American actress Mary Eileen McDonnell was born on April 28, 1952, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA. She grew up in a large family with her parents, John and Eileen McDonnell, and five siblings: John, Judith, Jackie, Sally, and Jane. Growing up in a close-knit, bustling household, McDonnell developed a strong sense of individuality that later propelled her toward a successful acting career.
After high school, McDonnell attended the State University of New York at Fredonia. She later studied acting at the drama school affiliated with the State University of New York’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film at Purchase. Her dedication to the craft led her to join the Long Wharf Theatre Company, where she refined her skills through a variety of productions.
McDonnell's breakthrough in theater came in 1981 when she won the Obie Award for Best Actress for her performance in the play Still Life. She continued to earn acclaim in notable stage productions such as Execution of Justice, Summer and Smoke, and The Heidi Chronicles.
McDonnell transitioned to film in 1984 with her debut in the comedy-drama Garbo Talks. While her role as Lady Capulet in that film was relatively minor, it marked the beginning of her screen career. She went on to appear in Matewan (1987) and Tiger Warsaw (1988). Although these films did not bring her significant fame at the time, they added to her growing body of work.
McDonnell's major breakthrough came in 1990 when she was cast in the western epic Dances with Wolves, directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $424 million worldwide. Her role as “Stands With a Fist” earned her critical acclaim and nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress.
| Birth Date: | 28 Apr, 1952 |
| Age: | 68 yrs |
| Occupations: | Film actor Television actor Stage actor Actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Wilkes-Barre |
| residence: | Los Angeles |
| Education: | State University of New York at Fredonia |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Spouse: | Randle Mell [M. 1984] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 12 million |
