Celebrity Info
Margaret Whitton was best known for her standout, scene-stealing performance as the cunning and charismatic Rachel Phelps in Major League (1989), a role that truly defined her career. And while Margaret Whitton delivered many memorable performances throughout her life, it was Margaret Whitton’s portrayal of the sly Las Vegas showgirl turned Cleveland Indians owner that fans remember most fondly—especially given that Margaret Whitton herself was a lifelong baseball enthusiast. But long before that iconic turn, Margaret Whitton had already been building an impressive body of work across film, television, and stage.
Born in Fort Meade, Maryland, to a nurse mother and an Army colonel father, Margaret Whitton spent part of her early childhood in Japan before relocating with her family to New Jersey and later Fort Lauderdale. Her first steps into acting came on the small screen with an appearance on the soap opera The Doctors (NBC, 1963–82), though much of her early career was rooted in theater. It wasn’t long before Margaret Whitton made her Broadway debut in the 1982 production of Steaming, showcasing the kind of stage presence that would become a hallmark of her craft.
That same year, Margaret Whitton began making waves onscreen with roles in National Lampoon’s Movie Madness (1982) and the biographical drama Love Child (1982), where she played the lawyer for Terry Jean Moore. She then landed her first recurring TV role in the CBS dramedy Hometown (1985), a show that helped establish Margaret Whitton as a reliable and versatile performer. From there, her film career took off—she appeared alongside Robin Williams and Kurt Russell in The Best of Times (1986) and portrayed Kim Basinger’s witty best friend Molly in the erotic thriller 9 ½ Weeks (1986).
But it was in 1987 that Margaret Whitton really caught audiences’ attention with two unforgettable performances: first as the delightfully over-the-top Aunt Vera in The Secret of My Success, starring Michael J. Fox, and then as the haunting, Gay Nineties-era seductress Katrina in Ironweed, opposite Jack Nicholson. These roles highlighted Margaret Whitton’s range and flair for playing complex, often flamboyant characters—qualities that served her well when she stepped into the spotlight once more in Major League.
Following that success, Margaret Whitton continued working steadily. She played Fred Savage’s mother in the fantasy-comedy Little Monsters (1989) and transitioned back to television, headlining the short-lived ABC series A Fine Romance (1989) alongside Christopher Cazenove, and later co-starring with Teri Garr in the quirky sitcom Good & Evil (1991). Though both shows were canceled after one season, Margaret Whitton remained active, appearing in TV movies like The Summer My Father Grew Up (1991) and the teen comedy Big Girls Don’t Cry…They Get Even (1992), as well as the ill-fated CBS sitcom Cutters (1993).
Still, Margaret Whitton’s career saw a powerful resurgence with her deeply affecting role as Nick Stahl’s strong-willed mother in Mel Gibson’s directorial debut, The Man Without a Face (1993). Critics praised her emotional depth and restraint, and she followed it up with another compelling performance as attorney Leslie Abramson in the gripping true crime miniseries Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills (1994). Later that year, Margaret Whitton took on the role of juror Jane Lyle in the legal thriller Trial by Jury—a performance that would mark her final onscreen appearance.
From there, Margaret Whitton shifted her focus back to her first love: the theater. Embracing directing, she helmed productions such as Two Tricks at The Public Theater and brought powerful interpretations to plays by Irish playwright Marina Carr. In 2006, Margaret Whitton served as a producer on the documentary Been Rich All My Life, which celebrated the Silver Belles, a group of veteran tap dancers. Then, in 2011, Margaret Whitton made her film directorial debut with the romantic comedy A Bird of the Air, followed a year later by the acclaimed documentary Casting By, a tribute to legendary casting director Marion Dougherty.
After a brief battle with cancer, Margaret Whitton passed away in 2016 at the age of 67. Throughout her life, Margaret Whitton left a lasting impression—not only through her sharp, vibrant performances but also through her dedication to storytelling in all its forms. Whether on stage, screen, or behind the camera, Margaret Whitton’s legacy endures.
When it comes to Margaret Whitton’s filmography, her highest rated movie is definitely Major League from 1989—a classic that really stands out in her career. It’s no surprise that this sports comedy became such a hit and remains a fan favorite over the decades. On the other hand, Margaret Whitton’s lowest rated project tends to be Major League II, released back in 1994. While it did have its moments, it just didn’t quite live up to the original’s charm or critical success. So, when you look at Margaret Whitton’s body of work, there’s a clear contrast between these two films. Margaret Whitton truly shined in the first installment, and although she returned for the sequel, the overall reception wasn’t as strong. Still, both movies are part of Margaret Whitton’s legacy in Hollywood, showing the ups and downs that even seasoned actors can experience.
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