Maura Tierney played the role of Nurse Abigail “Abby” Lockhart on ER from 1999 through 2008. Her role dramatically increased in February 2000, going from a guest appearance in November 1999 to a full-time regular character as an ER nurse who eventually changed into a doctor after graduating from medical school.
Because of her riveting performance in a compelling plot arc with Sally Field as Lockhart’s mother, Maggie Wyczenski, who battled bipolar disorder, Tierney garnered an Emmy Award nomination within a year of her tenure on ER.
Soon after the start of the sixteenth season of ER, Tierney announced in April 2008 that she was leaving the program. After an outstanding run of over 10 seasons, she made her last regular appearance on the show in October 2008.
However, toward the end of the 2009 season’s final episode, Tierney did make a brief cameo appearance.
The Christopher Nolan-directed picture Insomnia from 2002 was one of Tierney’s most notable roles while she was a member of the ER ensemble. She also appeared in Scotland, Pa., the same year, in a role created especially for her by her then-husband Billy Morrissette.
In this performance, she played a Lady Macbeth-like character. The critics praised her for her work in the movie. Additionally, Joe Furey, a NewsRadio writer, and Tierney worked together on a special featurette titled “Working with Joe Furey” for the Furey movie Love and Support.
Is Maura Tierney related to Jean Tierney?
No, Contrary to popular perception, Lawrence Tierney and Gene Tierney are not related to Maura.