Patricia Clarkson Praises Director Brian De Palma for Extending Her Role in 'The Untouchables'

Director Brian De Palma identified the promise in Patricia Clarkson and his decision significantly impacted her budding career.

Fresh from Yale School of Drama with merely a single Broadway appearance, Clarkson came onboard the 1987 crime drama 'The Untouchables' with limited experience but significant potential. De Palma, recognizing this, expanded her brief portrayal of Catherine Ness, Eliot Ness's wife, to include her character in a pivotal courtroom scene at the film's climax.

"I was supposed to be finished, but Brian asserted my presence was necessary for the courtroom segment," Clarkson shared with Business Insider. "He communicated to Paramount that I needed to be retained for an additional month since the courtroom scene was not yet scheduled to be filmed."

Back then, Clarkson was earning the base wage allowable for union actors on set, which she recalled as being around $1,000 at the time. Nonetheless, the opportunity to continue working on the film turned out to be a blessing.

"The extra month was invaluable," Clarkson reflected. "My student loans were due and I lived in New York, so it was truly a life-saver thanks to Brian De Palma's decision."

In later years, Clarkson's career flourished with recognition, earning two Emmy Awards for her role as Sarah O'Connor on HBO's 'Six Feet Under,' receiving an Academy Award nomination for 'Pieces of April,' and featuring in a variety of acclaimed films such as 'Shutter Island' and 'Easy A.' Her latest project, 'Lilly,' a biographical film about activist Lilly Ledbetter, is currently showing in theaters.