Blythe Danner (born February 3, 1943) is a prolific American character actress who has appeared in numerous TV movies as well as on the big screen. Danner is also the mother of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and the widow of movie producer Bruce Paltrow. Her son, Jake is also an actor. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Danner has also had extensive stage experience. She has appeared in several films based on the novels of Pat Conroy such as The Great Santini (1979) and The Prince Of Tides (1991).