
Actress
Mary McDonnell
- Born: 28 April 1952, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
- Estimated net worth: $8 million
Mary McDonnell is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in both film and television. She gained recognition for her roles in 'Dances with Wolves' and 'Battlestar Galactica.' McDonnell is celebrated for her emotional depth and…
Mary McDonnell: best films and shows
About Mary McDonnell
Mary McDonnell is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in both film and television. She gained recognition for her roles in 'Dances with Wolves' and 'Battlestar Galactica.' McDonnell is celebrated for her emotional depth and distinctive voice, often portraying complex characters across various genres, particularly in drama and science fiction.
- Born
- 28 April 1952, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
- Known for
- Acting
- Height
- 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
- Spouses
- Bruce Davison (1984-1990)
- Children
- 2 (Dylan McDonnell, Olivia McDonnell)
- Parents
- John McDonnell, Eileen McDonnell
- Estimated net worth
- $8 million
Fun facts about Mary McDonnell
- Mary McDonnell was nominated for two Academy Awards, one for 'Dances with Wolves' and another for 'Passion Fish.'
- She is known for her role as President Laura Roslin in the acclaimed series 'Battlestar Galactica.'
Famous Mary McDonnell quotes
“I think we all have a certain amount of darkness in us.”
“You can't be afraid of what people will say.”
“The truth is, we are all in this together.”
Mary McDonnell filmography
Cast (63)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Boroughs TV | The Duchess | 7.2 |
| 2025 | Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas TV | Delilah | 7.8 |
| 2025 | Broke Movie | Kathy Brandywine | 7.0 |
| 2023 | The Fall of the House of Usher TV | Madeline Usher | 7.5 |
| 2021 | The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf Movie | Lady Zerbst (voice) | 7.4 |
| 2021 | Rebel TV | Helen | 7.1 |
| 2021 | Rebel TV | Helen Peterson | 7.1 |
| 2014 | Fargo TV | Ruby Goldfarb | 8.3 |
| 2012 | Major Crimes TV | Captain Sharon Raydor | 7.4 |
| 2011 | Margin Call Movie | Mary Rogers | 6.9 |
Show 53 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Scream 4 Movie | Kate Roberts | 6.5 |
| 2009 | Hostile Makeover Movie | Rose Smithsonian | 7.2 |
| 2007 | Battlestar Galactica: Razor Movie | President Laura Roslin | 7.2 |
| 2005 | Mrs. Harris Movie | Vivian Schulte | 5.8 |
| 2005 | The Closer TV | Captain Sharon Raydor | 7.8 |
| 2005 | The Closer TV | Sharon Raydor | 7.8 |
| 2005 | The Closer TV | Sharon Raydor (archive footage) (uncredited) | 7.8 |
| 2005 | Grey's Anatomy TV | Virginia Dixon | 8.2 |
| 2004 | Crazy Like a Fox Movie | Amy Banks | 6.5 |
| 2004 | Battlestar Galactica TV | Laura Roslin | 8.2 |
| 2004 | Veronica Mars TV | Jane | 7.8 |
| 2003 | Battlestar Galactica TV | President Laura Roslin | 8.2 |
| 2003 | The Making of ‘Sneakers’ Movie | Self | 7.5 |
| 2003 | Dances with Wolves: The Creation of an Epic Movie | Self | 8.0 |
| 2003 | Nola Movie | Margaret Langworthy | 6.8 |
| 2002 | The Locket Movie | Helen Staples | 5.2 |
| 2001 | Donnie Darko Movie | Rose Darko | 7.8 |
| 2000 | For All Time Movie | Laura Brown | 6.4 |
| 2000 | A Father's Choice Movie | Susan Shaw | 5.2 |
| 1999 | Ryan Caulfield: Year One TV | Rachel Caulfield | 6.0 |
| 1999 | Mumford Movie | Althea Brockett | 6.6 |
| 1999 | Replacing Dad Movie | Linda Marsh | 6.4 |
| 1999 | Behind the Mask Movie | Mary Shushan | 5.5 |
| 1998 | You Can Thank Me Later Movie | Diane | 5.8 |
| 1998 | Evidence of Blood Movie | Dora Overton | 6.6 |
