An American actress born in Chicago, Illinois, celebrated on stage long before film audiences knew her. A distinguished classical and theatre performer, she reached a wide new audience late in life as the Oracle, the wise, cookie-baking guide in 'The Matrix' (1999) and 'The Matrix Reloaded' (2003), a role that gave her enduring cult recognition. She died in 2001, before completing her work on the sequels. Foster was a commanding, dignified presence whose warmth grounded the Wachowskis' cyber-mythology, and a respected figure of the American theatre remembered for her gravitas. Read more