---
name: "Mary McDonnell"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/mary-mcdonnell"
fi1m_id: "mary-mcdonnell"
imdb_id: "nm0001521"
tmdb_id: 1581
wikidata_id: "Q117500"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "28 April 1952"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 74
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 9
updated: "2026-10-22T02:51:42.236407+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Mary McDonnell

## Identity

Mary McDonnell

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/mary-mcdonnell
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** mary-mcdonnell
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001521
- **TMDB ID:** 1581
- **Wikidata ID:** Q117500
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_McDonnell, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117500, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001521/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1581

Actor. Born 28 April 1952 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 28 April 1952, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
- **Active:** 1990–present
- **Also known as:** Mary Eileen McDonnell
- **Frequently works with:** [Anthony Hemingway](https://film.one/person/anthony-hemingway.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 2 Oscar nominations
- **Average Fi1m score:** 74, as actor, over 9 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 78 (2), 2000s 83 (2), 2010s 69 (3), 2020s 69 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 75 to 70 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 3 of 8 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 6, Mystery 4, Adventure 2, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2, Action 1, Action & Adventure 1
- **Screen time:** 11 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,366m across 5 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_McDonnell, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117500, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001521/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1581

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Donnie Darko*](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md) (83), [*Independence Day*](https://film.one/film/independence-day.md) (75)
- **Netflix:** [*Major Crimes*](https://film.one/tv/major-crimes.md) (66), [*The Fall of the House of Usher*](https://film.one/tv/the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher.md) (65)
- **Paramount+:** [*Battlestar Galactica*](https://film.one/tv/battlestar-galactica.md) (83)
- **AMC+:** [*Dances with Wolves*](https://film.one/film/dances-with-wolves.md) (80)
- **Apple TV:** [*Scream 4*](https://film.one/film/scream-4.md) (60)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Mary McDonnell

> Mary McDonnell makes authority believable without pretending that the person in charge has stopped being vulnerable. We value her restraint, but it is the emotional directness of *Dances with Wolves* that makes the clearest case for her.

In *Dances with Wolves* (1990), Mary McDonnell's Stands With A Fist brings an emotional directness that the film needs. Kevin Costner, directing and acting opposite her, gives curiosity and listening plenty of time. McDonnell lets feeling disturb the good manners, and we were moved by the way she makes the warmth feel personal. She gives us someone to care about within the film's too-reassuring picture of Sioux life. That does not correct its limitations, but it helps make the long journey worth taking.

That breakthrough was followed by John Sayles's *Passion Fish* (1992), with McDonnell as May-Alice Culhane. Both parts draw on her ability to play women having to adjust to changed circumstances. Her understatement is useful here: it leaves room for emotion without turning every difficulty into an invitation to admire the acting. Distinctive film leads proved harder to secure after the early 1990s, so those two parts remain important places to begin.

*Independence Day* (1996) casts her as Marilyn Whitmore amid the alien-invasion spectacle. We like Roland Emmerich's film for its patient menace and the cast's cheerfulness, despite the foolish script and overdone patriotism. Her supporting part broadened her visibility, but it is not where we would start to make the case for her as an actor. We would recommend it for an evening of large-scale destruction, rather than as the clearest demonstration of her particular strengths.

Television gave her authority room to develop, most notably as Laura Roslin in *Battlestar Galactica* (2004–2009), alongside Edward James Olmos. As the reluctant president, she can be authoritative and vulnerable at once. Leadership roles suit that understated approach, though describing her simply as an authoritative presence misses the emotional directness that mattered in Stands With A Fist. Start with Costner's Western, then allow the television work rather more of the evening.

## Biography

Mary McDonnell is an American actress who works in film, stage and television. She was educated at the State University of New York at Fredonia and performed with the Long Wharf Theatre Company.

Her film breakthrough came in 1990 as Stands With A Fist in *Dances with Wolves*, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She received a further nomination for Best Actress for *Passion Fish* (1992). Other film roles include Marilyn Whitmore in *Independence Day* (1996) and Rose Darko in *Donnie Darko* (2001). On television she has played President Laura Roslin in *Battlestar Galactica* (2004–2009) and Sharon Raydor in *The Closer* and its spin-off *Major Crimes*.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (9)

- *The Boroughs* (2026), Fi1m 73, as The Duchess — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-boroughs.md)
- *The Fall of the House of Usher* (2023), Fi1m 65, as Madeline Usher — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher.md)
- *Major Crimes* (2012), Fi1m 66, as Captain Sharon Raydor — [page](https://film.one/tv/major-crimes.md)
- *Margin Call* (2011), Fi1m 82, as Mary Rogers — [page](https://film.one/film/margin-call.md)
- *Scream 4* (2011), Fi1m 60, as Kate Roberts — [page](https://film.one/film/scream-4.md)
- *Battlestar Galactica* (2004), Fi1m 83, as Laura Roslin — [page](https://film.one/tv/battlestar-galactica.md)
- *Donnie Darko* (2001), Fi1m 83, as Rose Darko — [page](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md)
- *Independence Day* (1996), Fi1m 75, as Marilyn Whitmore — [page](https://film.one/film/independence-day.md)
- *Dances with Wolves* (1990), Fi1m 80, as Stands With A Fist — [page](https://film.one/film/dances-with-wolves.md)

