Celebrities by The Times in 2009

Chloe Sevigny really came into her own as one of the wives in the central polygamist family on "Big Love," bringing an unexpected humor, pathos and earthy glamour to a part that might more easily be seen simply as dour and manipulative.

Chloe Sevigny really came into her own as one of the wives in the central polygamist family on “Big Love,” bringing an unexpected humor, pathos and earthy glamour to a part that might more easily be seen simply as dour and manipulative.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Share
Sigourney Weaver starred in the Lifetime movie "Prayers for Bobby." She's photographed in Los Angeles on April 16.

Sigourney Weaver starred in the Lifetime movie “Prayers for Bobby.” She’s photographed in Los Angeles on April 16.  (Liz O. Baylen/Los Angeles Times)

David Duchovny plays something of a no-good lech in the Showtime series " Californication."

David Duchovny plays something of a no-good lech in the Showtime series “ Californication.”  (Liz O. Baylen/Los Angeles Times)

Director Sam Raimi strikes a spooky pose at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on May 18. His latest film is the horror fest "Drag Me to Hell."

Director Sam Raimi strikes a spooky pose at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on May 18. His latest film is the horror fest “Drag Me to Hell.”  (Ann Johansson/For The Times)

Anna Paquin, photographed in Los Angeles on April 16, stars in the HBO show "True Blood," which is going into Season Two.

Anna Paquin, photographed in Los Angeles on April 16, stars in the HBO show “True Blood,” which is going into Season Two.  (Liz O. Baylen/Los Angeles Times)

Kevin Bacon stars in HBO's "Taking Chance," the moving tale of a Marine escorting a fallen comrade's casket to his hometown.

Kevin Bacon stars in HBO’s “Taking Chance,” the moving tale of a Marine escorting a fallen comrade’s casket to his hometown.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Mary McCormack, shown at her Los Angeles home on May 14, plays a U.S. marshall in the witness protection program who spends her time relocating federal witnesses on USA Network's "In Plain Sight."

Mary McCormack, shown at her Los Angeles home on May 14, plays a U.S. marshall in the witness protection program who spends her time relocating federal witnesses on USA Network’s “In Plain Sight.”  (Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times)

Comedian Stephen Colbert's late-night faux political talk show has gained momentum with Emmy voters, who gave him the statuette for writing in the last go-round over his one-time boss Jon Stewart.

Comedian Stephen Colbert‘s late-night faux political talk show has gained momentum with Emmy voters, who gave him the statuette for writing in the last go-round over his one-time boss Jon Stewart.  (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Actress/comedian Amy Poehler, who stars in the new show "Parks and Recreation," is photographed in Manhattan.

Actress/comedian Amy Poehler, who stars in the new show “Parks and Recreation,” is photographed in Manhattan.  (Jennifer Altman/For The Times)

Jean Smart costars on the now-canceled "Samantha Who?" and last year won an Emmy for her acerbic turn as Christina Applegate's mom.

Jean Smart costars on the now-canceled “Samantha Who?” and last year won an Emmy for her acerbic turn as Christina Applegate’s mom.  (Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times)

Members of the pop group No Doubt from left, Adrian Young, drums; Gwen Stefani, lead singer; Tony Kanal, bass guitar; and Tom Dumont, guitar, are ready to tour.

Members of the pop group No Doubt from left, Adrian Young, drums; Gwen Stefani, lead singer; Tony Kanal, bass guitar; and Tom Dumont, guitar, are ready to tour.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Ayelet Zurer stars with Tom Hanks in "Angels and Demons," the prequel to "The Da Vinci Code." A new face in Hollywood, she is one of the most acclaimed actresses in Israel.

Ayelet Zurer stars with Tom Hanks in “Angels and Demons,” the prequel to “The Da Vinci Code.” A new face in Hollywood, she is one of the most acclaimed actresses in Israel.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Kara DioGuardi led a glamorous, but relatively normal, life as a songwriter and producer. Then she was tapped to be "American Idol's" fourth judge and was thrust into one of the harshest spotlights in pop culture.

