Dana Ivey has long been recognized as a talented and versatile performer, bringing depth and nuance to every role she takes on. A familiar face on stage, screen, and television, Dana Ivey often shines in parts that require strength and authority—frequently portraying strong-willed, officious women with remarkable precision. Dana Ivey began her journey in theater, building an impressive body of work through performances in numerous productions across the United States and Canada. By the 1980s, Dana Ivey had settled into the vibrant New York City arts scene, where her career truly flourished.
It was there that Dana Ivey made her Broadway debut in Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter,” marking the start of a celebrated stage legacy. Her performance as Melanie in “Quartermaine’s Terms” (1982–83) earned widespread acclaim, resulting in critical praise and not one but two OBIE Awards. Then, in a defining moment for Dana Ivey, she originated the role of Daisy Werthan in Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Driving Miss Daisy” (1986–87), a performance that further cemented her reputation as a powerful dramatic presence.
In 1984, Dana Ivey achieved another milestone by receiving dual Tony Award nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play and a Musical—an impressive feat that highlighted her range and talent. She earned one nomination for her work in “Heartbreak Hotel,” sharing the stage with legends like Rex Harrison and Amy Irving, and another for her role in the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical “Sunday in the Park With George,” starring alongside Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. Throughout her career, Dana Ivey has consistently demonstrated a rare ability to elevate any production she’s part of, making Dana Ivey a respected and enduring figure in American theater.
When it comes to Dana Ivey’s filmography, one standout performance that really shines is in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have praised the film over the years, and Dana Ivey’s role contributes to its lasting charm. On the other end of the spectrum, her lowest rated project came a few years later with The Scarlet Letter (1995), a film that didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. While Dana Ivey has had a long and varied career, these two titles mark the high and low points in terms of critical reception. Dana Ivey certainly brought depth to every role, but it’s clear that Dana Ivey’s work in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels remains a fan favorite.