Instead, she switched to studies at the in London, England.
She was nominated for the for the 1991 film , and the same year won the for.
Two years later Nelligan moved to New York City, where she earned nominations for the as Best Actress in a Play three times and one Featured Actress in a Play between 1983 and 1989 for the five plays in which she appeared.
In 1974, she was invited to London to play the part of Jenny in 's play Knuckle at the , followed by a season with the playing Ellie in.
Also in 1977, she played the part of Rosalind in , directed by , opposite in and the following year in London.
Nelligan attended in London, Ontario, then studied at in Toronto, but did not graduate.