Amy Carlson

The family was born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Amy Carlson spent most of her childhood in the Chicago region. Amy was a resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, until she entered junior college. Her family also resided in Middle East, where her parents, Bob (and Barb) taught at American School. Amy is the older sister of Betsy, Lori, and brother Joe. Amy has traveled throughout Europe as a solo traveler and with her family. Both of her parents worked as teachers so they had the opportunity to spend their summers camping together and travel all across the United States. They've camped across every state except Alaska. Amy was in Rwanda in 1994 following the war to help with relief efforts. In the beginning, Amy showed artistic talent performing in school productions, and taking part in writing contests. In high school she was a promising athlete who finished in the first ever 3200-meter relay in the Illinois girls track. Following an injury, she could return to theater and play many roles, including Lanford Wilson's "Fifth of July" and Wallace Shawn's film "Aunt Dan and Lemon". Amy graduated from Knox College in Galesburg (Illinois) as a cum laude graduate with an A.A. East Asian history with a specialization in Theater. After graduation, she moved to Chicago where she pursued studies in Improv at the Improv Olympics and Acting at The Actor's Center. A job as a contract actress on the now defunct soap drama Another World (1964) moved her to NYC immediately following her graduation. In the category of "Outstanding support actress on an Daytime Drama Series", she has been nominated to Daytime Emmy Awards. Her most memorable performances were of strong women such as Alex Taylor (1999), Maggie Pistone (2000), Katie Owen (2003), and Linda Reagan (2003). Carlson lives in New York City, with Syd Butler, her husband and bassist for Les Savy Fav. She is also the proprietor of Frenchkiss Records, an independent music label and acts as a co-owner. Amy continues to work in film and writing.