Kate Capshaw
Biography
Kathleen Sue Spielberg (born November 3, 1953), known professionally as Kate Capshaw, is an American actress and painter with a multifaceted career that traverses action-adventure classics, heartwarming comedies, and artistic pursuits. Born in Texas, Capshaw embarked on an unexpected path: initially, she pursued a career in education, earning a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities and teaching special education. However, her artistic heart yearned for a different stage. Driven by this passion, she moved to New York and delved into acting, landing a role in the soap opera "The Edge of Night." Fate and Hollywood intervened in 1984 when Capshaw, after beating out 120 actresses, landed the pivotal role of Willie Scott in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. This action-adventure blockbuster, directed by Steven Spielberg, not only catapulted her to international fame but also sparked a personal connection that led to their marriage in 1991. Capshaw's career thrived in the 80s and 90s, showcasing her dramatic and comedic chops in films like Dreamscape, Black Rain, Love Affair, and Just Cause. She explored lighter roles in SpaceCamp and The Love Letter, proving her versatility. Beyond acting, Capshaw is a devoted mother to seven children, including actress Jessica Capshaw, and co-parent to adopted children with Spielberg. She has actively supported various charities, highlighting her dedication to humanitarian causes.
Known For

Saturday Night Live

Late Show with David Letterman

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

The Oscars

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Black Rain

The Quick and the Dead

The Edge of Night
All Movies (33)
- Marty, Life Is Short2026 · as Self
- Music by John Williams2024 · as Self - Actor / Wife of Steven Spielberg
- Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford2023 · as Self
- Indiana Jones: The Search for the Lost Golden Age2021 · as Self - Actress (archive footage)
- Everything Is Copy2015 · as Self
- Black Rain: Making The Film2006 · as Self (archive footage)
- Indiana Jones: Making the Trilogy2003 · as Self
- Due East2002 · as Becky Purdue
- The Love Letter1999 · as Helen
- The Alarmist1998 · as Gale Ancona
- Intimate Portrait: Sean Connery1998 · as Self
- The Locusts1997 · as Mrs. Potts
- Duke of Groove1996 · as Rebecka
- How to Make an American Quilt1995 · as Sally
- Just Cause1995 · as Laurie Armstrong
- Love Affair1994 · as Lynn Weaver
- Next Door1994 · as Karen Coler
- My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys1991 · as Jolie
- Love at Large1990 · as Mrs. Ellen McGraw
- Black Rain1989 · as Joyce
- Internal Affairs1988 · as Joanna Gates
- Private Affairs1987 · as Brunetta
- Her Secret Life1987 · as Annie
- The Quick and the Dead1987 · as Susanna McKaskel
- SpaceCamp1986 · as Andie
- Power1986 · as Sydney Betterman
- The Making of 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'1984 · as Self
- Windy City1984 · as Emily Reubens
- Dreamscape1984 · as Jane DeVries
- Best Defense1984 · as Laura
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom1984 · as Willie Scott
- Missing Children: A Mother's Story1982 · as Elaine Rogers
- A Little Sex1982 · as Katherine
All TV Shows (8)
- A Girl Thing2001 · as Casey Montgomery
- The Entertainment Biz1998 · as Self
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien1993 · as Self - Guest
- Late Show with David Letterman1993 · as Self - Guest
- Black Tie Affair1993 · as Margo Cody
- Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self
- The Edge of Night1956 · as Jinx Avery Mallory #1
- The Oscars1953 · as Self