Brenda Lee Strong (born March 25, 1960 or 1961) is an American actress. She began her career in television, including appearances in Twin Peaks, Party of Five, Seinfeld, and Sports Night; she was regular cast member in the sitcoms Scorch (1992), and The Help (2004).

Strong had supporting roles in a number of films, including Starship Troopers (1997), Black Dog (1998), The Deep End of the Ocean (1999), Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004) and The Work and the Glory (2004). She is best known for her role as Mary Alice Young in the ABC television comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), for which she was nominated for two Emmy Awards. Strong later starred as Ann Ewing in the TNT prime time soap opera, Dallas (2012–2014). In 2016, she undertook a recurring role as Lillian Luthor on Supergirl. Strong appeared as a recurring character in the second season of the Netflix Original 13 Reasons Why, as Nora Walker, Bryce's mother.