Patricia Charbonneau

Patricia Charbonneau, born on April 19, 1959, is an accomplished American actress renowned for her breakout role as Cay Rivvers in the 1985 film "Desert Hearts." This film marked her cinematic debut and showcased her talent to a broader audience.

Raised in Valley Stream, New York, on Long Island, Charbonneau completed her high school education in 1977 at Valley Stream Central High School, where she shared halls with notable figures like actors Steve Buscemi and Steve Hytner, and writer Ed Renehan. Following high school, she pursued further education at Boston University.

Charbonneau's theatrical journey began in New York City with a performance in "Revengers...A Tragedea" at Playwrights Horizons. Her career advanced as she joined the Actors Theatre of Louisville, where she took on the role of Lea in "My Sister in this House," performing it both regionally and off-Broadway. Following her film debut in "Desert Hearts," she appeared in Michael Mann's "Manhunter" (1986) and starred as Anna in "Call Me" (1988), alongside fellow Valley Stream native Steve Buscemi. Her television credits include roles in series such as "Crime Story," "The Equalizer," "Wiseguy," "Murder She Wrote," "Matlock," and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." After a hiatus from acting, Charbonneau returned to the screen for a role in the upcoming thriller "100 Feet," featuring Famke Janssen.

Since March 2007, Charbonneau has dedicated herself to teaching young actors at the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts in West Taghkanic, New York. She is also the sister of novelist Eileen Charbonneau.