Margaret Colin, known for her compelling performances across television and film, first captured the attention of audiences in the early 1980s. Born the daughter of a New York City policeman, Margaret Colin brought authenticity and strength to her roles, beginning with her standout portrayal of Margot Montgomery Hughes—a determined police officer—on the long-running CBS daytime drama As the World Turns (1979–82). This role helped establish Margaret Colin as a familiar face in American households.
Over the years, Margaret Colin continued to take on dynamic characters in law enforcement and legal professions. She played a tough, gambling-loving NYPD detective in the short-lived but memorable series The Wright Verdicts (CBS, 1995), showcasing yet another side of city justice. Earlier, in the mid-80s, Margaret Colin portrayed a dedicated assistant district attorney in the CBS sitcom Foley Square (1985–86), balancing courtroom drama with comedic timing.
Based in New York, Margaret Colin frequently traveled to Los Angeles for work, including her role in the ABC comedy Sibs (1991–92), where she starred alongside Marsha Mason and Jamie Gertz as the neurotic middle sister in a trio of siblings. Her ability to convey emotional depth shone through in her recurring role on Chicago Hope (CBS, 1994), where Margaret Colin played a terminally ill doctor whose poignant romance with Dr. Aaron Shutt (played by Adam Arkin) added a touching layer to the medical drama.
Beyond series work, Margaret Colin appeared in several made-for-TV movies, such as The Return of Sherlock Holmes (CBS, 1987), Warm Hearts, Cold Feet (CBS, 1987), and In the Shadow of Evil (CBS, 1995), further demonstrating her range. Stepping into the world of big-budget cinema, Margaret Colin gained wider recognition with a key role in the 1996 sci-fi blockbuster Independence Day, where she portrayed the presidential press secretary during an alien invasion—a performance that resonated with global audiences.
She then co-starred with Harrison Ford in Alan J. Pakula’s intense thriller The Devil’s Own (1997), playing the wife of a man who unknowingly shelters an Irish terrorist, portrayed by Brad Pitt. The film highlighted Margaret Colin’s skill in portraying complex emotional undercurrents beneath a composed exterior.
Taking a break from film, Margaret Colin made her Broadway debut in the comedy Jackie, where she delivered a nuanced performance as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy—another milestone in her diverse career. In more recent years, Margaret Colin became a recognizable presence on popular TV series. She recurred as the elegant and formidable Eleanor Waldorf on Gossip Girl (CW, 2007–12), a role that cemented her status in modern television. Later, she portrayed Linda Wozniak in Shades of Blue (NBC, 2015–18), adding gravitas to the crime drama alongside Jennifer Lopez.
Throughout her career, Margaret Colin has consistently brought intelligence, poise, and emotional truth to every character she plays—proving time and again why Margaret Colin remains a respected and enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
When it comes to Margaret Colin’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is True Believer from 1989—it’s widely regarded as Margaret Colin’s highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised her performance in that role, and it remains a strong point in her filmography. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Margaret Colin appeared in First Daughter back in 2004, which ended up being her lowest rated film to date. While Margaret Colin brought her usual professionalism to the project, the movie itself didn’t resonate well with reviewers. Still, it’s interesting to see the range in Margaret Colin’s work, from standout performances like in True Believer to more forgettable entries such as First Daughter. Overall, Margaret Colin has had a varied career, and these two films definitely mark the highs and lows in terms of ratings.