Biography
Prolific Canadian actress Alberta Watson is best known for her work in off-center independent films and the syndicated TV series
La Femme Nikita. Born and raised in Toronto, Watson began performing in local theater productions as a teenager. After garnering a Genie nomination for one of her first films, the steamy
In Praise of Older Women (1978), Watson earned parts in several Canadian features, including
Stone Cold Dead (1980) and a starring role in
Black Mirror (1981). Moving to the U.S. in the early '80s, Watson continued to work regularly, scoring co-starring roles with Scott Glen in
Michael Mann's stylish World War II horror movie
The Keep (1983);
Susan Sarandon in the TV movie
Women of Valor (1986); and in cult director Donald Cammel's second-to-last feature
White of the Eye (1987). Watson found 1990s indie film success as the incestuous mother to
Jeremy Davies' put-upon teen in neophyte director David O. Russell's unusual black comedy (and Sundance prize winner)
Spanking the Monkey (1994). After playing a more conventional mother in
Hackers (1995), Watson returned to Canada, appearing in the romantic drama
Sweet Angel Mine (1996) and earning another Genie nomination for
Shoemaker (1996). Watson marked her greatest artistic success the following year as a mourning mother and adulterous wife in
Atom Egoyan's
The Sweet Hereafter (1997). Her role as tough anti-terrorist strategist Madeline in the TV version of the female assassin drama
La Femme Nikita brought her more attention and critical approbation. Following her 1997-2000 stint on the show, Watson added another Sundance Film Festival prizewinner to her credit (and another notable maternal role) with her performance as the title character's mother in the transgender rock musical
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001). ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide