Tell me a bio of Sada Thompson.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Sada Thompson (1927-2011) was an American actress of stage, film, and television. Here's a brief bio highlighting her life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life**

Sada Carolyn Thompson was born on September 27, 1927, in Des Moines, Iowa, to a family of modest means. She grew up in a household that valued the arts, with her mother encouraging her to pursue music and theater. Thompson attended the University of Iowa, where she studied drama and began performing in local theater productions.

**Career**

Thompson's professional career began in the 1950s, with early roles in Off-Broadway productions and regional theater. She made her Broadway debut in 1955 in the play "The Skin of Our Teeth." Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she established herself as a respected stage actress, appearing in numerous Broadway productions, including "The Subject Was Roses" (1964), "The Homecoming" (1966), and "Twigs" (1971).

Thompson's television career took off in the 1970s, with notable roles in the soap operas "The Edge of Night" (1967-1969) and "One Life to Live" (1971-1972). She also appeared in several TV movies and series, including "The Waltons" (1972), "The Love Boat" (1977), and "Family" (1976-1980), for which she won an Emmy Award.

**Achievements**

Thompson's achievements include:

* Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for "Twigs" (1971)
* Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Family" (1978)
* Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for "The Subject Was Roses" (1964)
* Inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame (2005)

**Impact**

Sada Thompson's impact on the entertainment industry is significant. She was a pioneering actress who paved the way for future generations of women in theater and television. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to playing complex, nuanced characters helped to raise the bar for actresses in the industry.

Thompson's work on "Family" is particularly notable, as it marked a turning point in the portrayal of women on television. Her character, Kate Lawrence, was a strong, independent woman who navigated the challenges of family life with intelligence and wit. The show's success helped to establish Thompson as a household name and cemented her status as a respected actress.

**Legacy**

Sada Thompson passed away on May 4, 2011, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her contributions to theater and television continue to inspire new generations of actors and actresses, and her memory is celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
Sada Thompson is a renowned American actress, best known for her iconic roles on stage, screen, and television. Here's a brief bio that highlights her life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Born on September 27, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa, Sada Thompson grew up in a family of modest means. Her early interests in drama led her to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she trained as an actress.

**Career**

Thompson's career spanned over six decades, with notable performances on stage, screen, and television. She began her professional career in the 1950s, performing on Broadway in various productions, including "The Holiday" (1965) and "Twigs" (1971), for which she received a Tony Award nomination.

In the 1970s, Thompson transitioned to television, earning critical acclaim for her roles in the popular sitcoms "Family" (1976-1980) and "Courthouse" (1995). Her portrayal of Kate Lawrence on "Family" earned her multiple Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1978.

Thompson also appeared in numerous films, including "The Last Shot" (1974), "St. Ives" (1976), and "And the Band Played On" (1993), a TV movie based on Randy Shilts' non-fiction book about the AIDS crisis.

**Achievements and Impact**

Throughout her career, Thompson received numerous awards and nominations, including:

* Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play (1971)
* Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1978)
* Multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1977, 1979, and 1980)

Thompson's impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond her impressive awards and nominations. She was a pioneering actress who paved the way for future generations of women in comedy and drama. Her iconic roles, particularly as Kate Lawrence on "Family," remain beloved by audiences and have influenced the development of family dramas on television.

**Legacy**

Sada Thompson's legacy is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry. Her contributions to stage, screen, and television have left a lasting impression on audiences, and her influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary actresses. Despite her passing on May 4, 2011, at the age of 81, Thompson's remarkable career and achievements continue to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.