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Entertainment • Actress

Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow is an American actress and human rights activist known for her work in film, television, and theatre.

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

Mia Farrow is an American actress and human rights activist known for her work in film, television, and theatre. She gained early attention on the television soap opera Peyton Place and international recognition for her lead role in Rosemary's Baby (film). She has also been widely known for her humanitarian work, especially with UNICEF.

Early life

Mia Farrow was born Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow on February 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, to filmmaker John Farrow and actress Maureen O'Sullivan. She later became an actress in film, television, and theatre.

Acting career

Farrow first gained notice for playing Allison MacKenzie in the television soap opera Peyton Place. Her breakthrough film role was Rosemary Woodhouse in Rosemary's Baby (film). She has appeared in more than 40 films across a career spanning decades. She also performed on Broadway and worked with Woody Allen.

Humanitarian work

Farrow has been active in humanitarian and children’s rights advocacy. She has worked with UNICEF and was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She has spoken on global human rights issues.

Personal life and public profile

Farrow has 14 children. Her marriages, family life, and public controversies have drawn significant media attention. She published a memoir, What Falls Away, in 1997. She remains a widely recognized public figure in both entertainment and activism.

Key facts

  • She first gained notice for playing Allison MacKenzie in Peyton Place.
  • Her breakthrough film role was Rosemary Woodhouse in Rosemary's Baby (film).
  • She has appeared in more than 40 films across a career spanning decades.
  • She has been active in humanitarian and children’s rights advocacy.
  • She has worked with UNICEF and was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
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Canadian context

Mia Farrow is relevant to Canadian readers through her international film career and global human rights advocacy, both of which have received coverage in Canadian media and public-interest journalism.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mia Farrow?
Mia Farrow is an American actress and humanitarian known for Peyton Place, Rosemary's Baby, and her advocacy work.
When was Mia Farrow born?
She was born on February 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California.
What is Mia Farrow best known for?
She is best known for her role in Rosemary's Baby (film) and for her long career in film, television, and theatre.
Who are Mia Farrow's parents?
Her parents were director John Farrow and actress Maureen O'Sullivan.
What humanitarian work is Mia Farrow known for?
She is known for advocacy related to children’s rights and for work connected to UNICEF.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Mia-Farrow
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, occupation, and major recognition for Rosemary's Baby and Woody Allen collaborations.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mia_Farrow
    Supports: Early career details, Peyton Place, Rosemary's Baby, and broad biographical overview.
  3. Broadway.comhttps://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/mia-farrow/profile/
    Supports: Stage debut, first screen appearance, Broadway work, memoir, and humanitarian activity.
  4. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-10912919
    Supports: Public profile, birth information, and human rights-related testimony.
  5. Peoplehttps://people.com/mia-farrow-life-in-photos-8764236
    Supports: Career span, family, children, and UNICEF advocacy summary.