Born in Birmingham, MI; educated at the University of Michigan (drama) and Florida State University (fine arts). The failure of this tall, intelligent, red-haired actress to reach the Hollywood actress A-list re mains one of the great mysteries of the 20th century. Lahti worked extensively on stage before making a stunning film debut as an attorney in ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL (1979), more than holding her own opposite Al Pacino. Lahti was equally impressive as a doctor in WHOSE LIFE IT IT ANYWAY? (1981), but somehow failed to click with audiences. After showstealing best-pal roles in SWING SHIFT (1984, an Oscar-nominated performance) and JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS (1986), she graduated to offbeat leads in a pair of 1987 art films, STACKING and HOUSEKEEPING followed by a magnificent performance as the wife-and-mother-in-hiding in RUNNING ON EMPTY (1988). Her considerable range, as well as her apparent affinity for colorful characters, hasn't limited Lahti to conventional leading-lady parts but that one role, that one great script, continues to elude her. A long dry spell has included GROSS ANATOMY (1989), FUNNY ABOUT LOVE (1990), and The Doctor (1991). In the wake of 1991's popular THELMA & LOUISE Lahti costarred in the female road movie LEAVING NORMAL (1992). Other prominent TV movie credits include "Amerika" (1987), "No Place Like Home" (1989), and "The Good Fight" (1992). Other notable credits include HIDEAWAY (1995), PIE IN THE SKY (1996), "Chicago Hope" (1995-1999, TV series as Dr. Kathryn Austin), JUDGMENT DAY: THE ELLIE NESLER STORY (1999), YONKERS JOE (2007), and SMART PEOPLE (2008). She continues to work extensively in television. Married to director Thomas Schlamme, for whom she did a gag cameo in MISS FIRECRACKER (1989), and who directed her in the well-received made-for-TV movie "Crazy from the Heart" (1991). They have three children.  Nominated for Supporting Actress 1984: SWING SHIFT  Best Short Film (Live Action) 1995: LIEBERMAN IN LOVE - Producer (w. Jana Sue Memel) 2 nominations, 1 Award