Photo: (2008) Jemal Countess, © WireImage.com; biography: several sources

Born in New York City; attended the State University of New York, Purchase (SUNY Purchase). American actress who first appeared on television's "All My Children" (1984-85), beating out Julia Roberts for the recurring role of "Linda Warner." Leo's film roles include ALWAYS and STREETWALKIN' (both 1985), DEADTIME STORIES (1986), A TIME OF DESTINY (1988), IMMACULATE CONCEPTION and VENICE/VENICE (both 1992), THE BALLAD OF LITTLE JO (1993), GARDEN (1994) and LAST SUMMER IN THE HAMPTONS (1995). Recurring TV roles during this period include "Emma Shannon" in 24 episodes of "The Young Riders" (1989-1990) and "Det. Sgt. Kay Howard" in 77 episodes of Barry Levinson's "Homicide: Life on the Street" (1993-1997).

Leo's other film credits include UNDER THE BRIDGE (1997), THE 24 HOUR WOMAN and CODE OF ETHICS (both 1999), FEAR OF FICTION (2000), 21 GRAMS (2003), FIRST BREATH and FROM OTHER WORLDS (both 2004), HIDE AND SEEK, RUNAWAY, NO SHOULDER, PATCH, THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, AMERICAN GUN and CONFESS (all 2005), STEPHANIE DALEY, THE LIMBO ROOM, HOLLYWOOD DREAMS, THE HOUSE IS BURNING and FALLING OBJECTS (all 2006), BOMB, MIDNIGHT SON, BLACK IRISH, THE CAKE EATERS, RACING DAYLIGHT, I BELIEVE IN AMERICA, MR. WOODCOCK and ONE NIGHT (all 2007), FROZEN RIVER, THE ALPHABET KILLER, SANTA MESA, LULLABY, BALL DON'T LIE, THIS IS A STORY ABOUT TED AND ALICE, RIGHTEOUS KILL, PREDISPOSED and STEPHANIE'S IMAGE (all 2008), and GRETA, VERONIKA DECIDES TO DIE, DON McKAY, WELCOME TO THE RILEYS, DEAR LEMON LIMA, TRUE ADOLESCENTS, EVERYBODY'S FINE (all 2009). She has also appeared as a guest star on TV series such as "Shark", "Criminal Minds", "Cold Case" and "Law & Order".

Leo has a son, John Matthew Heard (b. 1987), with her former partner, actor John Heard.

  Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 2008: FROZEN RIVER