Rooney Mara
Actor
About Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara is a highly acclaimed American actress who emerged as one of the most compelling talents of the 21st century, known for her intense, transformative performances and her preference for working with visionary auteurs. Born into the prominent Rooney and Mara families, founders of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants respectively, she initially resisted the spotlight before finding her calling in the arts. After studying psychology and international social policy at New York University, she began her career with small television roles and independent films like 'Tanner Hall' (2009). Her major breakthrough came in 2010 with a brief but pivotal role in David Fincher's 'The Social Network,' which led to her being cast as the iconic Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' (2011). This performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and established her as a fearless actress capable of extreme physical and emotional metamorphosis. Throughout the following decade, she solidified her reputation in critically acclaimed films such as 'Carol' (2015), for which she won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, and 'A Ghost Story' (2017). Mara is celebrated for her 'ethereal yet naturalistic' acting style, often drawing comparisons to silent film icons due to her expressive, minimalist approach to performance.
The Craft
On Screen
Rooney Mara is frequently described as an 'enigmatic' and 'intense' performer whose style is rooted in stillness and psychological depth. She often utilizes a minimalist approach, conveying complex emotions through subtle facial expressions and her eyes, a technique that critics have likened to the stars of the silent film era. Mara is known for her total immersion into characters, often undergoing significant physical transformations—most notably for her role as Lisbeth Salander, where she pierced her ears, eyebrows, and nipple to better inhabit the character. Her work is characterized by a unique blend of vulnerability and steely strength, making her a favorite of directors who favor atmospheric and character-driven storytelling.
Milestones
- Breakout performance as Erica Albright in 'The Social Network' (2010)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' (2011)
- Won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for 'Carol' (2015)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'Carol' (2015)
- Narrated the influential animal rights documentary 'Dominion' (2018)
- Starred in the critically acclaimed ensemble drama 'Women Talking' (2022)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress (2015)
- National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance (2011)
- Santa Barbara International Film Festival Cinema Vanguard Award (2016)
- Telluride Film Festival Silver Medallion (2015)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Actress (2012)
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (2016)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (2012, 2016)
- BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (2016)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (2016)
Special Recognition
- Listed in Filmmaker Magazine's '25 New Faces of Independent Film' (2009)
- Time 100 Most Influential People (Nominee/Shortlist context)
- Recognized for humanitarian work with the Uweza Foundation
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Rooney Mara has had a significant impact on modern cinema by championing the 'indie-auteur' path over traditional blockbuster stardom. Her casting as Lisbeth Salander was a cultural touchstone that challenged traditional Hollywood beauty standards and showcased a new kind of female anti-hero. She has become a symbol of the 'prestige' actress, often associated with films that prioritize artistic integrity and complex female perspectives. Furthermore, her public commitment to veganism and animal rights, particularly through her narration of 'Dominion' and her clothing line Hiraeth Collective, has influenced environmental and ethical discourse within the entertainment industry.
Lasting Legacy
Mara's legacy is defined by her uncompromising choice of roles and her ability to bridge the gap between commercial viability and high-art cinema. She is seen as a successor to the great 'actresses of mystery' like Greta Garbo or Louise Brooks, maintaining a private persona that adds to the allure of her onscreen characters. Her work in 'Carol' is already considered a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema, ensuring her place in film history as a key figure in the 21st-century cinematic landscape.
Who They Inspired
She has influenced a younger generation of actors to pursue education and social causes alongside their acting careers. Her 'less is more' approach to screen acting has served as a masterclass for contemporary performers looking to move away from over-the-top theatricality toward a more grounded, cinematic realism.
Off Screen
Mara was raised in a large, sports-oriented family but found herself more drawn to classic cinema and musical theater. She is the sister of actress Kate Mara. Since 2016, she has been in a relationship with actor Joaquin Phoenix; the couple became engaged in 2019. They are both dedicated vegans and animal rights activists. They have two children: a son born in 2020, named River after Phoenix's late brother, and a daughter born in 2024.
Education
Graduated from Fox Lane High School (2003); Attended George Washington University for one year; Graduated from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study (2010) with a degree in psychology, international social policy, and nonprofits.
Family
- Joaquin Phoenix (Partner/Engaged, 2016-present)
Did You Know?
- She is a descendant of the founders of two NFL teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants.
- She initially went by the name 'Tricia Mara' early in her career before switching to her middle name, Rooney.
- She is a strict vegan and founded a vegan fashion brand called Hiraeth Collective.
- To prepare for 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' she learned to ride a motorcycle and took kickboxing classes.
- She famously ate her first-ever piece of pie for a scene in the film 'A Ghost Story.'
- She traveled to Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia as part of 'The Traveling School' after high school.
- She oversees the Uweza Foundation, which supports children and families in the Kibera slum of Nairobi, Kenya.
In Their Own Words
I never really liked my first name. I never felt like a Tricia. And Rooney is more memorable.
I've been guarded since I was three years old.
I think the characters I'm drawn to are people who are a little bit misunderstood or don't quite fit in.
I don't want to be a celebrity. I want to be an actor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rooney Mara?
Rooney Mara is an Academy Award-nominated American actress known for her roles in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' and 'Carol.' She is recognized for her intense, transformative acting style and her work with prominent film directors.
What films is Rooney Mara best known for?
She is best known for 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' (2011), 'Carol' (2015), 'The Social Network' (2010), and 'A Ghost Story' (2017).
Is Rooney Mara related to the owners of the New York Giants?
Yes, her father's family founded the New York Giants, and her mother's family founded the Pittsburgh Steelers, making her part of two major American football dynasties.
What awards has Rooney Mara won?
Her most prestigious award is the Best Actress prize from the Cannes Film Festival for her role in 'Carol.' She has also received two Academy Award nominations.
What is Rooney Mara's acting style?
She is known for a minimalist, highly expressive style that emphasizes psychological depth and stillness, often compared to the stars of the silent film era.
Who is Rooney Mara's partner?
She has been in a long-term relationship with actor Joaquin Phoenix since 2016; they have two children together.
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Films
1 film
