival of the Terrence McNally play, The Ritz.[19][20]

In 2011, Atkinson hit the three guest star appearance in the Law & Order franchise, following her 2005 debut on the original Law & Order with a 2007 appearance on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and then in 2011 both Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

In 2012, Atkinson guest starred on the TV series Boardwalk Empire as Gyp's wife, Gianconda Rosetti. She appeared on a 2012 episode of 30 Rock.

In 2013, Atkinson portrayed Rochelle Applebaum in the Martin Scorsese film The Wolf of Wall Street.[21]

In 2013 and 2014, Atkinson had a four episode arc in the TV show, F to 7th.[22] From 2013 to 2014, she was featured on the American remake of Gavin and Stacey, called Us & Them in the role of Nessa.[21]

In 2018, Atkinson played the role of Connie Kendrickson in the Academy Award-winning film BlacKkKlansman, directed by Spike Lee. She had previously worked with Lee in the 2006 Denzel Washington film, Inside Man. Atkinson also worked alongside Lee's sister Joie Lee, contributing sound work on his 2008 WWII drama, Miracle at St. Anna.[4] Also in 2018, Atkinson had a recurring role on the TV series, One Dollar.[23]

From 2018 to 2019, Atkinson was Ace, Internal Affairs Detective, in four episodes of the Syfy TV show Happy!, a live-action/adult animated black comedy/action-drama television series.

In 2019, Atkinson portrayed Mrs. Fosse in the mini-series Fosse/Verdon. She had a two episode arc in the 2019 Allison Tolman thriller Emergence and played a trucker in the ensemble opposite Alfre Woodard in the Netflix movie, Juanita.[24]

And also in 2019, Atkinson was on the fourth and final season of Mr. Robot, playing the character Janice.[25]

Other work

From 2003, Atkinson is a former skater and long-time member of the 5-time world champion Gotham Girls roller derby team under the name of "Margaret Thrasher (Prime Minister of Your Demise)",[26] although she has since retired.[19][27]

In 2004, Atkinson appeared in the music video for the Kings of Leon song, "Four Kicks" off their album Aha Shake Heartbreak.[28]

In 2006, Atkinson became the face of a fictional character called Chunky Pam. Her character, Chunky Pam, was featured in three videos: in a Christmas promotion for MTV called "Merry X.X.X.L.M.A.S. (Pam I Am)",[29] in a Valentine's Day promotion called "Pampered",[30] and a one-off music video titled "Dirrrty Jerzy",[31] in which she raps about being from New Jersey.[32]

In 2016, Atkinson appeared in the Ubisoft video game Watch Dogs 2 as Lenni.[3]

In 2017, Atkinson starred as Dakota "Dak" Prentiss in a 14-episode noir science fiction thriller audio drama podcast called Steal the Stars, the story of two government employees guarding the biggest secret in the world: a crashed UFO.[33]

