Ally Sheedy

Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy (born June 13, 1962) is an American actress, author and teacher. Born in New York City, Sheedy began her career as a teenager acting in commercials and guest roles on television. She made her theatrical film debut in Bad Boys (1983). Due to her appearances in a string of teen-oriented films such as Oxford Blues (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985) and St. Elmo's Fire (1985), Sheedy and many of her co-stars were nicknamed the "Brat Pack". She subsequently appeared in the films Twice in a Lifetime (1985), Blue City, Short Circuit (both 1986), Betsy's Wedding (1990) and Only the Lonely (1991). She received three Saturn Award nominations for Best Actress for the science fiction films WarGames (1983), Fear (1990) and Man's Best Friend (1993). Following a career downturn in the late 1980s, Sheedy won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for playing a drug-addicted lesbian photographer in the romantic drama film High Art (1998). She had a main role in the comedy television series Single Drunk Female (2022–2023). Sheedy also works as a literary editor and has authored two books, including the best-selling historical fiction novel She Was Nice to Mice (1975) which was published when she was aged 12. Since 2021, Sheedy has taught at the City College of New York.