Kara DioGuardi led a glamorous, but relatively normal, life as a songwriter and producer. Then she was tapped to be “American Idol’s” fourth judge and was thrust into one of the harshest spotlights in pop culture.  (Liz O. Baylen/Los Angeles Times)

Chris Pine, who portrays Capt. James T. Kirk in the new "Star Trek" film, is photographed at Smash Box studio in West Hollywood on March 17, 2009.

Chris Pine, who portrays Capt. James T. Kirk in the new “Star Trek” film, is photographed at Smash Box studio in West Hollywood on March 17, 2009.  (Jay Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Emma Stone, photographed in Los Angeles on April 23, 2009. Stone stars with Matthew McConaughey in the romantic comedy " Ghosts of Girlfriends Past."

Actress Emma Stone, photographed in Los Angeles on April 23, 2009. Stone stars with Matthew McConaughey in the romantic comedy “ Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.”  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the rock band Alice in Chains; from left, Mike Inez, bass, Sean Kinney, drummer, William Duvall, vocals and guitar, and Jerry Cantrell, vocals and guitar. Photographed at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood in March, the band is working on their first record in 14 years, with new singer/guitarist Duvall.

Members of the rock band Alice in Chains; from left, Mike Inez, bass, Sean Kinney, drummer, William Duvall, vocals and guitar, and Jerry Cantrell, vocals and guitar. Photographed at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood in March, the band is working on their first record in 14 years, with new singer/guitarist Duvall.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Director Alex Rivera goes through a series of sleepy expressions with his latest film, "Sleep Dealer," set to open in theaters April 17. The movie is a socially conscious sci-fi thriller set in Tijuana in the near future when technology has found a way around Mexico's closed border, enabling Mexicans to remotely use robots to work in the U.S.

Director Alex Rivera goes through a series of sleepy expressions with his latest film, “Sleep Dealer,” set to open in theaters April 17. The movie is a socially conscious sci-fi thriller set in Tijuana in the near future when technology has found a way around Mexico’s closed border, enabling Mexicans to remotely use robots to work in the U.S.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

16-year-old Miley Cyrus, photographed at the Four Seaons in Beverly Hills, stars in the new film "Hannah Montana: The Movie."

16-year-old Miley Cyrus, photographed at the Four Seaons in Beverly Hills, stars in the new film “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Tracey Ullman's Showtime series, "Tracey Ullman's State of the Union," returns for its second season.

Tracey Ullman’s Showtime series, “Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union,” returns for its second season.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Rock icon Bruce Springsteen, photographed at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, N.J., will be touring in support of his recent album, "Working on a Dream."

Rock icon Bruce Springsteen, photographed at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, N.J., will be touring in support of his recent album, “Working on a Dream.”  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Emmy Rossum stars in the live-action film version of the Japanese manga, "Dragonball."

Emmy Rossum stars in the live-action film version of the Japanese manga, “Dragonball.”  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Andrew Fletcher, Martin Gore and Dave Gahan make up the band Depeche Mode. They have a new album coming out, "Sounds of the Universe."

Andrew Fletcher, Martin Gore and Dave Gahan make up the band Depeche Mode. They have a new album coming out, “Sounds of the Universe.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Virginia Madsen stars in a new horror/thriller "The Haunting in Connecticut".

Virginia Madsen stars in a new horror/thriller “The Haunting in Connecticut”.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Nicolas Cage stars in "Knowing." In the film, Cage plays a teacher who opens a time capsule that contain chilling predictions.

Actor Nicolas Cage stars in “Knowing.” In the film, Cage plays a teacher who opens a time capsule that contain chilling predictions.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon is returning to Broadway this season after a 37-year absence. She will be starring in Ionesco's "Exit The King."

Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon is returning to Broadway this season after a 37-year absence. She will be starring in Ionesco’s “Exit The King.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Julia Roberts returns to the screen after a two-year hiatus, and a general slow down of her career to have children. The film is "Duplicity," the tale of two corporate spies who team up to con their employers. Roberts stars with her old buddy Clive Owen.

Julia Roberts returns to the screen after a two-year hiatus, and a general slow down of her career to have children. The film is “Duplicity,” the tale of two corporate spies who team up to con their employers. Roberts stars with her old buddy Clive Owen.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Clifton Collins Jr. costars in "Sunshine Cleaning" with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt and is photographed at Overture Films in Beverly HiIls on March 6, 2009.

