The actress in The Conjuring universe who brought the terrifying demon nun Valak to life is none other than her — and she truly made a mark playing the role in both The Conjuring 2 and its spin-off, The Nun. Her performance left a lasting impression on horror fans everywhere, solidifying her place in the franchise’s legacy. But long before she became synonymous with chilling on-screen presence, she had already built an impressive career across different genres. You might recognize her from earlier roles in David Lynch’s surreal Mulholland Drive or even in the more lighthearted The Princess Diaries and its sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, showing off her range as an actress.
Before all the fame and red carpets, she was just someone passionate about acting, studying at an acting school based in New York City. That dedication paid off — though her first real appearance in front of the camera came in 1994, when she featured in a music video by Counting Crows, well before landing any major film or TV roles. Born in Los Angeles, California, she’s always maintained a connection to her roots while building a diverse and enduring career.
Family means a lot to her. She has sisters, and over the years, she’s shared glimpses of their bond through heartfelt family photos posted on her Instagram channel. It’s clear that, despite the dark characters she portrays, her personal life is filled with warmth and connection. The actress in The Conjuring universe continues to captivate audiences, not just through her performances, but through the authenticity she brings both on and off screen.
She made her debut in an American film with a minor role in the 1994 movie Exit to Eden, marking the beginning of what would become a steady and diverse acting journey. Since then, she has built an impressive portfolio, amassing over 40 acting credits across film and television. As of April 2022, she is confirmed to be part of three films currently in post-production, with another project lined up in pre-production—further adding to her growing list of roles. Her consistent presence in the industry highlights her dedication and staying power, proving that she continues to make meaningful contributions to cinema. With each new project, she reaffirms her place as a resilient and evolving talent since her first appearance back in ’94.