43, Actress
Why She’s Interesting: A Copley native and University of Mount Union graduate, Coon has played roles in Gone Girl, Fargo, The Post, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Avengers: Infinity War. She stars as the ambitious, social-climbing Bertha Russell in Emmy-nominated Gilded Age and is cast in season three of HBO’s White Lotus, which premieres in February.
I Can Do That: At 10 years old, Coon saw the play Babes in Toyland. She was inspired by seeing kids her age act. “I came home, I looked in the newspaper, and I found some auditions for the community theater. I asked if I could go to these auditions, and my mom said no,” because of her work schedule. Coon had to wait until her senior year of high school to get her first acting role when she got the lead in the school play Our Town.
Sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter
Midwest Americana: Growing up on a five-acre, non-working farm in Copley, Coon’s father ran an auto parts store, and her mom worked as a nurse at Cleveland Clinic. Her father's family goes back to the 1800s. “My great grandfather was the constable of Copley. We are deeply, deeply rooted in the area,”
Good being Bad: In Avengers, Coon brings Proxima Midnight, daughter of the notorious Thanos, to life. “I love a villain. Villains are fun to play. Villains get a good costume.”
Finding Range: Nora Durst from The Leftovers is Coon’s favorite role due to what was required of her as an actor. “[The role] allowed me to smash things and kiss people, be destructive, laugh and tear people to pieces in a public place.”
35: Coon's number of acting roles and producing credits across television, film, theater and even a podcast.
Meet the rest of the 2025 class of Most Interesting People. >>
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.