Noted for her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, the accomplished actress, Finnerty, had the privilege of receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious American Conservatory Theater, located in the vibrant city of San Francisco. During her time in the esteemed graduate program, Finnerty made the unique choice to reside on a 32-foot sailboat, aptly named "Elysium", which served as her floating abode. Following the sale of her beloved vessel and her subsequent relocation to the bustling metropolis of New York City, Finnerty's acting career began to flourish, with her being cast in one of her earliest television roles as Denise McCarthy on the critically acclaimed series, The Sopranos. Under the expert direction of the renowned filmmaker, Mike Figgis, Finnerty's talent was showcased to the world, marking the beginning of a successful and illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
Noted actress, Finnerty, has accumulated an extensive repertoire of credits throughout her illustrious career, boasting over 40 commercials to her name, as well as a plethora of stage productions that have showcased her remarkable talent.
Among her most notable theater credits are The White Chip, a production expertly directed by the esteemed Sheryl Kaller, who has been nominated for a Tony Award, Dot, a critically acclaimed show directed by the illustrious Susan Stroman, who has won five Tony Awards, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Almost Maine, and the Drama Desk-nominated production of Lost in Yonkers, all of which have further solidified her reputation as a talented performer.
Finnerty has also had the privilege of taking the stage at some of the nation's top regional theaters, earning the Elliot Norton Award for Best Actress for her heart-wrenching portrayal of Ms Calvin in The Shape She Makes at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.),a testament to her remarkable skill and dedication to her craft.
Finnerty's unwavering enthusiasm for the world of theater is a testament to her remarkable abilities, which have also translated seamlessly to a thriving career in front of the camera. Her most iconic role to date is undoubtedly her captivating portrayal of inmate Beth Hoefler, affectionately known as Beth "The Baby Killer", in the widely acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is The New Black. This critically acclaimed performance has cemented her status as a talented and versatile actress.
Finnerty's impressive television credits include standout appearances on The Blacklist, Sneaky Pete, Bored to Death, The Big C, and Louie, each showcasing her impressive range and ability to adapt to diverse roles.
Finnerty's most recent and ambitious undertaking is a multifaceted endeavor that simultaneously serves as both her inaugural foray into the realm of feature filmmaking as a writer and producer, and a testament to her growth as a creative force to be reckoned with in the industry.