wfn.org | Disciples woman wins best actress' award

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

Date: March 31, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

97b-21

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- There's a star in the family---the
wider church family.  Frances McDormand, daughter of a 
Benton, Penn., Disciples couple, recently won the voted 
Oscar award for best actress. She was recognized March 
24 for her role as a "homespun Midwestern cop" in the 
movie "Fargo." 

     The movie was directed by McDormand's husband, Joel
Coen, and produced by her brother-in-law, Ethan Coen. Joel
Coen and Frances McDormand live in New York City. 

     Frances McDormand is the daughter of the Rev. Vernon
and Noreen McDormand. Vernon has been pastor of Benton
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for 14 years.
Noreen is a retired registered nurse.

     The actress was born in Illinois, but spent most of
her growing up years in Monessen, Penn., a Pittsburgh
suburb, according to her father. She graduated from the
local high school in 1975, and attended Disciples-related
Bethany (W.Va.) College where she earned a bachelor's
degree in theater. She later earned a master's degree in
theater and drama from Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

     Theater and drama have been lifelong interests for
Frances McDormand. While growing up she "was in every 
play she could get in," according to Vernon. And often, while
finishing a role in one production, she was practicing for
yet another, he said.  

     The McDormands have one other daughter, an ordained
Disciples minister. The Rev. Dorothy A. McDormand is a
chaplain at the State Correctional Institute, Greensburg,
Penn., and pastor of First Christian Church, Dravosburg,
Penn.
 
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DISCNEWS - inbox for Disciples News Service, Office of Communication, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), PO Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206, tele. (317) 635-3100, (DISCNEWS@ecunet.org) Wilma Shuffitt, News and Information Assistant; (CWILLIS@oc.disciples.org) Cliff Willis, Director of News and Information; (CMILLER@oc.disciples.org) Executive Director