Personal life

In 2015, Atkinson married gaffer, musician, and filmmaker Leon Chase.[7][34] The couple were married at the Arkansas music venue the White Water Tavern and live in Brooklyn.[2] Shortly after that, Atkinson came out as queer.[35]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2006 Inside Man Mobile Command Officer Berk
Another Gay Movie Muffler
Puccini for Beginners Woman on Park Bench
2007 Margot at the Wedding Becky
2008 The Guitar Receptionist
Quid Pro Quo Candy
Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! Muffler
Last Call Donna
2009 The Invention of Lying Bank Teller
Hungry Years Martha
When the Evening Comes Angie
2010 13 Margot Uncredited
BearCity Amy
Eat Pray Love Bookstore Girl
An Invisible Sign Lisa's Aunt
All Good Things Bonnie Felder
2012 My Best Day Meagan
Compliance Marti
2013 He's Way More Famous Than You Gina
Remedy Mistress Nadine
Cold Comes the Night Social worker
The Wolf of Wall Street Rochelle Applebaum
2014 Lyle Therapist
2015 Bridge of Spies Classroom Teacher
2016 Certain Women Secretary
The Lennon Report Deartra Sato
Blood Stripe Barb
2017 The Outcasts Interviewer
Nowhere, Michigan Erin
2018 BlacKkKlansman Connie Kendrickson
2019 Adam Bound Emcee
Juanita Peaches
2020 Before/During/After Marcella the Line Cook
2021 Small Engine Repair Diane Swaino
TBA The Lost Bus TBA Post-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2004 Law & Order Wendy Episode: "Darwinian"
2004–2005 Rescue Me Theresa 6 episodes
2006 3 lbs Nurse Rhonda 2 episodes
The Wedding Album unknown role Television film
2007 Filthy Gorgeous Peggy Television film
Me & Lee? Melinda Television film
2007, 2011 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Lisa Kirby / Lisa Williams 2 episodes
2009 The Unusuals Tanya Blanston Episode: "The E.I.D."
2010 Louie Teacher Episode: "Pilot"
2011 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Rachel Gray Episode: "Pursuit"
Bored to Death Distraught Mom Episode: "The Black Clock of Time"
2012 Game Change Plump Woman Television film; uncredited
Boardwalk Empire Gianconda Rosetti - Gyp's Wife Episode: "Sunday Best"
30 Rock Theresa Episode: "Mazel Tov, Dummies!"
2013 Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell Moon Rabbit Episode: "Schmickler83!"
2013–2014 F to 7th Alex 4 episodes
2014 The Actress Discussion Circle Leader Episode: "Unemployment"
Nurse Jackie Kim Episode: "Rat on a Cheeto"
High Maintenance Female Coach Episode: "Ruth"
Stuck on A Maurice 9 episodes
2014–2015 Us & Them Nessa 7 episodes
2014, 2018 Elementary Gay 2 episodes
2015 The Good Wife Octavia Howe Episode: "Payback"
2015–2019 Blue Bloods Sandra Colby 3 episodes
2016 Above Average Presents Alumni Rep Episode: "The Bothering"
Odd Mom Out Patty 2 episodes
Divorce Woman Episode: "Détente"
2017 Crashing Schmitty 2 episodes
2018 Bull Kendall Tyler Episode: "Kill Shot"
Jessica Jones Mavis Episode: "AKA Start at the Beginning"
One Dollar Terri Mitchell 9 episodes
2018–2019 Happy! Ace / Internal Affairs Detective 4 episodes
2019 Fosse/Verdon Mrs. Fosse Episode: "All I Care About Is Love"
Emergence April 2 episodes
Mr. Robot Janice 5 episodes
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Peggy 2 episodes
2019–2020 New Amsterdam Jackie Connor 2 episodes
2020 Prodigal Son Leanne Episode: "Death's Door"
2021 Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Nova Episode: "Zoey's Extraordinary Mystery"
Impeachment: American Crime Story Juanita Broaddrick 3 episodes
2022–2023 And Just Like That... Amanda 3 episodes
The Gilded Age Mamie Fish 8 episodes
2023–2024 American Horror Story: Delicate Susan Pratt 4 episodes