## Complete filmography (53)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Boroughs* (2026), series, as The Duchess — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-boroughs.md)
- *Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas* (2025), series, as Delilah
- *Broke* (2025), as Kathy Brandywine
- *The Fall of the House of Usher* (2023), series, as Madeline Usher — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher.md)
- *The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf* (2021), as Lady Zerbst (voice)
- *Rebel* (2021), series, as Helen Peterson, Helen
- *Fargo* (2014), series, as Ruby Goldfarb — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/fargo-2014.md)
- *Major Crimes* (2012), series, as Captain Sharon Raydor — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/major-crimes.md)
- *Margin Call* (2011), as Mary Rogers — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/margin-call.md)
- *Scream 4* (2011), as Kate Roberts — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/scream-4.md)
- *Hostile Makeover* (2009), as Rose Smithsonian
- *Battlestar Galactica: Razor* (2007), as President Laura Roslin
- *Mrs. Harris* (2005), as Vivian Schulte
- *The Closer* (2005), series, as Sharon Raydor, Captain Sharon Raydor, Sharon Raydor (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Virginia Dixon — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *Crazy Like a Fox* (2004), as Amy Banks
- *Battlestar Galactica* (2004), series, as Laura Roslin — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/battlestar-galactica.md)
- *Veronica Mars* (2004), series, as Jane — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/veronica-mars.md)
- *Battlestar Galactica* (2003), series, as President Laura Roslin
- *Nola* (2003), as Margaret Langworthy
- *The Locket* (2002), as Helen Staples
- *Donnie Darko* (2001), as Rose Darko — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/donnie-darko.md)
- *For All Time* (2000), as Laura Brown
- *A Father's Choice* (2000), as Susan Shaw
- *Ryan Caulfield: Year One* (1999), series, as Rachel Caulfield
- *Mumford* (1999), as Althea Brockett
- *Replacing Dad* (1999), as Linda Marsh
- *Behind the Mask* (1999), as Mary Shushan
- *You Can Thank Me Later* (1998), as Diane
- *Evidence of Blood* (1998), as Dora Overton
- *12 Angry Men* (1997), as Judge
- *Two Voices* (1997), as Sybil Goldrich
- *Mariette in Ecstasy* (1996), as Prioress
- *Independence Day* (1996), as Marilyn Whitmore — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/independence-day.md)
- *Woman Undone* (1996), as Teri Hansen
- *High Society* (1995), series, as Dott Emerson
- *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Sister Theodore Claire
- *ER* (1994), series, as Eleanor Carter — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Blue Chips* (1994), as Jenny
- *The American Clock* (1993), as Rose Baumler
- *Passion Fish* (1992), as May-Alice Culhane
- *Sneakers* (1992), as Liz
- *Grand Canyon* (1991), as Claire
- *Dances with Wolves* (1990), as Stands With A Fist — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/dances-with-wolves.md)
- *American Experience* (1988), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Tiger Warsaw* (1988), as Paula Warsaw
- *Matewan* (1987), as Elma Radnor
- *Courage* (1986), as Gabriella Estrada
- *Garbo Talks* (1984), as Lady Capulet
- *E/R* (1984), series, as Eve Sheridan
- *Money on the Side* (1982), as Terri
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Helen Staples
- *One Second After*, as Jen

## Gallery

- ![Mary McDonnell](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-cf5a2de855c1.jpg) Mary McDonnell — Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Mary_McDonnell_%2854515793389%29.jpg/1280px-Mary_McDonnell_%2854515793389%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Actress, Willa Fitzgerald, at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on January 14, 2024. Image is a screen shot of Youtube video ~ 7:35.](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-fd33844b4d46.png) Actress, Willa Fitzgerald, at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on January 14, 2024. Image is a screen shot of Youtube video ~ 7:35. — The CW Network, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/29th_Critics_Choice_Awards_-_Willa_Fitzgerald.png/1280px-29th_Critics_Choice_Awards_-_Willa_Fitzgerald.png?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-a44a5710576a.jpg) Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_900.jpg/1280px-Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_900.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-8d7eeb454f19.jpg) Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_901.jpg/1280px-Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_901.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Mary McDonnell](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-11e7af2c25bf.jpg) Mary McDonnell — Image via TMDB
- ![Mary McDonnell](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-181e98dca208.jpg) Mary McDonnell — Image via TMDB
- ![Mary McDonnell](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-c20d7dd6545b.jpg) Mary McDonnell — Image via TMDB
- ![Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-c30ae32ac3c8.jpg) Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_902.jpg/1280px-Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_902.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026](https://film.one/media/person/77408/gallery-8caf7ca050e1.jpg) Battlestar Galactica Q&A_ at Dragon Con in Atlanta Ga Sept 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_904.jpg/1280px-Battlestar_Galactica_QA_Dragon_Con_September_4_2026_904.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated

- 1993: Best Actress (nominated), for *Passion Fish*
- 1991: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Dances with Wolves*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/mary-mcdonnell