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Entertainment • Actor

Mary McDonnell

Mary McDonnell is an American film, stage, and television actress born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on April 28, 1952.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mary McDonnell is an American actress born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on April 28, 1952. She is best known for her roles in *Dances with Wolves*, *Passion Fish*, *Independence Day*, *Donnie Darko*, and *Battlestar Galactica*. Her work has been widely distributed in Canada through film and television.

Early life and education

Mary Eileen McDonnell was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1952. She studied at SUNY Fredonia.

Film career

McDonnell became widely known for her performances in *Dances with Wolves* and *Passion Fish*, both of which brought her Academy Award nominations. Her other notable film roles include *Independence Day*, *Donnie Darko*, and *Margin Call*.

Television career

On television, McDonnell is especially associated with *Battlestar Galactica*, where she played President Laura Roslin. She also held a major role in *Major Crimes* and has appeared in other series across several decades.

Awards and recognition

McDonnell has received multiple major awards and nominations, including two Academy Award nominations. She also won a Saturn Award for *Battlestar Galactica* and received recognition from the Independent Spirit Awards.

Key facts

  • McDonnell works in film, television, and theatre.
  • She earned Academy Award nominations for *Dances with Wolves* and *Passion Fish*.
  • She portrayed President Laura Roslin in *Battlestar Galactica*.
  • She appeared as First Lady Marilyn Whitmore in *Independence Day*.
  • She won a Saturn Award for television acting for *Battlestar Galactica*.
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Canadian context

Mary McDonnell’s work has been widely distributed in Canada through film and television, especially her roles in major Hollywood productions and the long-running series *Battlestar Galactica*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mary McDonnell?
Mary McDonnell is an American actress known for film, television, and stage work.
What is Mary McDonnell best known for?
She is best known for *Dances with Wolves*, *Passion Fish*, *Independence Day*, *Donnie Darko*, and *Battlestar Galactica*.
Has Mary McDonnell been nominated for an Oscar?
Yes. She received Academy Award nominations for *Dances with Wolves* and *Passion Fish*.
What television role is Mary McDonnell famous for?
She is widely known for playing President Laura Roslin in *Battlestar Galactica*.
Where was Mary McDonnell born?
She was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States.
Is Mary McDonnell married?
Sources list her as married to actor Randle Mell since 1984.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_McDonnell
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, major roles, Academy Award nominations.
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/mary-mcdonnell/bio/3030192333/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, profession, Saturn Award, Robert Altman Award.
  3. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/mary-mcdonnell
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, television work, major role in Major Crimes.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/journals/culture-magazines/mcdonnell-mary
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse, children, education.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Mary-McDonnell
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, marriage information, selected acting credits.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/de/name/nm0001521/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, birth name, marriage, children.