Guinevere Turner

Biography

Guinevere Turner is an American actress, writer, and director known for her influential contributions to independent cinema and LGBTQ+ storytelling. Born on May 23, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was raised in a creative environment shaped by her mother, painter and author Page Turner. This background encouraged Turner’s early interest in the arts and storytelling.

Turner emerged in the early 1990s as a prominent figure in the New Queer Cinema movement. She gained widespread attention for co-writing and starring in Go Fish (1994), a low-budget independent film that became a landmark in queer cinema for its honest, contemporary portrayal of lesbian life. The film’s success established Turner as a distinctive voice in screenwriting, noted for her sharp dialogue and realistic character work.

As an actress, Turner has appeared in a wide range of films and television series. Her notable film roles include American Psycho (2000), where she played Elizabeth, and The Watermelon Woman (1996). On television, she has had recurring roles in series such as The L Word, The Wire, and The Deuce, demonstrating her versatility across genres and formats.

In addition to acting, Turner has built a strong career as a screenwriter and director. She has written for major television productions, including The L Word, Weeds, and American Horror Story, contributing complex characters and socially engaged narratives. Her directing work includes independent films and television episodes that further reflect her interest in identity, power, and personal relationships.