Most people recognize Carrie Preston from her Emmy-winning guest spot on The Good Wife, but the actress has been quietly building a remarkable career for over three decades—now she’s headlining her own CBS series, Elsbeth, while navigating a marriage to fellow actor Michael Emerson and a public health journey after a cancerous mole removal. Here’s a look at her life, career, and what she’s up to now.

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Age: 57 (born June 21, 1967) ·
Spouse: Michael Emerson (married 1998) ·
Known for: Arlene Fowler (True Blood), Elsbeth Tascioni (The Good Wife / Elsbeth) ·
Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress (2013) ·
Years active: 1990–present

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

2What’s unclear

3Timeline signal

4What’s next

Below is a summary of confirmed biographical details.

Field Value
Full Name Carrie Preston
Born June 21, 1967 in Macon, Georgia, USA (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia))
Occupation Actress, Director, Producer
Years Active 1990–present (IMDb)
Spouse Michael Emerson (m. 1998) (People)
Children None (People)
Notable Roles Arlene Fowler (True Blood), Elsbeth Tascioni (The Good Wife / Elsbeth) (IMDb)
Awards Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress (2013) (Wikipedia)

What is Carrie Preston doing now?

Carrie Preston is currently starring as Elsbeth Tascioni in the CBS legal drama Elsbeth, which premiered in 2024. The series is a spin-off from The Good Wife and The Good Fight (Wikipedia). Preston not only headlines the show but also directs and produces episodes (New York Post).

What is the TV show Elsbeth about?

The series follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an unconventional attorney who uses her quirky perspective to solve crimes. The character originally appeared as a recurring role on The Good Wife, where Preston’s portrayal earned her an Emmy in 2013 (Wikipedia).

When did Elsbeth premiere?

Elsbeth debuted on CBS in February 2024. By 2025 it was renewed for a second season, with Michael Emerson joining the cast as a recurring antagonist (New York Post).

Has Carrie Preston won awards for Elsbeth?

While she hasn’t yet won an award specifically for Elsbeth, her Emmy win for guest work on The Good Wife remains a career highlight. She received a 2025 nomination from the Critics Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Series (Wikipedia).

The upshot

Preston has turned a beloved supporting character into her own starring vehicle, a rare move that demonstrates both network confidence and her own producing ambition.

The implication: Preston’s career arc from guest star to show lead demonstrates her range and the industry’s appetite for the character she created.

Is Carrie Preston still married?

Yes, Carrie Preston has been married to actor Michael Emerson since 1998. The couple has no children together (People). They reside in New York City and Los Angeles (IMDb).

Who is Carrie Preston’s husband?

Michael Emerson is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Benjamin Linus on Lost and Harold Finch on Person of Interest. He and Preston married in her hometown of Macon, Georgia (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)).

How long have Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson been married?

As of 2025, they have been married for 27 years (People).

Why this matters

Their long-standing marriage is a rarity in Hollywood, especially for two actors with demanding careers. The fact that they now work together on Elsbeth adds a layer of on-screen tension that fans enjoy.

The pattern: A two-decade partnership that thrives both professionally and personally, defying the usual industry odds.

How did Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson meet?

They met in 1992 while performing in a play at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Preston later admitted she initially thought Emerson was gay because of his reserved demeanor (New York Post). They married six years later.

Where did Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson first meet?

At the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, where both were actors in the company.

When did they get married?

They married in 1998 in Macon, Georgia (Wikipedia).

The catch: A chance theatrical meeting turned into one of TV’s most enduring off-screen partnerships.

What does Carrie Preston have on her face?

Carrie Preston had a cancerous mole removed from above her lip in 2016. She spoke openly about the experience to encourage skin cancer vigilance. The scar remains visible (Wikipedia).

Did Carrie Preston have a mole removed?

Yes, she had it surgically removed after a biopsy confirmed melanoma.

Was the mole cancerous?

According to her public statements, it was cancerous—specifically melanoma. She urged fans to get regular skin checks (Wikipedia).

What to watch

Preston’s willingness to discuss a facial scar is part of a broader trend among celebrities using personal health stories to normalize skin cancer prevention.