| 1997 | 12 Angry Men Movie | Judge | 7.7 |
| 1997 | Two Voices Movie | Sybil Goldrich | 5.0 |
| 1996 | Mariette in Ecstasy Movie | Prioress | 8.0 |
| 1996 | Independence Day Movie | Marilyn Whitmore | 6.9 |
| 1996 | Independence Day: The ID4 Invasion Movie | Self | 6.6 |
| 1996 | The Making of 'Independence Day' Movie | Self | 6.1 |
| 1996 | Woman Undone Movie | Teri Hansen | 4.1 |
| 1995 | High Society TV | Dott Emerson | 8.0 |
| 1994 | Touched by an Angel TV | Sister Theodore Claire | 7.2 |
| 1994 | ER TV | Eleanor Carter | 7.8 |
| 1994 | Blue Chips Movie | Jenny | 6.1 |
| 1993 | The American Clock Movie | Rose Baumler | 5.7 |
| 1992 | Passion Fish Movie | May-Alice Culhane | 7.0 |
| 1992 | Sneakers Movie | Liz | 6.9 |
| 1991 | Grand Canyon Movie | Claire | 6.4 |
| 1990 | The Making of 'Dances with Wolves' Movie | Herself | 7.0 |
| 1990 | Dances with Wolves Movie | Stands With A Fist | 7.8 |
| 1988 | American Experience TV | Narrator (voice) | 6.5 |
| 1988 | Tiger Warsaw Movie | Paula Warsaw | 5.4 |
| 1987 | Matewan Movie | Elma Radnor | 7.4 |
| 1986 | Courage Movie | Gabriella Estrada | 6.8 |
| 1984 | Garbo Talks Movie | Lady Capulet | 6.3 |
| 1984 | E/R TV | Eve Sheridan | 5.7 |
| 1982 | Money on the Side Movie | Terri | 4.4 |
| 1953 | The Oscars TV | Self | 7.1 |
| 1951 | Hallmark Hall of Fame TV | Helen Staples | 8.8 |
| 1944 | Golden Globe Awards TV | Self | 7.0 |
| TBA | One Second After Movie | Jen |
Latest releases
- Broke2025 / TMDB 7.0
- The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf2021 / TMDB 7.4
- Margin Call2011 / TMDB 6.9
- Scream 42011 / TMDB 6.5
- Hostile Makeover2009 / TMDB 7.2
- Battlestar Galactica: Razor2007 / TMDB 7.2
Questions about Mary McDonnell
What are some of Mary McDonnell's career highlights?
Mary McDonnell is known for her standout performances in films like 'Dances with Wolves' and 'Passion Fish,' as well as her role as President Laura Roslin in 'Battlestar Galactica.' Her versatility has earned her critical acclaim across various genres.
Has Mary McDonnell won any awards?
Yes, Mary McDonnell has received multiple award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations. She has also won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in 'Into the West.'
What was Mary McDonnell's first film?
Mary McDonnell made her film debut in 'The Richard III' adaptation in 1970. However, she gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s with 'Dances with Wolves.'
Which films are considered Mary McDonnell's most successful?
Some of Mary McDonnell's most successful films include 'Dances with Wolves,' 'Passion Fish,' and 'Independence Day.' These films showcased her talent and contributed to her popularity.
What is known about Mary McDonnell's personal life?
Mary McDonnell was married to actor Bruce Davison from 1984 to 1990. She has two children, Dylan and Olivia, and maintains a relatively private personal life away from the spotlight.
What is Mary McDonnell's estimated net worth?
Mary McDonnell's estimated net worth is around $8 million. Her successful acting career in film and television has contributed significantly to her financial success.
What are some milestones in Mary McDonnell's filmography?
Mary McDonnell's filmography includes notable milestones such as her Academy Award nominations and her iconic role in 'Battlestar Galactica.' Her work spans various genres, showcasing her range as an actress.
What acting style is Mary McDonnell known for?
Mary McDonnell is known for her emotional depth and ability to portray complex characters. Her distinctive voice and strong presence have made her a respected figure in both film and television.


