Jayne Atkinson was born on February 18, 1959 in Bournemouth, UK, though her family relocated to the US in her early life. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1981 with a BA in Communications before attending Yale Drama School.
After working in regional theatres, such as Connecticut's esteemed Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Atkinson appeared in the Manhattan Theatre Club's off-Broadway production of Bloody Poetry in 1987. That same year, she made her Broadway debut in a revival production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons. Broadway credits also include The Rainmaker (Tony nomination), Our Town, Enchanted April (Tony nomination, Drama Desk nomination; Outer Critics Circle Award), and 2009's Blithe Spirit. She has appeared off-Broadway in a number of productions, including The Art of Success (Drama Desk nomination) and The Skriker (Drama Desk nomination).
Many may recognize Atkinson from her film and television roles. Her feature film credits include Free Willy, Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, The Village, and Syriana.
On television, she is known for her guest appearances on the hit series "The X-Files", "The Practice", and "Law & Order". As a recurring character, she has played Erin Strauss on "Criminal Minds", as well as Karen Hayes on the award-winning "24".
In June of 1998, Atkinson took on a different role, that of Director, and directed a workshop production of Theresa Rebeck's musical melodrama The Two Orphans for Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar College.
Atkinson is married to actor Michel Gill, whom she met during a 1989 production of The Heiress at Long Wharf Theatre. Together they have one son.
