After making her name on the New York stage, this handsome actress began booking TV and film roles in the early '80s. Able to exude intelligence and compassion, McDonnell was well used in a series of roles, notably as a white woman raised by American Indians in 1990's
Dances with Wolves and as a paraplegic soap star in 1992's
Passion Fish, earning Oscar nods for both performances. In her forties, she looked to the small screen for more fruitful parts, and turned in a slew of solid performances in myriad TV-movies. A recurring role on
ER as a do-gooder in denial sparked her interest in series television, and in 2003 she landed the plum part of a reluctant president on the lauded revamp of
Battlestar Galactica.
Mary McDonnell Fast Facts:
- Made her stage debut in 1978, appearing in Sam Shepard's Pulitzer Prize-winning Buried Child.
- Was in the Portland Stage Company with Sarah Jessica Parker and also lived in the same apartment house.
- Taught drama at Vassar College summer theater in the mid-80s, and later at the New York Stage and Film Company.
- Appeared opposite her actor husband Randle Mell in the TV-movies O Pioneers! (1991) and The American Clock (1993), and the feature Grand Canyon (1991).
- Worked with director John Sayles twice, in 1987's Matewan, her first major film role, and as a paralyzed soap star in 1992's Passion Fish, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
- Played a First Lady in Independence Day (1996) and a President in the new Battlestar Galactica).
- Like George Clooney, she appeared on the short-lived CBS sitcom titled E/R before landing a role on the famous drama ER (as Noah Wyle's mother).
- Mary McDonnell Relationships:
- Michael Mell - Son
- Olivia Mell - Daughter
- Randle Mell - Husband
- Mary McDonnell Awards:
- 1993 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama - Nominee
- 1991 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Nominee
- 2002 Emmy: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 1992 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role - Nominee
- 1990 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Nominee
- College:
- Attended State University of New York, Fredonia, NY
