Jacki Weaver

Jacqueline Ruth "Jacki" Weaver, AO (born 25 May 1947) is an Australian theatre, film, and television actress. She is known internationally for her performances as Janine "Smurf" Cody in Animal Kingdom (2010) and as Dolores Solatano in Silver Linings Playbook (2012), both of which earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Weaver emerged in the 1970s as a symbol of the Australian New Wave through her work in Ozploitation films such as Stork (1971), Alvin Purple (1972) and Petersen (1973). In 2005, she released her autobiography titled Much Love, Jac.

Early life and education

Weaver was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Her mother, Edith (née Simpson), was a migrant from northern England, and her father, Arthur Weaver, was a Sydney solicitor. She attended Hornsby Girls' High School, and won a scholarship to study sociology at university, but instead embarked upon an acting career.

Career

Weaver has been working in Australian film, stage and television since the 1960s. The turning point in her career came in 1965 just before she was about to go to university and was cast in the Australian TV series Wandjina!.