Patricia Davies Clarkson was born on December 29, 1959, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Jackie Clarkson, a city councilwoman and politician, and Arthur “Buzz” Clarkson, a school administrator and businessman. She attended O. Perry Walker High School and Louisiana State University before transferring to Fordham University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Theatre Arts. She subsequently earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama.
Clarkson began her acting career on the stage, appearing in various regional and Off-Broadway productions. Her film debut was in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables (1987). She continued to work steadily in film and television throughout the 1990s, often in supporting roles. A significant breakthrough came with her role in High Art (1998), which garnered critical acclaim.
Clarkson has established a prolific and respected career in film, known for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters. Some of her most notable films include: