Chances are, you know Maura Tierney best as Dr. Abby Lockhart from “ER.”
But that was way back in 2009 so what has Tierney been up to since then?
In fact, the actor has practically been working non-stop.
Sadly, Tierney and former co-stars likeGeorge Clooney may never reunite for a potential “ER” reboot.
But let’s explore what happened to Maura Tierney after she left the show.
So she ended up taking some time off work to deal with her health.
“I was so lucky,” she later toldParade.
Tierney added that her medical team had a positive outlook from the get-go, which she also embraced.
Even though her doctor assured her she’d be okay, the treatment wasn’t easy.
She had surgery in 2009 and then discovered that her cancer wasn’t completely gone.
Eventually, though, Tierney got the all-clear.
“I feel an immense sense of gratitude,” she shared.
The actress also learned that accepting help is okay.
However, after undergoing treatment, she returned to the show in Season 7.
A few years later, her character actually had a cancer-related plotline.
Tierney was even able to give the show writers some advice.
“[Tierney] got me on the phone one time, and we had the most fascinating conversation.
She tried to explain to me what it felt like and what was going through her mind.”
She played Mrs. California in an episode of the same name.
Tierney was personally asked to appear on the show and she agreed because she was already a big fan.
Tierney played Erica, the couple’s daughter, who was struggling to take care of her aging parents.
“I just found it so touching and moving,” she explained.
“Ruth & Erica” offered the actor a novel experience a TV show made for an online platform.
In many ways, this gave the team freedom that Tierney had never experienced on internet TV shows.
“Doing a webisode couldn’t be more different,” she explained.
“There are no rules, you’re able to use whatever kind of language you want.
This is about real s***, uncensored.”
“It was wonderful,” Tierney said of the reunion with Margulies.
“She’s just lovely.
Very warm and gracious, it was really nice to see her again.”
As she toldIMDb, she ended up creating six different versions of Helen to suit other characters' perspectives.
Like, unhinged."
“The Affair” came to a bittersweet end for Tierney after Season 5.
“So I’ll miss that.”
Still, the win was a huge shock to Tierney.
“I could barely talk.
I was really surprised,” she said toIndieWireat the time.
Though the actress might have been surprised that she won, audiences certainly weren’t!
It seemed that Tierney had finally found the perfect role to showcase just how talented she really is.
“I marched in New York,” she toldLarry Kinglater that year.
“It was stunning, really stunning.
In a 2019 interview withUs Weekly, Tierney explained a little more about her meditation routine.
“I have a mantra,” she said.
“You’re not supposed to tell anyone what it is, and I never have.”
She added, “I think it’s the only secret I’ve never told anyone.”
Photos from the scene showed Tierney lying on the ground as paramedics were called to the scene.
She was given a neck brace and driven to a local hospital.
Apparently, she recalled hearing a noise, then turning to see a car directly behind her.
“I was just riding my bike like a normal person,” she said.
“It was very scary it could have been so much worse …
I got banged up.”
After the accident, Tierney suffered from back pain and was initially afraid she had been paralyzed.
I just injured my back, but it’s better now,” she said.
The film also featured an all-star cast, including Steve Carrell, Timothee Chalamet, and Amy Ryan.
“She’s very smart and has a great sense of humor and she was very honest and open.
She also used real photos to help create Karen’s unique wardrobe!
“[My] character oversees this and oversees the torture and keeps on doing it.”
They were getting no results.”
At first, getting into the headspace of such an intense character wasn’t easy for Tierney.
It was just really fun."
Tierney ended up appearing in four episodes of the show at the end of its first season.
Although she had hoped to come back for Season 2, her character never returned to the show.
Though we don’t know why, we do know that this was another stand-out performance for Tierney.
Again, this role offered a challenge for the seasoned actor.
So, it was fun to be that person."
“American Rust” ultimately ran for 18 episodes.
And as of 2023, Tierney is gearing up for her next big moves.
