Diana Scarwid - Actor Profile

Diana Scarwid

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
49Total Films
7.9 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 27, 1955
Birth Place: Savannah, Georgia, USA

About Diana Scarwid

Diana Elizabeth Scarwid (born August 27, 1955) is a retired American actress, best known for her portrayal of adult Christina Crawford in Mommie Dearest (1980). She received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Inside Moves (1980), and for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Truman (1995). She has over 70 film and television credits to her name. Her films include Pretty Baby (1978), Honeysuckle Rose (1980), Rumble Fish, Silkwood (both 1983), Psycho III, Heat, Extremities (all 3 in 1986), The Neon Bible (1995), Bastard Out of Carolina (1996), What Lies Beneath (2000), A Guy Thing (2003), Party Monster (2003), The Clearing (2004), and Another Happy Day (2011). She's had roles in numerous TV movies including Truman (1995) as Bess Truman, The Possessed (1977), Desperate Lives (1982), A Bunny's Tale (1985), Night of the Hunter (1991), Ruby Bridges (1998), Before He Wakes (1998), Down Will Come Baby (1999), Path to War (2002), Tribute (2009), and more. She had a main role as Karen Tyler on the series Wonderfalls, and recurring role as Mother Superior on the TV series Pushing Daisies. She has also guest starred on several TV series including Starsky & Hutch, the original Hawaii Five-O, The X-Files, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Prison Break, Lost, Cold Case, Heroes, and Criminal Minds.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Diana Scarwid reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 49 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Diana Scarwid's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 24% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Diana Scarwid remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Cure, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Diana Scarwid Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Diana Scarwid's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Diana Scarwid.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2011 Another Happy Day Donna Average Similar →
2010 The Psycho Legacy Self Hit Similar →
2010 Backyard Wedding Susan Slauson Average Similar →
2009 Nora Roberts' Tribute Cathy Morrow Average Similar →
2008 Dream Boy Vivian Davies Average Similar →
2006 Mommie Dearest: Life with Joan - Flop Similar →
2006 Mommie Dearest: The Revival of Joan - Flop Similar →
2006 Mommie Dearest: Joan Lives On - Flop Similar →
2006 Valley of the Heart's Delight Natalie Walsh Average Similar →
2004 The Clearing Eva Finch Average Similar →
2003 Path to War Marny Clifford Hit Similar →
2003 Party Monster Elke Average Similar →
2003 A Guy Thing Sandra Cooper Average Similar →
2002 The Angel Doll Fronia Black Flop Similar →
2000 What Lies Beneath Jody Average Similar →
2000 Dirty Pictures Dianne Barrie Average Similar →
1999 Down Will Come Baby Dorothy McIntyre Flop Similar →
1998 Before He Wakes Joanne Michaels Flop Similar →
1998 Ruby Bridges Miss Woodmere Hit Similar →
1996 Bastard Out of Carolina Aunt Raylene Hit Similar →
1996 The Angel of Pennsylvania Avenue Mrs. Annie Feagan Flop Similar →
1996 Critical Choices Diana Johnson Average Similar →
1996 If These Walls Could Talk Marcia Schulman Hit Similar →
1995 Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain Lynette Salerno Average Similar →
1995 Truman Bess Truman Super Hit Similar →
1995 The Neon Bible Sarah Average Similar →
1995 The Cure Gail Super Hit Similar →
1993 Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story Darlene Flop Similar →
1991 Night of the Hunter Willa Harper Average Similar →
1989 Brenda Starr Libby 'Lips' Lipscomb Flop Similar →
1987 After the Promise Anna Jackson Super Hit Similar →
1986 Heat Cassie Average Similar →
1986 Extremities Terry Average Similar →
1986 Psycho III Maureen Coyle Average Similar →
1986 The Ladies Club Lucy Bricker Flop Similar →
1985 A Bunny's Tale Toby Flop Similar →
1983 Silkwood Angela Hit Similar →
1983 Rumble Fish Cassandra Hit Similar →
1983 Strange Invaders Margaret Bigelow Flop Similar →
1982 Thou Shalt Not Kill Susan Masters Hit Similar →
1982 Desperate Lives Eileen Phillips Average Similar →
1981 Mommie Dearest Christina Crawford Average Similar →
1980 Inside Moves Louise Average Similar →
1980 Honeysuckle Rose Jeanne Flop Similar →
1978 Battered Doris Thompson Flop Similar →
1978 Pretty Baby Frieda Hit Similar →
1978 Forever Sybil Davidson Flop Similar →
1977 The Possessed Lane Flop Similar →
1977 In the Glitter Palace Casey Walker Flop Similar →

Diana Scarwid - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Diana Scarwid?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Diana Scarwid is "The Cure" with a rating of 7.9/10.

How many movies has Diana Scarwid acted in?

Diana Scarwid has been featured in at least 49 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Diana Scarwid?

Other notable films include "Truman", "After the Promise", and "Bastard Out of Carolina".