The trade-off: A visible reminder of a serious health scare that Preston has reframed as an advocacy opportunity.

Is Carrie Preston a nice person in real life?

Colleagues and reporters describe her as warm, generous, and professional. A New York Lifestyles profile titled “The Charismatic Carrie Preston” highlights her affable nature and positive fan interactions (New York Lifestyles (regional lifestyle magazine)).

What do colleagues say about Carrie Preston?

Co-stars from True Blood and The Good Wife have praised her kindness and collaborative spirit. She is active on social media, often engaging with fans (People).

How does she treat fans?

She regularly posts behind-the-scenes content and responds to comments, building a loyal following that appreciates her authenticity (CBS Mornings (morning show segment)).

The takeaway: While “niceness” is subjective, the available evidence from multiple sources points to a consistently positive reputation.

Timeline signal

  • – Born in Macon, Georgia (Wikipedia)
  • – Early stage and TV roles (Wikipedia)
  • – Marries Michael Emerson (People)
  • – Portrays Arlene Fowler on HBO’s True Blood (IMDb)
  • – Wins Emmy for guest role on The Good Wife (Wikipedia)
  • – Has cancerous mole removed from face (Wikipedia)
  • – Reprises Elsbeth Tascioni on The Good Fight (Wikipedia)
  • – Launches own CBS series Elsbeth (New York Post)

Confirmed facts

  • Born June 21, 1967, in Macon, Georgia (Wikipedia)
  • Married Michael Emerson in 1998 (People)
  • Had a cancerous mole removed from her face in 2016 (Wikipedia)
  • Won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2013 (Wikipedia)
  • Stars in the CBS series Elsbeth (New York Post)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth is not publicly documented (IMDb)
  • Whether she is “nice” is subjective, though multiple sources describe her as charismatic and kind
  • Possible existence of a twin brother lacks reliable confirmation (People)
  • Future projects beyond current season are undetermined

In her own words and others’

“I noticed a spot on my lip that felt different. I had it checked immediately.”

— Carrie Preston, (Wikipedia)

“We were both in a play in Alabama. I thought she was brilliant from the start.”

— Michael Emerson, (People)

“Preston is the charismatic force behind Elsbeth, with a warm rapport that extends to her fans.”

— New York Lifestyles, (New York Lifestyles)

Carrie Preston’s journey from a guest-starring Emmy winner to the lead of her own CBS drama is a rare Hollywood success story. For viewers who have followed her since The Good Wife or True Blood, the payoff is watching a talented actress finally get the spotlight she deserves. For aspiring actors, the lesson is clear: build a distinctive character, nurture your relationships, and don’t be afraid to turn a scar into a platform.

Related reading: Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson’s relationship and marriage · Michael Emerson joins Elsbeth season 2

Additional sources

facebook.com, en.wikipedia.org, yahoo.com, youtube.com, facebook.com, youtube.com, yahoo.com

For those interested in more about the actress, a detailed look at her life and career offers a comprehensive overview of her journey from Juilliard to the small screen.

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Frequently asked questions

When was Carrie Preston born?

June 21, 1967, in Macon, Georgia (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)).

What is Carrie Preston’s net worth?

While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, estimates from celebrity net worth sites suggest around $4 million, but these are speculative (IMDb).

Does Carrie Preston have any siblings?

She has a brother, but there is no credible source confirming a twin. Some internet rumors mention a twin, but this remains unsubstantiated (IMDb).

Where did Carrie Preston study acting?

She graduated from the University of Evansville in Indiana with a degree in theatre (Wikipedia).

What other TV shows has Carrie Preston appeared in?

She has guest-starred on Person of Interest, Claws, Desperate Housewives, and Dr. Ken among others (IMDb).

Did Carrie Preston win an Emmy?

Yes, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2013 for The Good Wife (Wikipedia).

Is Carrie Preston on Instagram?

Yes, she is active on Instagram (@carrieprestonofficial) with over 150,000 followers. (People)

What is Elsbeth Tascioni’s personality?

The character is eccentric, brilliant, and socially awkward, often solving cases through unorthodox means. Preston brings a warmth that makes the character endearing (New York Post).