Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo (born September 14, 1960) is an American actress. She made her acting debut in 1985, for which she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Ingenue/Woman in the Drama Series “All My Children”. Her most notable role as was as Det. Sgt. Kay Howard on “Homicide: Life on the Street” for the show’s first five seasons from 1993–1997.

Following several films, Leo received critical acclaim and national attention in earning several nominations and awards, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Leo earned several awards for her role as Alice Ward in the critically acclaimed film, “The Fighter” (2010). For this role Leo won the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Leo currently appears on the television series Treme. 

Leo currently resides in Stone Ridge, New York and two sons John Matthew Heard (born 1987), and Adam (adopted – born 1984).

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Melissa Leo Movies

Discover the best Melissa Leo movies. Explore the complete filmography, including top-rated classics, newest releases, and highest-grossing films starring Melissa Leo ranked by year and score.

1
Passenger

Passenger (2026)

Horror
After a young couple witnesses a gruesome highway accident, they soon realize they did not leave the crash scene alone, as a demonic presence called the Passenger that won't stop...
Score -.-
2
The Equalizer 3

The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Action Crime Thriller
Robert McCall finds himself at home in Southern Italy but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he...
Score 7.3
3
The Big Short

The Big Short (2015)

Comedy Drama
The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown.
Score 7.4
4
The Equalizer

The Equalizer (2014)

Action Crime Thriller
McCall believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets Teri, a young girl under the control...
Score 7.3
5
Prisoners

Prisoners (2013)

Crime Drama Thriller
Keller Dover is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The...
Score 8.1
6
Oblivion

Oblivion (2013)

Action Adventure Mystery
Jack Harper is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of war with a terrifying threat...
Score 6.7
7
Flight

Flight (2012)

Drama
Commercial airline pilot Whip Whitaker has a problem with drugs and alcohol, though so far he's managed to complete his flights safely. His luck runs out when a disastrous mechanical...
Score 6.9
8
Righteous Kill

Righteous Kill (2008)

Crime Mystery Thriller
Two veteran New York City detectives work to identify the possible connection between a recent murder and a case they believe they solved years ago; is there a serial killer...
Score 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highest-rated movies starring Melissa Leo? +
According to aggregate user scores, the absolute best titles starring Melissa Leo are Passenger, The Equalizer 3, and The Big Short.
How many movies and TV shows has Melissa Leo starred in? +
Our database currently features a comprehensive filmography of 8 titles starring Melissa Leo, ranging from their earliest roles to the newest releases.
Are the movies starring Melissa Leo worth watching? +
Yes! The overall filmography starring Melissa Leo maintains a strong average user rating of 7.1 out of 10 across all tracked titles.