New York Times Says Holy Cross Alumna Ann Dowd is ‘a Late Arrival Worth the Wait’ in the World of Acting

According to the New York Times, “Ann Dowd is having a moment.” Dowd, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 1978, is currently starring in Naomi Wallace’s new play, “Night Is a Room” at the Signature Theater.  Working steadily over the course of 30 years, Dowd appeared on Broadway and in regional theaters, in films, and on series television. But it wasn’t until recently, at the age of 59, that she began to receive widespread acclaim. “She never had that big break, just a series of small fractures,” the Times said. “Ms. Dowd had long believed that if fame were to come to her at all, it would show up late.” Appearing in the independent film “Compliance” three years ago, Dowd’s diligent and patient career has finally begun to shine.

She received a supporting actress award from the National Board of Review following “Compliance”, “and suddenly prestige cable and other independent films came calling with a slew of risky roles,” the Time said. These roles included appearances in “True Detective,” HBO’s hit series “The Leftovers,” and the new Sandra Bullock movie “Our Brand is Crisis”.

The article highlighted  Dowd’s intimate and critical “examination of the script,” calling her method “something between a forensic investigation and an archaeological dig.”  The Times interviewed Naomi Wallace, who wrote, “Night is a Room.” Wallace told the Times, “[Dowd] really gets down into the foundation of how the character is built and then comes up from there.”

Although Dowd finds it difficult to watch her own scenes after recording, afraid self-criticism will “curdle the joy of performing,” she is able to use her reservations to her benefit.  Originally dismissing “The Leftovers” role of Patti, a former cult leader, Dowd found the stark contrast of Patti’s utter silence against her naturally chatty nature to be powerful.  “It unhinges people,” she told the Times.  “All the frightening stuff is the best.”

At Holy Cross, Dowd took acting classes, and it was from these classes that she received the encouragement to pursue a career on stage and on screen, according to a 2012 Holy Cross Magazine article. With the support of her instructors and college roommate, she traveled to New York City to audition for the Goodman School of Drama at Depaul University in Chicago, where she received her M.F.A. in acting.

Born and raised in Holyoke, Mass., Dowd was one of seven children in a large Irish Catholic family.  Now married to Larry Arancio, an acting teacher, she is a mother of three. She is a dynamic actor with a wealth of experience to bring to the stage. “She is happy playing tyrants and doormats, torturers and sufferers,” the Times said. “She has had the better part of a lifetime to get ready.”

Dowd’s sister, Kate, also graduated from the College in 1976 and works as an international casting director in London.

Read the entire article on the New York Times website.

Related Information

Ann Dowd was recently nominated for a 2016 Critics Choice Award in the category "Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series" for her role in "The Leftovers." 

This “Holy Cross in the News” item is by Emma Collins ’16.