Maria Bello is an American actress, writer, and producer. She is best known for her roles in films such as A History of Violence, The Jane Austen Book Club, and Prisoners. She has also appeared in television series such as ER, Touch, and Goliath. Bello was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in A History of Violence. She has also won several awards for her work in film and television.