Diane Schulder is an American actress, best known for her role as Nurse Ann Mulhern in the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere. Born in New York City on April 8, 1936, Diane Schulder began her career as a model and actress in the 1950s. She studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse and with the legendary Stella Adler.
Schulder made her television debut in an episode of the classic western series Gunsmoke in 1957 and followed that with guest appearances on a variety of television shows, including Naked City, The Defenders, Route 66, and Dr. Kildare.
In 1982, Schulder was cast in the role of Nurse Ann Mulhern in the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere. She was a recurring character throughout the series’ six-season run and eventually became a regular cast member. Her character was known for her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to stand up to the hospital’s doctors.
After St. Elsewhere ended, Schulder continued to work steadily in television and film. She appeared in a number of made-for-TV movies, including A Killer Among Us, The Return of Marcus Welby, M.D., and The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains. She also guest-starred in an episode of The Equalizer and played a supporting role in the feature film Not of This World.
In addition to her acting career, Schulder has devoted much of her time to social activism. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, animal rights, and environmental protection. She was also a member of the Los Angeles chapter of Amnesty International.
In her personal life, Schulder has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Patrick O’Neal, with whom she had two children. She has been married to her current husband, actor Charles Durning, since 1980.
Diane Schulder continues to make occasional appearances in film and television. She is remembered fondly by fans of St. Elsewhere for her portrayal of Nurse Ann Mulhern, a role which earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1984.