Actor Clifton Collins Jr. costars in “Sunshine Cleaning” with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt and is photographed at Overture Films in Beverly HiIls on March 6, 2009.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Felicity Huffman stars in a new film, "Phoebe in Wonderland," and is photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Feb. 28, 2009.

Actress Felicity Huffman stars in a new film, “Phoebe in Wonderland,” and is photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Feb. 28, 2009.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jeffrey Dean Morgan at his home in Studio City on March 2, 2009. Morgan of "Grey's Anatomy" fame is now starring in "Watchmen."

Jeffrey Dean Morgan at his home in Studio City on March 2, 2009. Morgan of “Grey’s Anatomy” fame is now starring in “Watchmen.”  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Garret Dillahunt, star of "The Last House on the Left," in Venice on Jan. 21, 2009.

Garret Dillahunt, star of “The Last House on the Left,” in Venice on Jan. 21, 2009.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Actress Carla Gugino, one of the stars of "Watchmen," at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Actress Carla Gugino, one of the stars of “Watchmen,” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Prolific folk musician Will Oldham at the Figueroa Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. He has a new album, "Bonnie Prince Billy."

Prolific folk musician Will Oldham at the Figueroa Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. He has a new album, “Bonnie Prince Billy.”  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Lance Riddick first gained notice as Lt. Daniels on HBO's "The Wire." Now he's a regular on Fox's "Fringe" and he has a recurring role on ABC's "Lost."

Lance Riddick first gained notice as Lt. Daniels on HBO’s “The Wire.” Now he’s a regular on Fox’s “Fringe” and he has a recurring role on ABC’s “Lost.”  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Portia de Rossi, Australian-born comedy actress, at La Center Studios in downtown Los Angeles. She is in the new ABC sitcom "Better Off Ted."

Portia de Rossi, Australian-born comedy actress, at La Center Studios in downtown Los Angeles. She is in the new ABC sitcom “Better Off Ted.”  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Joaquin Phoenix stars in "Two Lovers." He is photographed at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles.

Joaquin Phoenix stars in “Two Lovers.” He is photographed at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles.  (Brian VanderBrug / Los Angeles Times)

Whitney Port is seen in the W Hotel in Times Square in New York City. Port is the star of MTV's "The City," a spinoff of "The Hills" about a young woman who moves to NYC from L.A.

Whitney Port is seen in the W Hotel in Times Square in New York City. Port is the star of MTV’s “The City,” a spinoff of “The Hills” about a young woman who moves to NYC from L.A.  (Jennifer Altman / For The Times)

Aubrey O' Day of Danity Kane poses with her dog Ginger at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.

Aubrey O’ Day of Danity Kane poses with her dog Ginger at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Nominated for a lead actress Oscar for "The Reader," Kate Winslet was photographed at the Greenwich Hotel in New York City on Jan. 16, 2009. She won the Golden Globe for actress in a drama for "Revolutionary Road" and for supporting actress in a drama for "The Reader."

Nominated for a lead actress Oscar for “The Reader,” Kate Winslet was photographed at the Greenwich Hotel in New York City on Jan. 16, 2009. She won the Golden Globe for actress in a drama for “Revolutionary Road” and for supporting actress in a drama for “The Reader.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Marisa Tomei, photographed on Jan. 29, 2009, received an Oscar nomination for supporting actress for her role in "The Wrestler."

Actress Marisa Tomei, photographed on Jan. 29, 2009, received an Oscar nomination for supporting actress for her role in “The Wrestler.”  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam with her dogs Kunta Kinte, left, and Chip at her home in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2009. Pulliam is in the upcoming movie "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail."

Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam with her dogs Kunta Kinte, left, and Chip at her home in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2009. Pulliam is in the upcoming movie “Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail.”  (Erik S. Lesser / For The Times)

Josh Brolin is nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of Dan White in "Milk."

Josh Brolin is nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of Dan White in “Milk.”  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Nov. 7, 2008, Mickey Rourke is nominated for a lead actor Oscar for his role in "The Wrestler."

Photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Nov. 7, 2008, Mickey Rourke is nominated for a lead actor Oscar for his role in “The Wrestler.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Penelope Cruz is nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in "Vicky Christina Barcelona." She is photographed at the Chateau Marmont Hotel.

