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Phyllis Somerville

Phyllis Somerville

Actor · Died July 16, 2020, aged 76 · Iowa City, Iowa, USA

Screen Actors Guild Award nominee

Phyllis Jeanne Somerville (December 12, 1943 – July 16, 2020) was an American stage, film, and television actress. She is best known for her roles in Little Children (2006), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Surviving Family (2012), The Big C (2010–2013), and Outsiders (2016–2017).

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 12, 1943
Died
July 16, 2020 (aged 76)
From
Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
50 on MovieCove · 59 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

What are Phyllis Somerville's films like?

Across their 16 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Survival.

Genres

Drama10 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 68th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Comedy4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 59th percentile
: browse their Comedy movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Self
33%
Survival
24%
Bonds
22%
Morality
9%
Society
8%
Power
3%
Ideas
1%
Family bonds6 titles, browse their movies with this themeGrief5 titles, browse their movies with this themeObsession4 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity3 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity2 titles, browse their movies with this themeMarriage2 titles, browse their movies with this themeMortality2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 5 · Serious 3 · Dark 7

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 10 · Stylized 2 · Heightened 3

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 10 · Intense 3

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 6 · Shifting 7 · Whiplash 2

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 9 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 8 · Even-paced 7 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

A split, not a type: Casual 8 · Engaged 5 · Full focus 2

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 4 · Affecting 2 · Heavy 9

Open-ended: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their open-ended movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

A split, not a type: Resolved 10 · Open-ended 0 · Ambiguous 5

Roles they play

3 analyzed roles

Usually the Mentor: 2 of 3 analyzed roles.

Mentor
2 of 3
Threshold guardian
1 of 3

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Melancholic
8
Tense
8
Bittersweet
9
Dread
3
Joyful
4
Other
13

How their films linger

Bittersweet7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 2 with a twist

  • Happy3
  • Bittersweet9
  • Tragic1
  • Ambiguous3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Phyllis Somerville's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 40 of their 50 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (15).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Phyllis Somerville's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

59 credits, 50 with a MovieCove page.

  • Mare of Easttown(2021)

    Show 3 episodes · In Memory Of · as Betty Carroll

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Poms(2019)

    as Helen

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Diane(2018)

    as Ina

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Our Souls at Night(2017)

    as Ruth

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • One Fall (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Mrs.Barrows

  • Detours(2016)

    as Annie Delaney

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films

  • Impastor(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Ester Strumble

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all shows

  • Stuff(2015)

    as Ginger

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • 3rd Street Blackout(2015)

    as Susan Sussman

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • Daredevil(2015)

    Show 2 episodes · as Mrs. Vistain

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Meemaw

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all shows

  • Surviving Family(2012)

    as Mary Giaccone

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • The Double(2013)

    as Simon's Mother

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • The Blacklist(2013)

    Show 1 episode · as Skye Kincaid

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Stoker(2013)

    as Mrs. McGarrick

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Forgetting the Girl(2012)

    as Ruby

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Elementary(2012)

    Show 1 episode · as Miriam Berg

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • The Mighty Macs(2009)

    as Sister Sister

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • A Bird of the Air(2011)

    as Ivy Campbell

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films

  • Unforgettable(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Ruth

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all shows

  • Weakness(2010)

    as Lenore

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all films

  • Blue Bloods(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Beth Del Rio

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all shows

  • The Big C(2010)

    Show 15 episodes · as Marlene

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Capers(2008)

    as Connie

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • The Good Wife(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Louise Nolfi

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(2008)

    as Grandma Fuller

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • Life on Mars(2008)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs. Raimes

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all shows

  • Fringe(2008)

    Show 1 episode · as Alice Merchant

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Dead*Line (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Edie

  • Restless (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Sheila

  • Broken English(2007)

    as Psychic

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Lucky You(2007)

    as Pawnbroker

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • Little Children(2006)

    as May McGorvey

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Just Like the Son(2006)

    as Judge

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Messengers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Metal Detector Lady

  • Chappelle's Show(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Old Lady #2

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Revolution #9 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Judge Hathaway

  • CSI: Miami(2002)

    Show 1 episode · as Louise Russo

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all shows

  • Swimfan(2002)

    as Aunt Gretchen Christopher

    Midcredits score: 16th percentile of all films

  • Law & Order: Criminal Intent(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Louise Politano · as Mrs. McLeish

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all shows

  • The Sleepy Time Gal(2001)

    as Rebecca's Adoptive Mother

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Bringing Out the Dead(1999)

    as Mrs. Burke

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Third Watch(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Fran

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs. Moss

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Just One Time (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Scratchy-voiced Woman

  • Simply Irresistible(1999)

    as Ruth

    Midcredits score: 25th percentile of all films

  • The Sopranos(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Brenda

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all shows

  • It All Came True(1998)

    as Gladys

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • Better Living (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Nellie

  • The Impostors(1998)

    as Woman at Bar with Pills

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Above Freezing (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Vivian

  • Sex and the City(1998)

    Show 1 episode · as Gertrude Morgan

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all shows

  • Montana(1998)

    as Waitress

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Trouble on the Corner(1997)

    as Crazy Woman

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films

  • New York News (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · as Edith Schemer

  • Homicide: Life on the Street(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Faye Ann Ralston

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Leap of Faith(1992)

    as Dolores

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Law & Order(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Kristen Cameron · as Ms. Maltese

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • Arthur(1981)

    as Saleslady

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

Career shape

Star power in the 96th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 59 titles from 1981 to 2021; peak year 2007.

Biggest box office

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

$336M worldwide

Highest rated

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Midcredits 96th

Film career

MilestoneNomination
19812021

Peak 2007 · steadily prominent in film for years. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting59 of 59: 58 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score69thOther crew1 of 59: 0 only other crew, 1 with another role

By decade

1980s1 · acting1990s17 · acting2000s18 · acting2010s22 · acting2020s1 · 1 acting · 1 crew

Billing

usually 11th · top billed in 0% of 18 roles
810111

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

Awards

Nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2009, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Major bodies only: the Oscars, Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Screen Actors Guild Awards are named; Cannes, Venice, the Berlinale, Sundance, the directors', writers' and producers' guilds, the Grammys, Critics Choice and the Independent Spirit Awards count as other major bodies. Festival and regional prizes are not counted. Source: IMDb.

How do Phyllis Somerville's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 54th percentile, the median of all 29; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 50th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

50thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Approval · how many liked their films

66thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Reach · how many have seen their films

72ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Midcredits score across 50 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up20
  • 50th to 74th15
  • 25th to 49th11
  • Below 25th4

Shape of the crowd

22 of their 50 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved14
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic2
  • Crowd Pleaser22
  • Broadly Agreed1
  • Mixed10

Most divisive · actor

3rd Street Blackout (2015)

94th percentile spread · 55% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Midcredits 98th · 95% liked

Reviewers score the acting 69/100 in their films, across 15 reviewed titles; fans 79, detractors 42. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Phyllis Somerville's work okay for kids?

Across up to 9 MovieCove titles with content scores, frightening / intense runs heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore6 titles42–64 · median 51 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity9 titles26–59 · median 40 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity5 titles37–70 · median 44 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs6 titles17–48 · median 31 · mildnear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense6 titles44–69 · median 60 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Phyllis Somerville work with?

People who share at least 2 of Phyllis Somerville's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Mara Lesemann shares the most, 2.

Writers

Actors

Producers