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Take My Son To Jail | With Jayne Atkinson

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(Christopher Silas Neal for The New York Times)
(Christopher Silas Neal for The New York Times)

When do you know if your child is ready to become an independent adult? For Ann Bauer, that already difficult decision was made much harder by her son's problematic and mysterious diagnosis.

Actor Jayne Atkinson, from Netflix's "House Of Cards," reads Ann Bauer's essay, "You Need To Take My Son To Jail."

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(Courtesy of Jayne Atkinson)
(Courtesy of Jayne Atkinson)

Jayne Atkinson has made her mark on and off-Broadway, in films and television, in addition to producing and directing.

Atkinson has been getting noticed these days for her portrayal of Catherine Durant, Secretary of State, on the Netflix Original Series, “House of Cards.” Previously, she scored recurring roles on the award-winning series “24” and “Criminal Minds.” She also gave memorable guest star appearances on “The Good Wife,” “Chicago Med,” “Law and Order,” “The X-Files,” “White Collar” and “Gossip Girl,” as well as in the Emmy-winning HBO film “Recount.”

On the big screen, Atkinson can currently be seen in the indie feature “The Congressman” with Treat Williams. Additionally, she appeared in “Syriana” with George Clooney and Matt Damon, M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village,” “12 and Holding” with Jeremy Renner, “Handsome Harry” with Steve Buscemi and Jamey Sheridan, “Free Willy” and “Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home.”

After starting out in productions at the Long Wharf Theater and Manhattan Theater Club, Atkinson made her Broadway debut in a revival production of Arthur Miller’s "All My Sons." Other Broadway credits include "Blithe Spirit," alongside Angela Lansbury and Rupert Everett, "The Rainmaker," for which she earned a Tony nomination,"Enchanted April," which resulted in another Tony nomination, a Drama Desk nomination and an Outer Critics Circle Award, and "Our Town." Atkinson reprised her role in "Our Town" for the TV movie version of the play, directed by James Naughton.

Atkinson was born in Bournemouth, England, but her family relocated to the U.S. in her early childhood. She went on to graduate from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Communications before attending Yale Drama School. In addition to acting, Atkinson runs Jadana Productions, with a focus on entertainment development. Her other areas of expertise include coaching professionals in the areas of public speaking and project presentation, as well as teaching and directing. She also lends her time to promote women’s causes. She is married to actor Michael Gill, whom she met during a production at the Long Wharf Theater, and together they have a son. This summer, she will appear in Sarah Ruhl's "Clean House" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Ann Bauer and her son Andrew pose for a photo in 2009 (Courtesy)
Ann Bauer and her son Andrew pose for a photo in 2009 (Courtesy)

Ann Bauer is a writer living in Minneapolis. She's published four books including "A Wild Ride Up the Cupboards," a novel about a young family struggling to raise a very different child. Bauer is an essayist, critic and frequent contributor to the Washington Post. Currently she's on a "sabbatical-from-life" year, trying to figure out what comes next.

Headshot of Jessica Alpert

Jessica Alpert Managing Producer, Program Development
Jessica Alpert is the managing producer for program development at WBUR. In this position, she develops new podcasts and programs while also launching and nurturing WBUR’s newest projects.

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