Awards

Selected theater

References

  1. ^ Hernandez, Ernio (2010). "Playbill.com's Cue & A: Ashlie Atkinson". Playbill.
  2. ^ a b c d Franco, Cheree (June 9, 2015). "On a role: Ashlie Atkinson's done them all: TV, movies, Broadway, roller derby, wife, YouTube". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
  3. ^ a b c Hart, Kate (March 2, 2016). "Badass Ladies You Should Know: Ashlie Atkinson". Kate Hart.
  4. ^ a b c Lybarger, Dan (August 24, 2018). "Arkansan who plays homicidal Ku Klux Klan wife in 'BlacKkKlansman' is no stranger to racism". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
  5. ^ "PEOPLE Now: Mr. Robot's Ashlie Atkinson Doesn't Have a Finsta: 'My Dirty Secrets Aren't on the Internet!'" (Video interview). People. October 7, 2019.
  6. ^ Rosenberg, Jacob (February 22, 2018). "Q&A with Ashlie Atkinson". Arkansas Times.
  7. ^ a b "Ashlie Elizabeth Atkinson – Leon William Chase". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. May 17, 2015.
  8. ^ a b Thomas, Rachel (Fall 2012). "On Stage in New York, At Home in Arkansas". Hendrix Magazine. Hendrix College.
  9. ^ "Alumni: Ashlie Atkinson '01". Hendrix College. 2006.
  10. ^ "Alumni: Ashlie Atkinson". Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. 2003.
  11. ^ Rinaldi, Peter (September 4, 2018). "Back to One Podcast: Ashlie Atkinson Talks Using the "Substitution Tool" to Play Evil and Treating Auditions as Work Sessions" (Audio podcast). Filmmaker Magazine.
  12. ^ Fretts, Bruce (June 28, 2005). "Rescue Me's Fiery Females". TV Guide.
  13. ^ Park, Ed (December 14, 2004). "Neil LaBute finds there's more to love and hate with full-figured characters". Village Voice.
  14. ^ a b Zinoman, Jason (November 25, 2005). "The Listings: Nov. 25 – Dec. 1; Ashlie Atkinson". The New York Times.
  15. ^ "Fat Pig, awards and nominations". MCC Theater. Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  16. ^ a b "Previous Theater World Award recipients: 2004–2005". Theatre World Awards. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  17. ^ a b "2005 Nominees: Outstanding Lead Actress: Ashlie Atkinson; Fat Pig". The Lucille Lortel Awards. 2005.
  18. ^ a b "Awards for 2004–2005: Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Ashlie Atkinson – Fat Pig". Outer Critics Circle. 2005.
  19. ^ a b "Fat Pig's Ashlie Atkinson Joins Cast of The Ritz; Comedy Delays One Day". Broadway.com. September 14, 2007.
  20. ^ Lipton, Brian Scott (September 14, 2007). "Ashlie Atkinson Joins The Ritz; First Preview Cancelled". Theater Mania.
  21. ^ a b "The Arkansas Times Inquizator: Ashlie Atkinson". Arkansas Times. August 29, 2013.
  22. ^ "Cast: Ashlie Atkinson". F TO 7TH. 2013.
  23. ^ DJ Sixsmith (October 22, 2018). "Ashlie Atkinson Talks 'One Dollar' On CBS All-Access". CBS.
  24. ^ Beandrea July (March 8, 2019). "'Juanita': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  25. ^ Petski, Denise (September 16, 2019). "'Mr. Robot': Ashlie Atkinson Joins Fourth & Final Season As Series Regular". Deadline Hollywood.
  26. ^ Nelson, Steffie (May 15, 2005). "Tough Girls Roll in the Bronx". The New York Times.
  27. ^ Shanker, Wendy (December 2005). "Live a Well Rounded Life". Amaze Magazine. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008.
  28. ^ "Kings Of Leon – Four Kicks (Official Music Video)" (Music video). Kings Of Leon. 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ Chunky Pam (2006). "Merry X.X.X.L.M.A.S. (Pam I Am)" (Music video). Pam Da Moanium. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ Chunky Pam (2006). "Pampered" (Music video). Pam Da Moanium. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ Chunky Pam (2006). "Dirrrty Jerzy" (Music video). Pam Da Moanium. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  32. ^ Jordan, Noah (May 3, 2010). "Holidays, Jersey, ANTM and Rap Music". 303 Magazine.
  33. ^ "Steal the Stars". Tor Labs. June 20, 2017.
  34. ^ "Ashlie Elizabeth Atkinson – Leon William Chase". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. May 17, 2015.
  35. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com.
  36. ^ "Alumni Association to Honor Four at Awards Brunch" (press release). Hendrix College. January 23, 2014.
  37. ^ "Nominations Announced for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®" (Press release). Screen Actors Guild. January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  38. ^ Hoffman, Barbara (December 2, 2004). "The Bravest Actress in New York – Would You Star in Something Called Fat Pig?". New York Post.
  39. ^ Hernandez, Ernio (2007). "'That 70's Show' and 'Rescue Me' Actresses Cast in Ivey-Directed Butcher of Baraboo". Playbill.
  40. ^ Hetrick, Adam (2010). "As You Like It, Directed by Mendes, Opens at BAM Jan. 26". Playbill.
  41. ^ Hetrick, Adam (2010). "The Tempest, with Dillane, Camargo, Rylance and Sadoski, Opens at BAM Feb. 25". Playbill.
  42. ^ Bacalzo, Dan (November 18, 2010). "Ashlie Atkinson to Star in Jennifer Lane's Psychomachia". TheaterMania.
  43. ^ Rizzo, Frank (December 17, 2012). "Ashlie Atkinson Cast In Premiere of 'January Joiner' At Long Wharf Theatre". Hartford Courant.
  44. ^ Clement, Olivia (2015). "Cynthia Nixon-Helmed Steve Begins Performances Tonight Off-Broadway". Playbill.
  45. ^ Rooney, David (November 18, 2015). "'Steve': Theater Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  46. ^ Jacobson, Aileen (June 10, 2016). "Review: 'The Forgotten Woman' in Sag Harbor Is an Ode to Opera". The New York Times.
  47. ^ "Imogen Says Nothing". Yale Repertory Theatre. 2017.
  48. ^ Arnott, Christopher (January 14, 2017). "Tresnjak Nixes 'St. Joan' For 'Heartbreak House,' Foxwoods Books Broadway Shows". Chicago Tribune.