Ann Dowd reached a new peak in her career with her role as Aunt Lydia in Hulu’s acclaimed dystopian series The Handmaid’s Tale, based on the novel by Margaret Atwood. Her chilling yet complex portrayal of the strict enforcer within Gilead’s regime earned her widespread recognition and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2017. The role became one of her most iconic and further established her reputation for playing intense, multifaceted characters.
The Handmaid’s Tale finale, which aired in August 2019, was met with widespread praise, and Dowd's performance was frequently cited as a highlight of the series. Her nuanced depiction of Aunt Lydia revealed layers of vulnerability, discipline, and doom, which contributed significantly to the show's emotional depth.
While studying at DePaul University, Ann Dowd met Lawrence Arancio, a fellow artist who would go on to become an actor, writer, and director. The couple married in 1984 and have three children together: Liam, Emily, and Trust. Trust was adopted by the couple at the age of six. Dowd and Arancio have maintained a private but enduring partnership both in life and in their shared creative pursuits.
Throughout her career, Ann Dowd has balanced her demanding roles with her dedication to family, crafting a legacy marked by powerful performances and personal integrity.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 30 Jan, 1956 |
| Age: | 64 yrs |
| Occupations: | Television actor Film actor Actor Stage actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Holyoke |
| Education: | DePaul University College of the Holy Cross |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Net Worth 2021: | 4 million |