Amy Carlson

The family was born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Amy Carlson spent most of her childhood in the Chicago region. But at the time Amy was in junior high, she and her family also resided in the Middle East where her parents, Bob and Barb, taught at the American School. Amy has two sisters, Betsy and Lori, and a brother Joe. Amy has traveled extensively across Europe both with her family and also on her own. Both of her parents worked as teachers so they could spend every summer camping together and travel all across the United States. They've camped across every state except Alaska. Amy also went to Rwanda following the 1994 war to assist in relief efforts. Early on, Amy showed artistic talent acting in school productions as well as winning writing contests. In high school she was a promising athlete who placed in the very first 3200 meter relay at the Illinois girls track. After a college accident, she returned to the stage with a variety of roles on stage. Her first was Lanford Wilson's "Fifth of July" as well as directing Wallace Shawn's "Aunt Dan and Lemon". Amy went to Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois which is where she graduated with a cum laude, a B.A. East Asian history with a particular focus on Theater. After graduating, she moved to Chicago where she studied Improv at The Improv Olympic. She also took acting classes at The Actor's Center. Following her graduation she was offered a contract job on the now-defunct soap drama Another World (1964). The category she was nominated for is "Outstanding supporting actress in the Daytime Drama Series", she was nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards. Her most memorable performances were of strong women like Alex Taylor (1999), Maggie Pistone (2000), Katie Owen (2003), and Linda Reagan (2003). Carlson lives in New York City together with Syd Butler (bassist of Les Savy Fav), and she is the co-owner of Frenchkiss Records. Amy continues to work on film and writing.