She garnered critical acclaim and two consecutive Academy Award nominations for her portrayals of socialite May Welland in Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence (1993) and Jo March in the fifth film adaptation of Little Women (1994). She further rose to prominence with major roles in Heathers (1989), Great Balls of Fire (1989), Mermaids (1990), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992). She is known for taking on quirky roles in her earlier films, later playing more prominent roles in the 1990s.Īfter Ryder's film debut in Lucas (1986), she gained attention with her performance in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988). She is the recipient of several awards, including a Golden Globe Award, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. Winona Laura Horowitz (born October 29, 1971), professionally known as Winona Ryder, is an American actress.
