Ally Sheedy, born Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy on June 13, 1962, in New York City, is an American actress and writer. Sheedy’s career took off in the early 1980s with her roles in several iconic films. She is best known for her performances in “WarGames” (1983), “The Breakfast Club” (1985), and “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985). Apart from acting, Sheedy is also an accomplished author, having written the books “She Was Nice to Mice” (1975) and “Yesterday I Saw the Sun: Poems” (1991).
How Did She Begin Her Career?
Ally Sheedy’s early life was shaped by her artistic family. Her mother, Charlotte, was a writer and press agent, while her father, John, worked as an advertising executive. Sheedy’s parents divorced in the early 1970s, leaving Ally and her two siblings, Meghan and Patrick, to be raised by their mother. Sheedy attended the Bank Street School for Children and Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, graduating in 1980.
Initially, Ally aimed to become a dancer and started dancing with the American Ballet Theatre at age six. However, she later shifted her focus to acting and studied under Harold Guskin. At the age of 12, she wrote a best-selling book titled “She Was Nice to Mice.” At 18, Sheedy moved to Los Angeles to study drama at the University of Southern California and began her acting career while still in college.
What Were Her Breakthrough Roles?
Ally Sheedy’s big break came in 1983 when she starred in the film “WarGames” alongside Matthew Broderick. The movie was a major hit and brought her into the spotlight. Her next significant roles came in 1985 with “The Breakfast Club” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” These films cemented her status as a member of the “Brat Pack,” a group of young, popular actors in the 1980s that included Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, and Rob Lowe.
What Happened to Her Career in the 1990s?
Although Sheedy’s career peaked in the 1980s, it hit a rough patch in the following decade. She struggled with second-rate movies and TV shows, but she made a notable comeback with her performance in the independent film “High Art” (1998). Her portrayal of heroin-addict and photographer Lucy Berliner won her critical acclaim and several awards, including a Film Independent Spirit Award and a National Society of Film Critics Award.
What Has She Done Recently?
In the 2000s, Ally Sheedy continued to appear in various TV projects and films. She had a memorable four-episode stint on the USA Network series “Psych” from 2009 to 2010 and in 2013, where she played a serial killer known as Mr. Yang. Sheedy also starred in the 2010 independent film “Welcome to the Rileys” alongside James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo, and Kristen Stewart.
What About Her Personal Life?
Ally Sheedy has had her share of personal struggles. She briefly dated musician Richie Sambora in the 1980s, which led to drug abuse. She sought treatment at the Hazelden Foundation in 1985 and was treated for an addiction to sleeping pills in the 1990s. Sheedy married actor David Lansbury, Angela Lansbury’s nephew, on April 12, 1992. The couple has a transgender son named Beckett, born on March 15, 1994. Sheedy and Lansbury divorced in 2009.
In January 2018, Sheedy made headlines during the Golden Globes when she tweeted about James Franco, linking him to the #MeToo movement. She later deleted the tweets, and Franco expressed confusion over her accusations during an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
What Are Her Notable Achievements?
Throughout her career, Ally Sheedy has received several awards and nominations. In 2005, the cast of “The Breakfast Club” was honored with a Silver Bucket of Excellence Award at the MTV Movie Awards. Her role in “High Art” earned her numerous accolades, including a Film Independent Spirit Award, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, and National Society of Film Critics Award. Sheedy also received nominations from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films for her performances in “WarGames,” “Fear,” and “Man’s Best Friend.”
What is Her Net Worth?
As of now, Ally Sheedy’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. She has accumulated this wealth through her acting career, book sales, and other ventures in the entertainment industry. Despite facing challenges in her career, Sheedy’s contributions to film and television, along with her literary achievements, have solidified her legacy in Hollywood.
What Are Her Future Plans?
While Ally Sheedy has not publicly detailed her future plans, her continued involvement in various projects suggests she remains active in the entertainment industry. Fans can look forward to seeing more of her work on both the big and small screens. Her resilience and talent have ensured her a lasting place in Hollywood history.
