Calista Flockhart became a huge star portraying the title character on the Fox television series “Ally McBeal” (1997–2002). She was simply brilliant and hilarious as Ally, one of the quirkiest characters we’ve ever seen on television. And she looked amazing, particularly in all those short skirts. She won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Emmy for her performance.
The entire series was brilliant. Produced by David E. Kelly, it followed Ally and her co-workers at a small law firm. Each character was quirky in his or her own way, and the entire cast nailed their performances. Co-stars included Greg Germann, Jane Krakowski, Peter MacNicol, Lucy Lui, Portia de Rossi, Lisa Nicole Carson, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Gil Bellows.
Calista has also had a very successful career as an actress on Broadway and has had roles in a number of feature films, including “The Birdcage” (1996), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1999) and “Fragile” (2005).
Calista had ongoing roles in a number of television series after “Ally McBeal,” including her role as Kitty in “Brothers & Sisters” (2006 – 2011) and Cat grant in “Supergirl” (2015 – 2021).
She married Harrison Ford in 2010.
Iconic Character – Ally on “Ally McBeal”
Calista’s role as Ally McBeal will always be a favorite. We highlighted this character in our “TV Girlfriends” feature in the “High Maintenance Hotties” category. Here’s what we said about the Ally character:
She wouldn’t be your first choice if you’re a boob man – or an ass man, for that matter. Actually, if you’re the kind of guy who prefers that his women look like they’re capable of withstanding a stiff breeze, Ally McBeal probably isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you have a thing for career-driven, adorably neurotic singletons with great taste in miniskirts, Ally might be your girl. You’ll have to get in line, though – with her ever-expanding legal caseload, long list of tumultuous relationships, and the occasional extra unplanned wrinkle (such as the daughter she didn’t know she had) getting in the way, Miss McBeal is pretty much the textbook definition of a high maintenance hottie.
Articles
Time Magazine Article and Cover
Calista’s portrayal of Ally McBeal struck quite a nerve in the pop culture of the late 90s, as Time Magazine devoted a cover story to the impact of her character:
Everyone is talking about “Ally McBeal.” Produced by David E. Kelley, who created “Picket Fences” and “Chicago Hope,” the show portrays a single woman struggling with work and love, and it has become another subject of arch, joshing disputes between the sexes, like football and Michael Bolton. To many women, Ally is quirky, contradictory and wonderful; to many men, she is a simpering drag. Our mission here is to settle this question once and for all. The answer? Simpering drag, but not hopeless.
Calista was less than thrilled with the article.
Videos
Calista Flockhart on Late Night with Conan O’Brien
Great interview from 2000 with Calista.
Calista Flockhart Interview with Rosie
Funny interview with Calista discussing “Ally McBeal” and the dancing baby.