Sissy Spacek was born Mary Elizabeth Spacek on December 25, 1949 in Quitman, Texas. She originally wanted to become a singer, and recorded a single titled "John, You've Gone Too Far This Time" in 1968 under the pseudonym "Rainbo." She was dropped fro her label shortly after, and she therefore switched her focus to acting. She enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Her first credited role was in 1972's film Prime Cut. In 1973 she appeared in Badlands, which earned her international attention. She met her husband, Jack Fisk, on the set and they married one year later in 1974. Together they have two daughters: Schuyler Fisk and Madison Fisk. 

Sissy's most prominent role came in 1976's Carrie for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. In 1980 she won an Academy Award for her role in Coal Miner's Daughter where she portrayed country singer Loretta Lynn. Loretta hand selected her for the role, and Sissy performed her own singing. She was nominated for a Grammy for the film's soundtrack. 

With six best actress Acadamy Award nominations, she became the 8th actress to nominated for 6 leading role Oscars. She narrated the audiobook for Carrie in 2005, and also the novel To Kill A Mockingbird in 2006. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.