Jennifer Jason Leigh (born February 5, 1962) is an American actress. She has appeared in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Easy Money, Flesh + Blood, The Hitcher, The Hudsucker Proxy, Single White Female, Dolores Claiborne, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Georgia and Short Cuts. She is also the co-writer and co-director of the film The Anniversary Party, made with fellow actor Alan Cumming. Beginning her career in the early 1970s, Leigh has developed a reputation for playing characters on society's bottom rung, often prostitutes or drug users, which have garnered her three Golden Globe nominations and much critical acclaim throughout her career. She is also known for her intensive method-inspired research into her roles.