By Renée Santos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/12/25 – I had the pleasure of sitting down with the legendary Donna Pescow, who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the LA Femme International Film Festival on October 19th. Speaking with her was not only a masterclass in humility and artistry, but a living reminder of how one performer’s dedication can leave a lasting imprint on both Hollywood and the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Donna’s journey from neighborhood dreamer to cinematic icon is one of resilience and evolution. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she honed her craft on stage and studied under the great Lee Strasberg, unknowingly preparing for the role that would change everything — Annette in Saturday Night Fever.
That performance, raw and unforgettable, launched Pescow into stardom and earned her a New York Film Critics Circle nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her authentic Brooklyn cadence — once something she was told to erase — became the very essence of her breakout success.
Hollywood soon came calling, and with the support of television visionary Garry Marshall, Pescow headlined the beloved sitcom Angie, earning Golden Globe and People’s Choice Award nominations. Over the next several decades, she became a familiar and comforting presence in American homes through series like Out of This World, Even Stevens (which garnered her three Emmy nominations), and The Flash.
But Donna Pescow’s influence extends beyond entertainment — she broke barriers as daytime television’s first openly gay character on All My Children, a portrayal that earned her a Media Award from the AGLA Alliance and paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ visibility on screen.
Her résumé reads like a timeline of modern television and film history — The Sopranos, New Girl, Truth Be Told, Welcome to Chippendales, Grey’s Anatomy, and countless stage roles from Guys & Dolls to Promises, Promises. Even her reunion with John Travolta in the playful Capital One “Holiday Night Fever” commercial reminded fans of her enduring charm and humor.
Beyond performance, Donna is also an educator and mentor, having taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, UCLA, and The Lee Strasberg Institute, among others — sharing her deep respect for the craft with the next generation of artists.
Nearly five decades into her career, Pescow remains a force — vibrant, witty, and deeply connected to her purpose. As we honor her this October at LA Femme Film Festival at the Regal LA Live Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, her journey stands as a beacon for artists everywhere: proof that authenticity, heart, and hard work never go out of style.
