Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara, born April 17, 1985, in Bedford, New York, is an American actress who has established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary cinema. She hails from a distinguished family; her maternal grandfather was Wellington Mara, a co-owner of the New York Giants, and her paternal grandfather was Tim Mara, the founder of the team. This rich sporting heritage perhaps laid the groundwork for her own pursuit of impactful roles. Mara's early career saw her taking on supporting roles, but it was her critically acclaimed performance as Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's 2011 adaptation of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" that catapulted her to international stardom, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and solidifying her reputation for portraying complex and intense characters. This role showcased her ability to embody fierce independence and raw vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Her subsequent career has been marked by a series of diverse and challenging roles, demonstrating her commitment to artistic integrity and her talent for inhabiting multifaceted personalities. She garnered another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress, for her performance in the 2015 historical romantic drama "Carol," directed by Todd Haynes, where she played a young department store worker who falls in love with an older woman. Mara's dedication to independent cinema and her collaboration with visionary directors have further cemented her status as a respected and influential actress. Beyond her acting work, she is also known for her humanitarian efforts, particularly her advocacy for global health issues through her co-founding of the non-profit organization Faces of Our Time, which aims to shed light on the plight of refugees. Her body of work continues to explore themes of resilience, identity, and the human condition, making her a significant cultural force in the film industry.

Rooney Mara was born into a wealthy family with deep roots in American football, as both the Maras and the Rooneys have strong ties to NFL franchises. Before her acting career took off, she pursued her education, earning a degree in psychology and international relations from New York University.

• •Rooney Mara is the maternal granddaughter of Wellington Mara, a co-owner of the New York Giants, and the niece of current Giants co-owners John Mara and Chris Mara.
• •She and her older sister, Kate Mara, are both actresses and made their acting debuts in the same year, 2005.
• •Mara is also the co-founder and creative director of the fashion brand The Row, alongside her sister Kate.
• •She is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and has traveled to Guatemala to work with an organization that rescues and rehabilitates street dogs.

Rooney Mara comes from a prominent family, being the daughter of Timothy Christopher Mara, a vice president of the New York Giants, and Kathleen McNally. She has two older sisters, including actress Kate Mara, and two younger brothers. Rooney Mara is in a long-term relationship with actor Joaquin Phoenix, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named River, in 2020. The Mara family has a deep-rooted connection to professional football, with her paternal grandfather co-founding the New York Giants and her maternal grandfather playing for the same team.