Actress Penelope Cruz is nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in “Vicky Christina Barcelona.” She is photographed at the Chateau Marmont Hotel.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sean Penn is nominated for a lead actor Oscar for his role in "Milk."

Sean Penn is nominated for a lead actor Oscar for his role in “Milk.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Anna Torv is seen on the set of the Fox TV series "Fringe" at Silvercup East Studios in Queens, N.Y.

Anna Torv is seen on the set of the Fox TV series “Fringe” at Silvercup East Studios in Queens, N.Y.  (Jennifer Altman / For The Times)

Country music legend Merle Haggard, 71, photographed on his property in Palo Cedro, Calif., on Jan. 21, 2009. After undergoing cancer surgery in November, he has played a few concerts in Bakersfield and will hit the road in early February.

Country music legend Merle Haggard, 71, photographed on his property in Palo Cedro, Calif., on Jan. 21, 2009. After undergoing cancer surgery in November, he has played a few concerts in Bakersfield and will hit the road in early February.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Singer-song writer Adele photographed at the London Hotel in West Hollywood. She won the best new artist Grammy on Feb. 8.

Singer-song writer Adele photographed at the London Hotel in West Hollywood. She won the best new artist Grammy on Feb. 8.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Liam Neeson stars in the new movie "Taken," in which he plays a former spy who relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who has been forced into the slave trade.

Actor Liam Neeson stars in the new movie “Taken,” in which he plays a former spy who relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who has been forced into the slave trade.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Andy Serkis is seen in Warner Bros. offices in Manhattan. Serkis, best known as the inspiration for the digital Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, plays a medieval villain in "Inkheart."

Actor Andy Serkis is seen in Warner Bros. offices in Manhattan. Serkis, best known as the inspiration for the digital Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, plays a medieval villain in “Inkheart.”  (Jennifer Altman / For The Times)

Meryl Streep cut loose and had some fun earlier this year with the musical "Mamma Mia!" Now she's back in the kind of role she is best known for -- as a nun questioning a priest's motives in the film "Doubt."

Meryl Streep cut loose and had some fun earlier this year with the musical “Mamma Mia!” Now she’s back in the kind of role she is best known for -- as a nun questioning a priest’s motives in the film “Doubt.”  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Ginnifer Goodwin is a member of the ensemble cast of the film "He's Just Not That Into You." She was photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Ginnifer Goodwin is a member of the ensemble cast of the film “He’s Just Not That Into You.” She was photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Kristen Johnston is seen in Commerce Restaurant in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Johnston stars in the comedy film "Bride Wars." She also starred in the TV series "Third Rock From the Sun."

Kristen Johnston is seen in Commerce Restaurant in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Johnston stars in the comedy film “Bride Wars.” She also starred in the TV series “Third Rock From the Sun.”  (Jennifer Altman / For The Times)

Clint Eastwood, who is the director and star of the film "Gran Torino," is photographed at the Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank.

Clint Eastwood, who is the director and star of the film “Gran Torino,” is photographed at the Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Offspring lead singer Dexter Holland stands in the mountains of Lake Havasu, Ariz.. Holland is a pilot who owns three planes, sells his own hot sauce and has a degree in microbiology.

Offspring lead singer Dexter Holland stands in the mountains of Lake Havasu, Ariz.. Holland is a pilot who owns three planes, sells his own hot sauce and has a degree in microbiology.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Christine Lahti, late of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," talks about her new movie "Yonkers Joe" at her home in Brentwood.

Christine Lahti, late of “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” talks about her new movie “Yonkers Joe” at her home in Brentwood.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Liev Schreiber shows a sinister side during a photo shoot in Beverly Hills. He stars in "Defiance," a film about a band of Jews who escape the Nazis by hiding out in the forest and joining resistance squads. RELATED: Celebrities by the Times in 2011 Celebrities by the Times in 2010 Celebrities by the Times in 2009

Actor Liev Schreiber shows a sinister side during a photo shoot in Beverly Hills. He stars in “Defiance,” a film about a band of Jews who escape the Nazis by hiding out in the forest and joining resistance squads. RELATED: Celebrities by the Times in 2011 Celebrities by the Times in 2010 Celebrities by the Times in 2009  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)