Elizabeth Perkins has been a familiar face on screens for nearly four decades. Her role as Annette in the new Netflix crime comedy Big Mistakes brings her back into the spotlight. The series dropped on April 9, 2026, and fans are taking notice of her performance once again.
If you liked seeing her in this show, there are plenty of other roles worth watching. Perkins has played everything from a controlling neighbor to a caring mom, and even a voice in a Pixar movie. Here are five of her best performances.
Big (1988) – Playing the Love Interest With Real Depth
This is the movie that made many people fall in love with Elizabeth Perkins. She plays Susan Lawrence, a toy company executive who falls for Tom Hanks’ character, Josh. The catch is that Josh is actually a 12-year-old boy stuck in a grown man’s body.
What makes Perkins stand out in this film is how real she feels. She does not play Susan as a joke or a simple love interest. Instead, she brings warmth and smarts to the role. Susan is a successful businesswoman who is drawn to Josh’s honest and fun personality. She has no idea he is a kid, and Perkins makes that confusion feel genuine.
The chemistry between Perkins and Hanks is a big reason why Big is still loved today. The movie came out in 1988, but people still watch it and talk about it. For anyone who wants to see Perkins in a feel-good classic, this is the one to start with.
Weeds (2005-2012) – The Role That Earned Emmy Nominations
For seven seasons, Elizabeth Perkins played Celia Hodes on the Showtime series Weeds. This role was a game changer for her career. She got three Primetime Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for playing this character.
Celia is a busybody neighbor who seems put together on the outside. But underneath, she is dealing with a messy life. Her marriage is falling apart, her family is in chaos, and she has a sharp tongue that cuts everyone around her. Perkins plays her as both funny and sad at the same time.
The show is about a suburban mom who starts selling marijuana to support her family. Perkins’ Celia is the neighbor who gets caught up in that world. She brings a mix of bitterness and vulnerability that makes the character unforgettable. For anyone who likes dark comedy, Weeds is a must-watch.
Sharp Objects (2018) – A Quietly Chilling Performance
This HBO series is very different from a comedy like Big Mistakes. Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller based on the book by Gillian Flynn. Perkins plays Jackie O’Neill, a socialite in a small, troubled town.
Jackie is not the main character, but she plays a key role. She knows the town’s secrets, but she is not quick to share them. Perkins plays her with a quiet chilliness. You can tell Jackie knows more than she is saying, and that tension builds throughout the show.
The series stars Amy Adams as a reporter investigating murders in her hometown. Perkins appears in several key scenes where she drops hints about the town’s dark past. Her performance adds a layer of mystery and dread. If you like slow-burn thrillers, this show is worth watching.
The Flintstones (1994) – Bringing a Cartoon to Life
In the 1990s, Hollywood tried turning the classic cartoon The Flintstones into a live-action movie. John Goodman played Fred, and Elizabeth Perkins played Wilma Flintstone.
This movie is pure fun. Perkins brings warmth and humor to Wilma. She is not just Fred’s wife standing in the background. She is smart, capable, and often the one who keeps things from falling apart. The costumes are colorful, the jokes are silly, and Perkins fits right in.
Critics did not love this movie when it came out, but families enjoyed it. Perkins made Wilma feel like a real person, not just a cartoon character. For a light and easy watch, this is a good choice.
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This Is Us (2016-2022) – A Small Role With Big Impact
This Is Us is one of the most emotional dramas on TV. The show follows the Pearson family across different time periods. Elizabeth Perkins plays Janet Malone, a publisher who helps Kevin Pearson (played by Justin Hartley) with his acting career.
Perkins only appears in a few episodes, but she makes every moment count. Janet is a professional who knows the industry. She pushes Kevin to be better, but she also supports him when he needs it. Perkins brings a sense of realism to the role. You believe that Janet has seen it all and knows what she is talking about.
The show is known for making people cry, and Perkins fits right into that world. Her scenes are small but memorable. For fans of family dramas, This Is Us is essential viewing.
What Makes Elizabeth Perkins Special
Perkins has worked steadily since the 1980s. She has been in big movies like Finding Nemo (she voiced Coral) and Miracle on 34th Street. She has also appeared on shows like The Morning Show, Barry, and GLOW. Her career shows that she can do comedy, drama, and everything in between.
Big Mistakes is now streaming on Netflix. The show has eight episodes and follows two siblings who get pulled into organized crime. Perkins plays Annette, and her performance is getting attention from both old fans and new viewers.
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