Annette O’Toole is an American actress, singer, and songwriter whose career spans film, television, theater, and music. Raised in a Houston dance studio run by her mother, she began performing almost as soon as she could walk, making her television debut at age two and landing her first professional job dancing with Danny Kaye while still a teenager. That early grounding in music and movement became the foundation of a remarkably versatile career.

Audiences know O’Toole for a wide range of iconic roles, including Lana Lang in Superman III, adult Beverly Marsh in Stephen King’s It, and Martha Kent on Smallville—giving her the rare distinction of playing both Superman’s girlfriend and his adoptive mother. Her television work also includes Nash Bridges, The Huntress, Law & Order, and Jim Carrey’s Kidding. She earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in The Kennedys of Massachusetts and is currently a series regular on Netflix’s Virgin River.

Her film credits include Smile, 48 Hrs., Cat People, and the romantic comedy favorite Cross My Heart, which she has often cited as her personal favorite project. Beyond the screen, O’Toole is deeply devoted to theater, earning a Lucille Lortel Award for her acclaimed performance as Robert Eads in Southern Comfort and appearing in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

A gifted songwriter, she co-wrote the Academy Award–nominated song “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” with her husband, actor Michael McKean. Fun fact: she is also an accomplished knitter and once helped raise funds for Alzheimer’s research through a cast-made blanket project—proof that creativity follows her everywhere.