Ellen McElduff

Ellen McElduff (born March 7, 1964) is a Canadian film, television, and stage actress whose career has spanned more than three decades, earning critical acclaim for both her on‑screen presence and her bold theatrical choices. Her early work includes a memorable turn as Wanda June in Stephen King’s directorial debut Maximum Overdrive (1986), followed by a supporting role in Jodie Foster’s Little Man Tate (1991) and a part in Oliver Stone’s politically charged JFK (1991) where she portrayed eyewitness Jean Hill. She later became a familiar face on television, delivering a haunting performance as Eleanor O'Connor in HBO’s gritty prison drama Oz and embodying the complex Billie Lou Hatfield across the acclaimed series Homicide: Life on the Street, its subsequent television movie, and an appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In addition to these high‑profile roles, McElduff appeared in a variety of other projects such as Working Girls (1986), Desperate Hours (1990), Julian Po (1997), and Al Pacino’s indie film Chinese Coffee (2000), showcasing her versatility across genres and mediums. On the stage, she has been lauded by The New York Times for her daring comedic timing, described as “horrifyingly funny” in JoAnne Akalaitis’s Help Wanted and “especially good” in Dead End Kids. Her work in Samuel Beckett’s Cascando, the historically charged Cold Harbor, and Mark Rappaport’s experimental pieces Chain Letters and Imposters further cemented her reputation as an adventurous performer. An Obie Award citation recognized her contribution to Southern Exposure, and critics such as Michael Feingold noted her unique ability to inhabit multiple female roles in Christopher Walken’s play Him, calling her “the only cast member who actually seemed to become everyone she represented”. Beyond her professional achievements, McElduff is married to writer‑producer Eric Overmyer, a partnership that blends creative worlds. While details about her personal life remain private, her dedication to craft and her continued presence in both film and theatre make her a compelling figure in contemporary acting, admired for her depth, resilience, and willingness to tackle challenging, often unconventional material.