Born March 28, 1943, in Charleston, W.Va., accomplished character actress Conchata Ferrell often portrays women with larger-than-life personalities. Launching her career on the New York stage before transitioning to television and film, she copped an Obie Award in 1974 for her performance in the off-Broadway production of "The Sea Horse."

Ferrell is perhaps best known for her booming voice and recurring role as wisecracking housekeeper Berta on "Two and a Half Men," a plum comedic part that garnered her an Emmy nod in 2005 and again in 2007.

Ferrell's extensive résumé also includes an Emmy-nominated supporting role on "L.A. Law" (1992) and memorable turns in feature films such as Network (1976, in her big-screen debut), Heartland (1980), Mystic Pizza (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Erin Brockovich (2000).