Elizabeth Reaser

A string of assured dramatic turns in independent features helped to elevate actress Elizabeth Reaser's profile from acclaimed stage actress to buzzworthy lead in projects ranging from "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC, 2005- ) to the 'tween film sensation, "Twilight" (2008). A graduate of Julliard, she balanced television work with stage work in New York and Los Angeles before gaining attention for small but significant turns in movies like "The Believer" (2001) and "Thirteen Conversations about One Thing" (2001). A moving performance as a Norwegian immigrant in "Sweet Land" (2005) led to more high-profile projects, including the feature comedy "The Family Stone" (2005) and TV work on "Saved" (TNT, 2006). She gained even greater press for her recurring role as an amnesiac on "Grey's Anatomy," and eventually gained her own short-lived series, "The Ex-List" (CBS, 2008). Her appearance as the matriarch of a small town vampire clan in the rabidly anticipated "Twilight" (2008) solidified her status as a screen talent with limitless potential.