Elizabeth McGovern (Evanston, Illinois, 1961) is an American actress known for her prolific film career. She gained immediate recognition and acclaim in the early 1980s with key performances. These include Robert Redford's *Ordinary People* (1980), and especially Miloš Forman's *Ragtime* (1981), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Another iconic role was that of Deborah Gelly in Sergio Leone's *Once Upon a Time in America* (1984). McGovern is appreciated for her ability to embody complex female characters, often with deep sensitivity and subtle strength. She has often appeared in period films or historical dramas. Although also known for her role as Cora Crawley in the TV series *Downton Abbey*, her contribution to cinema remains significant and lasting.