Mary McDonnell: Summary

Recent Role:: Capt. Sharon Raydor on The Closer

Gender:: Female

Birthday:: 4-28-1952

Birthplace:: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (USA)

Birth Name:: Mary McDonnell

AKA:: Mary Mcdonnell

Mary McDonnell was renowned for her stage work on the East Coast, working with the Long Wharf Theatre Co., amongst others. It wasn't until 20 years after working on the theatre stage that she had her break through role in Costner's "Dances With Wolves." She has since received two Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations.

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Grey's Anatomy recruiting Battlestar actress
Mary McDonnell--President Roslin--is in talks to join ABC's medical drama for multiple episodes.
- 09/24/08 11:59 AM
- 13 comments \ add yours
More Emmy shortlist leakage
Drama leads for both genders posted online; Breaking Bad's Cranston, BSG's McDonnell get their dues.
- 07/02/08 11:19 AM
- 35 comments \ add yours

9.5
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scififan12921
member since: Sep 29, 2008
Mary McDonnell portrays Laura Roslin in BSG. She is the secretary of Education attending the retirement ceremony of the Galactica. This not only saves her life but propels her to the Presidency. ...Continue »
I decided to give the reimagined BSG a chance when I saw the Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos were in the cast. From what I've seen of her work the only way she would be involved in this project was if it was well written and had great story development. I've been a fan since "Dances with Wolves" but "Passion Fish" is what made me really take notice of her work. I recently watched a scifi channel Q&A and it was nice to have an actress with the accolades she's received say out loud that it's ok to be scifi fans. I hope that an EMMY nod is given before BSG is done.
01/18/09 03:52pm | report abuse
10
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Writer2000
member since: Aug 27, 2005
Marry McDonnell currently plays Laura Roslin on Battlestar Galactica (2003). ...Continue »
I must admit that I only discovered the tallented actress Mary McDonnell just a few months ago, and I really wish that I had discovered her sooner. In my opinion, Mary McDonnell is one of the best actresses in Hollywood. Not only is Mary's performance as Laura Roslin on Battlestar Galactica (2003) intriguing, but Mary is also a very fascinating person when she's simply being herself. Mary really shines in the role of Laura Roslin, a woman who is a very strong leader. She was an excellent choice as an actress for a strong female lead character. I owe the makers of Battlestar Galactica (2003) a big thank you for introducing me to the gem that is Mary McDonnell. One of my personal hobbies is to write scripts for TV shows, and if I ever actaully get to have them made into a real TV show, I really want Mary McDonnell to be a part of my projects. I would feel truly honored to have Mary participate in one of my creations. Here's to hoping that Mary McDonnell is around for many more years to come.
11/27/06 07:21pm | report abuse
9.6
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port5170
member since: Nov 23, 2005
great actor ...Continue »
I am so gald they decided to keep her around and not kill her of, she is brillant in the role of president, I love this charecter, I love her as an actress she plays every role with such emotion
I hope that she stays on TV a long time with this show, she deserves the positive attention
02/26/06 11:29am | report abuse
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RJ-viewer
member since: Jun 23, 2005
Presidential. ...Continue »
Mary McDonnell is a well rounded actress who has played a wide variety of roles. She will always be remembered for her performance in �Dances With Wolves�, no she is the President of the remainder of human civilization tagging along with Battlestar Galactica.

The President Roslin character is an excellent addition to the Battlestar Galactica story line, as it provides a counterpoint to Edward James Olmos�s Commander Adama. She was an insignificant cabinet member when everyone above her, including the president, were killed in the cylon attack.

Mary McDonnell plays Roslin�s initial reluctance and gradually increasing competence and self assurance as President remarkably well. Only a truly powerful performer could go toe to toe with Edward James Olmos without folding and Mary McDonnell does that in almost every episode without fail.

09/05/05 08:33pm | report abuse