Vera Farmiga returned to television in 2013 as Norma Louise Bates, Norman Bates’ mother, in A&E’s drama-thriller series Bates Motel. The show is a modern remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film Psycho.
Her work earned her the Saturn Award for Best Television Actress in 2013 and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Cable TV Actress in 2016. She was nominated for many Critics’ Choice Television Awards, including Best Actress in a Drama Series, for her work on the show.
Critics hailed her outstanding performance, with The Hollywood Reporter’s Tim Goodman and The Los Angeles Times’ Mary McNamara calling her out as a series standout. Farmiga was also a producer, and eventually an executive producer, on Bates Motel.
Farmiga starred as ghost investigator Lorraine Warren in James Wan’s horror flick The Conjuring in 2013. The picture was a critical and economic triumph, and it went on to become the second-highest-grossing horror film of all time.
Her performance earned her an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Scared-As-Shit Performance. Her sensitivity and poignant performance were praised by critics, who also praised her great chemistry with co-star Patrick Wilson.
What are some fun facts about Vera Farmiga?
- Farmiga is multilingual and fluent in multiple languages. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, as well as some French and Polish.
- Farmiga originally planned to become an ophthalmologist before exploring acting. She studied acting at Syracuse University and graduated with honors.
- Farmiga made her directorial debut with the 2011 film “Higher Ground” in addition to performing. She also appeared in the film, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
- Farmiga rose to prominence in 2009 for her performance as Dr. Madeline Hatter, a psychiatrist, in the film “Up in the Air.” Her performance won her Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA Award nominations.
- Farmiga starred as Lorraine Warren, a paranormal investigator, in the horror thriller “The Conjuring” (2013) and its sequels. Her portrayal of the character earned her critical acclaim and helped propel her to prominence in the horror genre.
- Farmiga is not just a superb actress; she is also a skilled vocalist. She demonstrated her vocal ability in the film “Higher Ground,” when she sang many songs.