Lea Katherine Thompson (born May 31, 1961) is an American actress and director. She is best known for her 1990s NBC situation comedy Caroline in the City and her portrayal of Lorraine Baines McFly, Marty McFly's mother, in the Back to the Future trilogy. As a staple in big budget/high profile blockbusters of the 1980's and 90's, her other roles include Red Dawn, Howard the Duck, Jaws 3-D, Some Kind of Wonderful, The Beverly Hillbillies, and All the Right Moves. She has appeared in numerous TV movies and guest starred on several TV shows.