A photograph of Teri Hatcher draped only in a red cape became the most downloaded image on the internet in 1995. This digital popularity coincided with her starring role as the resilient reporter Lois Lane in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, a project that solidified her status in the industry.
Early Career and Education
Born in Palo Alto, California, in 1964, Hatcher attended Fremont High School before studying mathematics and engineering at De Anza College. Her professional path began outside of acting when she served as an NFL cheerleader for the San Francisco 49ers in 1984. She later pursued formal dramatic training at the American Conservatory Theater. Her initial television presence included a recurring role on MacGyver and a short-lived comedy appearance in Karen’s Song, alongside guest spots on various series including Night Court and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
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The early 1990s brought widespread recognition following a notable guest appearance on Seinfeld, where her character’s exit line became a pop culture touchstone. From 1993 to 1997, she occupied the role of Lois Lane. Following this, she joined the cast of Desperate Housewives in 2004, playing Susan Mayer. This portrayal brought critical acclaim, resulting in a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy in 2005 and consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2005 and 2006 for her performance in a comedy series.
Film and Additional Work
Hatcher’s film career includes roles in the James Bond feature Tomorrow Never Dies, where she portrayed Paris Carver, and the crime drama 2 Days in the Valley. Her filmography further features appearances in Spy Kids and the animated feature Coraline, where she voiced the characters of Mel Jones and the Beldam. Beyond acting, her professional activities have spanned roles as a writer, producer, and activist, while her public profile was also shaped by long-running appearances in RadioShack commercials.
Personal Advocacy
In 2006, Hatcher disclosed her history of childhood sexual abuse by Richard Hayes Stone, a relative by marriage. She provided critical assistance to Santa Clara County prosecutors in 2002 during their case against Stone regarding a separate, fatal assault of a minor. Her public testimony aimed to ensure a conviction for the offender, who pleaded guilty to four counts of child sexual abuse and was sentenced to 14 years of incarceration prior to his death in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Palo Alto, United States
- Education: Fremont High School, De Anza College
- Notable TV Series: Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Desperate Housewives
- Golden Globe Award: Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy (2005)
- SAG Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (2005, 2006)
- Film Debut: The Big Picture (1989)
- Early Career: San Francisco 49ers Cheerleader (1984)
Questions readers ask
What is Teri Hatcher best known for?
She is recognized for her starring roles in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Desperate Housewives.
Has she received any major acting awards?
Yes, she won a Golden Globe Award in 2005 and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her performance in Desperate Housewives.
Achievements
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy — 2005
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series — 2006
- Notable work: Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
- Notable work: Desperate Housewives
- Worked as television actor, film actor and actor