Born in Northridge, California in 1959, she was discovered while appearing in a high school production of The Sound of Music, and in 1978 made her professional debut in the short-lived television Western The Young Pioneers. After winning an Emmy for her role in the 1980 telefilm Amber Waves, Winningham made her feature debut in Paul Simon's One-Trick Pony; roles in countless big- and small-screen projects followed prior to her Oscar-nominated turn in 1995's Georgia, winning critical raves for her superb turn as a Joni Mitchell-like folkie. Winningham's performance alerted many to her prowess as a musician, and in 1998 she issued her debut solo LP, Lonesomers. ~ Jason Ankeny