Claire Catherine Danes was born on April 12, 1979, in New York City, to Carla (Hall), a sculptor and painter, and Christopher Danes, a computer consultant and photographer. She is of English, Scottish, and German descent. Danes attended the Dalton School, the Professional Performing Arts School, and later Yale University, where she studied psychology before dropping out to focus on her acting career.
Danes began her acting career with guest appearances on television shows like “Law & Order” in 1992. Her breakthrough role came in 1994 with the critically acclaimed teen drama series “My So-Called Life,” where she played Angela Chase. This role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.
Danes transitioned to film roles, showcasing her versatility in a variety of genres. Some of her notable film appearances include:
Danes returned to television with the Showtime series “Homeland” (2011